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Strengthening GBA-ASEAN Cooperation: SDSN Delegation Visits Hong Kong SAR Government

By GBA-ASEAN Initiative

From January 13 to 15, 2026, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Dr. Sonia Sachs, Research Scholar at Columbia University, and Philo Wang, Head of Policy and Research for Asia and SIDS at the SDSN, visited the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for a series of high-level meetings with key government officials.

The visit aimed to deepen SDSN’s understanding of the HKSAR government’s function, strengthen collaborations, and foster regional cooperation while promoting the newly launched GBA-ASEAN Initiative (GAI).

During the visit, Prof. Sachs was received by HKSAR Chief Executive Mr. John Lee, Financial Secretary Mr. Paul Chan, and Secretary for Justice Mr. Paul Lam. The group exchanged insights and visions of Hong Kong’s strategic role in regional cooperation and global sustainable development.

The SDSN delegation also met with leadership from various government bureaus in trade, investment, financial services, and environment. Discussions with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Trade and Industry Department focused on regional trade cooperation. Meetings with Financial Services, the Treasury Bureau, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) highlighted opportunities in green and sustainable finance. During meetings with the Development Bureau and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, they discussed sustainable urban development and the integration of the Greater Bay Area. The group also met with key officials from the Environment and Ecology Bureau to discuss climate action.

The SDSN expresses gratitude to the HKSAR Government for the warm reception and considerate arrangement. This visit has reinforced the tie between the SDSN and Hong Kong’s governance bodies. Moving forward, the GBA-ASEAN Initiative will continue to work closely with the HKSAR Government and local stakeholders to promote regional cooperation, sustainable development, and economic integration across Asia.

Learn more about the GBA-ASEAN Initiative: https://www.gbaaseaninitiative.com/

The SDSN delegation meets with the Financial Secretary, Mr. Paul Chan Mo-po (second from left).
Professor Sachs (right) engages in a strategic discussion with Dr. Stephen Wong (left), Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU).
Professor Sachs (right) with Dr. Bernard Chan (left), Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development at the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB).
The SDSN delegation meets with the Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Aubrey Fung (second from right), at the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB).
The SDSN delegation meets with Ms. Irina Fan (second from right), Government Economist, at the Office of the Government Economist.
The SDSN delegation tours the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP).
Mr. Vincent Ma (right), CEO of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITPL), introduces the park’s development to Professor Sachs (left).
The SDSN delegation meets with Ms. Alpha Lau (third from left), Director-General of Investment Promotion, at the Invest Hong Kong office.