HKUST x FRANCE One Ocean Conference 2022
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Consulate General of France are jointly organising the One Ocean Conference on May 20, 2022 (Friday). This high-level conference will bring together speakers from academia, business community and civil society to discuss the future of our oceans.
The ocean covers more than 70% of the surface of our planet, regulates major environmental balances, provides essential resources, enables trade and links countries and human communities. It is now seriously threatened by numerous pressures, such as the effects of climate change, pollution or the overexploitation of marine resources; yet the position of the oceans on the international political agenda is not currently commensurate with its role in climate, environmental and social balances or with the degree of threats to marine life.
To echo the One Ocean Summit, an international event organised by France in February 2022, in the context of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union and with the support of the United Nations, the Consulate General of France is organising the One Ocean Conference, a joint conference in partnership with HKUST.
The One Ocean Conference will focus on tangible actions and solutions regarding two major challenges of ocean sustainability: the Preservation of Marine Life and Blue Finance.
PROGRAMME
4:00 PM | OPENING REMARKS
- The Honourable Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment, HKSAR Government
- Prof. Pei-Yuan QIAN, Head and Chair Professor, Department of Ocean Science, HKUST
4:10 PM | PANEL 1 - THE PRESERVATION OF OUR OCEANS: What can we do to protect marine life?
Plastic pollution, proliferation of invasive species, habitat degradation, changes in ecosystem functions… numerous issues are threatening the marine environment. Speakers will elaborate on how we can preserve a healthy and sustainable ocean.
Speakers:
- Prof. Hongbin LIU, Associate Head & Chair Professor, Department of Ocean Science, HKUST
- Dr. Anne-Leila MEISTERTZHEIM, Doctor in marine biology at Oceanological Observatory of Banyuls sur Mer (CNRS and Sorbonne University) and President of Plastic@Sea
Moderator:
- Prof. Davis BOOKHART, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Division of Environment and Sustainability, and Founding Director of HKUST Sustainability / Net-Zero Office, HKUST
4:55 PM | PANEL 2 - THE BLUE FINANCE CHALLENGE: How can finance positively impact the health of the ocean?
Blue finance is an emerging area in climate finance with increased interest from investors, financial institutions, and issuers globally. This panel will examine how the financial sector can steer ocean industries towards sustainability.
Speakers:
- Antoine ROSE, Head of Sustainable Banking for Asia-Pacific, Crédit Agricole CIB
- Jean-Marc CHAMPAGNE, Head of Environmental Finance, WWF Hong Kong
Moderator:
Prof. Véronique LAFON-VINAIS, Associate Professor of Business Education, Department of Finance, HKUST
5:40 PM | CLOSING REMARKS & MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNING CEREMONY
- Alexandre GIORGINI, Consul General of France
- Prof. Wei SHYY, President of HKUST