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 Friday 20th May 2022, 4:00-6:00pm.
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 high-level 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

 

• Representatives of the Hong Kong Government [TBC by the French Consulate] 3-5 min
• Prof. Pei-Yuan QIAN, Head and Chair Professor, Department of Ocean Science, HKUST 3-5 min

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
• Simon BERNARD, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Plastic Odyssey [TBC by the French Consulate]

Moderator:
Prof. Davis BOOKHART, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Division of Environment and Sustainability, HKUST