HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 - As the world scrambles to close a staggering US$942 billion annual funding gap for nature[1], Hong Kong already has the pipeline, the policies, and the architecture to lead, and a new report says the time to act is now.
Released today by ADM Capital Foundation, Blue Bond Accelerator, Hong Kong Green Finance Association, and The Nature Conservancy, the report "Developing Hong Kong as a Nature Financing Hub - A case for advancing nature and blue bonds" makes a bold case: Hong Kong doesn't just belong in the nature finance conversation, it can define it.
The trigger? The Northern Metropolis (NM), a 30,000-hectare mega-development, offers a live portfolio of potentially scalable nature and blue-green infrastructure projects, from large-scale wetland parks and coastal protection zones to revitalised river /drainage channels. The report argues that issuing nature-themed bonds isn't aspirational, it's the logical next step for a city that already runs one of Asia-Pacific's largest government green bond programmes, having raised nearly HK$250 billion (US$32 billion) by the end of 2025[2].
More striking still, nearly 80% of Hong Kong's green and sustainable bond issuance is private-sector led, proof that the city doesn't just talk about mobilising capital — it delivers.
"Climate and biodiversity are not side issues, they are systemic financial risks," the report warns.
With over 75% of Asia's GDP dependent on nature, ecosystem decline is an economic threat that reaches far beyond the environment. But Hong Kong can turn that risk into an opportunity. By aligning its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035 with national priorities such as "Beautiful China" under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong can emerge as a premier nature and blue finance hub, not just for local projects, but as a bridge between the Chinese Mainland and ASEAN.
The report lays out five strategic pillars to make this happen, from expanding Hong Kong's Sustainable Finance Taxonomy to include biodiversity and the blue economy, to pioneering blended finance models that de-risk nature projects. It also sizes up four bond structures: use-of-proceeds, resilience, sustainability-linked and outcome bonds, each tailored to different stages of project development.
The foundations are in place. By acting decisively, Hong Kong can establish a model for financing nature-positive infrastructure that can be scaled across Asia. The Northern Metropolis isn't just a development project; it's a defining moment in nature financing leadership.
Hong Kong Positioned to Become a Leading Hub for Nature and Blue Finance
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Student Flag-guard Team debuts new signature uniforms, embodying vigour and a sense of mission
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (7 September) commenced the 2026/27 academic year with a solemn Flag-raising Ceremony this morning, with the CUHK Flag-guard Team, clad in student-designed new uniforms, conducting the ceremony – demonstrating vigour and a sense of mission. The national flag, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag and the CUHK flag were solemnly raised to the national anthem, marking the start of the new academic year.
It was followed by the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026. The events come at a landmark moment for the University, following its recent rise to 18th place in the QS World University Rankings and the official launch of its new strategic plan, CUHK 2026–2030: Leaping to Greatness.
The Flag-raising and Flag-guard Team Recognition Ceremonies
The Flag-raising Ceremony was attended by more than 130 guests, including the Hon Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government, Ms Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Professor Hon Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, Honorary Professor in CUHK's Faculty of Social Science, Dr Norman Chan Tak-lam, Vice-Chairman of the CUHK Council, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President, alongside Legislative Council members, members of the University Council, senior management, representatives of Colleges and Faculties, staff, students and alumni.
CUHK Flag-guard Team with guests
Following the Flag-raising Ceremony, the University held the Recognition Ceremony for the CUHK Flag-guard Team. Miss Mak, Dr Chan and Professor Lo presented 18 Appointment Certificates and 5 Certificates of Appreciation respectively. In addition, a student received the "Best CUHK Flag-guard Team Member Award 2025-2026" in recognition of her outstanding performance and dedication to the team.
Three awards for the Flag-guard Team Uniform Design Competition were also presented. The final design of the new uniforms was developed from the winning concepts of the champion students and further refined with valuable input from Professor Lo. Featuring CUHK's signature purple and gold – representing devotion and loyalty, and perseverance and resolution, respectively. The new uniforms reflect the team's professionalism and vibrant spirit, while embodying the youth's loyalty and commitment to the nation, Hong Kong and the University, as well as their steadfast dedication to promoting patriotic values.
Navigating the AI era through virtue and ethics
CUHK holds the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026
At the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026 held at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall, Professor Lo welcomed the incoming cohort, encouraging them to regard CUHK as their second home for intellectual and personal growth.
Addressing how students could navigate the artificial intelligence (AI) era, Professor Lo emphasised the importance of developing both technical capabilities and sound moral judgement. He encouraged students to use AI responsibly, with honesty, independent judgement and respect for others. He noted that, as routine tasks became increasingly automated, human strengths such as empathy, critical reasoning and moral judgement would become even more important, highlighting why the University motto, "Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue", was more relevant today than ever.
Professor Lo added that a journey at CUHK would open up opportunities for students to become responsible global citizens, "Social responsibility begins with an awareness that our actions and attitudes can make a difference. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step' (「千里之行，始於足下」). The idea of changing the world may seem daunting. Yet social responsibility often starts with small, everyday actions on campus and in the local community: volunteering, supporting community initiatives, embracing sustainability or extending kindness to those around us. Meaningful change is built one step at a time: start locally while thinking globally, using knowledge and talent to contribute to the common good."
Professor Lo invited students to actively participate in the journey of shaping CUHK's future trajectory, adding that their curiosity, integrity, fresh ideas and willingness to contribute would play a vital role in the University's development.
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