UNESCO International Conference on “Smart and Sustainable Cities”

The UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA) and the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD) will host the “2025 UNESCO Model International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Cities” from 18 to 21 July 2025. The conference is held in line with UNESCO’s “Education for Sustainable Development” agenda and the “Future of Education” initiative, supporting students in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, presenting innovative solutions, and providing an opportunity for students’ voices to be heard on international platforms.

It should be noted that, with an emphasis on the vital role of the younger generation in advancing sustainable development, the conference pursues the following objectives:

• Developing students’ knowledge and skills for sustainable development;
• Empowering young people to propose innovative projects and solutions that demonstrate the potential of emerging technologies in building sustainable cities;
• Raising young people’s awareness of the technical, social, economic and ethical considerations surrounding the challenges of using smart technologies in urban development;
• Providing a platform for international youth exchange;
• Promoting youth leadership development and cooperation through negotiations and dialogue;
• Creating opportunities for young people to fulfil their civic responsibilities and promote global citizenship.

Since 2022, four conferences have been held, focusing on themes such as the “Future of Education,” “Climate Sustainability,” “World Heritage,” and “Artificial Intelligence and Education.” These conferences have been held with the active participation of students from countries such as India, Nepal and China, as well as cities including Shanghai, Chengdu, Hainan, Shenzhen, Macao and Hong Kong.

It is worth noting that the outcomes of these conferences have been presented to policymakers as youth policy recommendations and have received encouraging feedback.

These conferences have received the support and guidance of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO and the consulates of various countries, including Iran, Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Spain, contributing to the international recognition of these conferences.

Accordingly, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO has decided to hold the UNESCO International Conference on “Smart and Sustainable Cities” in Hong Kong from 18 to 21 July 2025, with the participation of students from around the world.

At the conference, two-member secondary school student teams representing UNESCO Member States will simulate the Organization’s sessions. Discussions will focus on the use of innovative technologies to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities.”

The registration deadline for this educational event has been set for 11 May 2025, and countries have been invited to nominate their top-performing secondary school students by this date.

It should be noted that finalist teams advancing beyond the preliminary stage will be offered an immersive learning experience in Hong Kong, including a UNESCO Model Conference, field visits focusing on urban development in Hong Kong, and a Global Youth Exchange Ceremony. The working language of the conference will be English.