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CUHK efforts on the SDGs

SDG 7-12

SDG 1 No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

  The global covid-19 pandemic sent the world into a severe recession, and Hong Kong was no exception to this trend. The labour market deteriorated, unemployment rates hit a record high and overall wages growth slowed. Grassroots families bore the brunt of the downturn. 2022 marked the beginning of a gradual recovery, in which CUHK upheld its social responsibility to alleviate poverty through research, offering financial aid to students in need and promoting education.

SDG 2 Zero Hunger

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

  World hunger has been on the rise since the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic. Nearly 10% of the world population was affected by hunger in 2021. The global food crisis was driven largely by wars, extreme climate events, and economic shocks. By pioneering research on sustainable agriculture and food security, CUHK aims to pursue breakthroughs in food production despite environmental challenges. We also maintain sustainable procurement that emphasizes the importance of fair trade and sustainability-conscious food consumption.

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at ages

Public health challenges require humanity to come together with science, solutions and solidarity. As the post-pandemic era beckons, hurdles remain. CUHK is determined to make a difference by improving people’s health through advancing health care, medical education and research.

SDG 4 Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunity for all

 

As a prestigious university with a global vision, CUHK is committed to creating an enabling learning environment to provide education of the highest standard and equal opportunities to its students, while sharing knowledge and innovative ideas with the wider community. The University also equips learners with the knowledge and skills relating to sustainable development through education, with the aim of cultivating socially responsible citizens.

SDG 5 Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

  CUHK is a community that values diversity and provides equal opportunities to all students and staff members, irrespective of gender. The University is committed to eliminating discrimination against women and ensuring everyone has an equal chance to reach their full potential. CUHK has established policies and sub-committees to support these goals that promote fairness and equal opportunities for all. We aim to further promote the values of a fairer society through various initiatives.

SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Fresh water is a precious natural resource. The world’s freshwater accounts for only 2.5% of its total water mass, and less than 1% of this fraction is accessible for drinking and other uses. Hong Kong has no natural lakes, rivers or substantial underground water sources, making providing an adequate water supply challenging. CUHK has helped to ensure the sustainable use of water resources by striving to be self-sufficient in water resources and fostering a water conservation culture on campus.

SDG 13-17

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  CUHK was the first university in Hong Kong to set a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038. To achieve this goal, the University has made significant efforts to implement energy-saving initiatives and transition to green energy sources. The University has been identifying opportunities for the adoption of renewable energy, enhancing campus infrastructure and improving its operational processes to lower its carbon footprint. CUHK also strives to develop and promote the use of clean energy through a variety of research projects and initiatives.

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

CUHK is dedicated to creating a safe, positive, and productive work environment for all staff. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders through innovative initiatives that provide invaluable opportunities for our students to develop the professional knowledge and necessary skills for success in today's global market. By fostering talent and promoting economic sustainability, CUHK is contributing to shaping a brighter future for Hong Kong and beyond.

SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

  CUHK is committed to fostering innovation and securing a better and more sustainable future through research and development. By providing cutting-edge research facilities and a supportive environment for researchers and students, CUHK encourages innovation and enables the translation of research into tangible benefits and the delivery of innovative ideas.

SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries

CUHK envisions a community that embraces diversity, inclusion and equality. In line with the CUHK Principles of Community, the University pledges to ensure no one is left behind. As the covid-19 pandemic put vulnerable populations in peril and widened disparities among different social groups, we recognize the need to eliminate structural and systematic discrimination.

SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

By 2050, it is predicted that up to 80% of the global population will live in cities, making sustainable urban development a more urgent priority than ever. To adapt to this transformation, stakeholders across the society must work together to build healthy, resilient, and sustainable cities. CUHK continues to assist the government in addressing Hong Kong’s urban challenges and developing innovative solutions to promote environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.

SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

The global material footprint has seen a 70% increase from 2000 to 2017. Economic and social progress over the last century has been accompanied by environmental degradation which endangers the systems we depend on. CUHK emphasizes the need for reducing our ecological footprint and the impact of our waste by adopting sound and pragmatic procurement and waste management practices. We engage in education outreach activities to raise public awareness of the importance of sustainable consumption and production.

SDG 1-6

SDG 13 Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

  Climate change continues to be a major concern, which profoundly impacts human health, economies and politics. CUHK is committed to pursuing climate action, and was the first local university to pledge to become carbon neutral by 2038. We strive to stand at the forefront of climate research, promoting positive change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour concerning climate change.

SDG 14 Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

  The ocean is home to the planet’s largest ecosystem. Mankind relies on it for food, energy and water. Yet, 90% of big fish populations are depleted, and 50% of coral reefs are destroyed. We are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. CUHK has devoted itself to marine conservation through research and education initiatives that engage the general public.

SDG 15 Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

  CUHK is working towards creating a campus where terrestrial ecosystems thrive and biodiversity is valued and protected. Our campus is home not only to our students and staff but also to numerous trees, flowers, and other living creatures, including several rare and precious species. The University seeks to make a positive impact on the environment through research, knowledge transfer and education, so as to ensure the next generation inherits a livable habitat.

SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

CUHK is committed to building a fair, diverse, and inclusive university community where all individuals are respected and given equal opportunities. We also strive to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions beyond Hong Kong through our educational outreach efforts. By sharing our expertise and resources, we aim to create a more just and equitable society locally and globally.

SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

The 2030 Agenda is universal and calls for action by all countries to ensure that no one is left behind. It is only with strong commitment to global partnership and cooperation that the SDGs can be accomplished. To this end, CUHK holds such partnerships in high regard. We are eager to build ties with universities worldwide, NGOs, and governments to strengthen means of implementation and revitalize collaboration in sustainable development.