The US-China Trade Negotiation: A Contract Theory Perspective
Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law
黃乾亨中國法研究中心
Legal Pathways to Sustainability Transition: Innovation and Resilience
SMU-Sydney-HKU Law & Sustainability Conference Series
Legal Pathways to Sustainability Transition:
Innovation and Resilience
SMU-Sydney-HKU Law & Sustainability Conference Series
Dates: July 31 to August 1, 2025
Location: Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong
Mode: In Person
Abstract Deadline: January 15, 2025
About this event
We are delighted to invite submissions for the upcoming conference on "Legal Pathways to Sustainability Transition: Innovation and Resilience", scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 1, 2025 at Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong. This conference will convene leading scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in sustainability laws amidst the rapid pace of technological innovation and economic uncertainty.
The Asia-Pacific region holds a pivotal role in the global transition to sustainability. As a diverse and dynamic area, it encompasses both rapidly developing economies and rich ecological landscapes. The region's significance is further underscored by its substantial contributions to global economic growth, technological innovation, and environmental stewardship. Addressing sustainability challenges in the Asia-Pacific context is integral to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it bridges the gap between economic development and environmental preservation.
Hong Kong, along with the Greater Bay Area (GBA), plays a significant role in advancing sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The GBA, which includes Hong Kong, Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong Province, is one of China's most vibrant and economically significant regions. This integrated economic and business hub is poised to be a leader in sustainable development, leveraging its strong legal frameworks, financial markets, and technological advancements. The robust legal infrastructure in Hong Kong supports the creation and enforcement of laws that promote sustainability. The GBA’s collaborative approach enables cross-border cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, fostering innovation in green technologies, and implementing comprehensive sustainability practices.
The conference will focus on various aspects of sustainability law, emphasizing the necessity for rapid adaptation and innovation. We welcome papers that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:
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Post-pandemic Economic Recovery and Transformation
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Regional Collaboration on Environmental Governance
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Environmental Justice and Climate Justice Movements
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Environmental Rule of Law in Civil Disobedience and Conflict-affected Settings
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Regulation of Green Industry and Technology
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Environmental Self-Governance Schemes
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Theoretical and Practical Perspectives on the Rights of Nature
The conference will culminate in a special issue with the Review of European, Comparative & International Environmental Law (RECIEL). All presenters are invited to submit their papers for consideration in this special issue. Please note that while we encourage all submissions, acceptance into the special issue is not guaranteed and will be subject to the standard peer-review process of RECIEL.
Any other inquiries should be submitted to the Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law at Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong. Please send them to the official email: ccl921@hku.hk.
This is the third flagship conference of the Asia-Pacific Research Alliance on Law and Sustainability, a research collaboration between Singapore Management University (SMU), Sydney Law School and HKU Faculty of Law. For more information about this alliance, please visit its official website: https://ccla.smu.edu.sg/aprals
Program
Date: July 31 2025 (Thursday) - August 1 2025 (Friday)
Venue: Cheng Yu Tung Tower, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
Summary
Last Thursday and Friday (July 31 and August 1), the Philip K. H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law (CCL) convened the third conference of the SMU–Sydney–HKU Law & Sustainability Conference Series under the theme “Legal Pathways to Sustainability Transition: Innovation and Resilience.” The two-day event brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from 24 institutions across 10 jurisdictions to examine law’s role in sustainable development, addressing topics such as renewable energy transition, green finance, ESG, biodiversity, and climate change.
A prominent insight emerging from this year’s discussions is the necessity of an integrative approach to law and sustainability, which encompasses at least three dimensions:
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Environmental and sustainability issues must be embedded across legal disciplines, including constitutional law, corporate law, planning law, human rights law, and beyond, rather than treated in isolation.
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The sustainable development agenda demands greater integration within the legal profession: scholars should advance research on sustainability, incorporate it into their teaching, and actively participate in policy-making and practice.
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Addressing the complex, interdisciplinary challenges of sustainable development requires collaboration between law schools and other academic departments, such as environmental science, business, architecture, and sociology, to develop comprehensive, practicable solutions.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all presenters, moderators, and participants whose contributions enriched a wide-ranging and nuanced dialogue. Please stay tuned for future events hosted by CCL and the SMU–Sydney–HKU Research Alliance on Law and Sustainability.