Digital solutions and technologies are constantly transforming societies as a whole. They help to deliver a sustainable, prosperous and carbon neutral future for all. Both Finland and Hong Kong emphasize smart city solutions and sustainability as part of their governmental objectives towards carbon neutrality. Both have strong governmental support in the development of smarter cities prioritizing innovation and technology as well as research and development.

The Hong Kong Government has announced Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan for carbon neutrality by 2050, setting the carbon emissions reduction targets for 2030 with the vision of "Zero-carbon Emissions - Liveable City Sustainable Development".

Finland has one of the world's most ambitious goals to combat climate change aiming to be CO2 neutral by 2030 and carbon negative by 2050. As one of the constant top countries in global rankings of innovation, education and happiness, Finland is also a leading country in cutting-edge technologies. Last year, the public and private sector in Finland developed together sectoral low-carbon roadmaps for energy-intensive and other industries.

Both Finland and Hong Kong having strong focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality, the two would be benefited by more reciprocal visits, information exchanges and cooperation to promote and support Finland-Hong Kong exchanges, partnerships and collaboration in the area of innovation and technology collaboration.

The event is part of the annual What's Up Finland? –week that highlights Finnish innovation, expertise and culture in Hong Kong. The overarching theme for this year's events is "Designing a carbon-neutral future". The event is also included in the Business of Design Week City Programme.