Panel I: Future of Technology, Work and Education

Technological innovation is driving big changes in our lives, including in the areas of work and education. Many present jobs will be automated and new jobs created, requiring new knowledge and competencies in order to thrive. Career paths will likely be more squiggly than linear, and life-long learning from multiple sources will be the norm. At the same time, there will be more opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and become employers rather than be employees. In fact, the pandemic has hastened the development of remote work and gig economy for self-employment in many fields.

What can parents and educators do to support and empower our youth to explore and cultivate their passions in this brave, new world? How can we instill versatility, adaptability and resilience in our youth? How can our education system foster learning to learn and prepare our youth for life-long learning? How can we help broaden our youth's horizon beyond Hong Kong to the GBA and the world?

Panel II: Future of Climate Change and Healthcare

"Climate change is the defining issue for the 21st century", said Mrs. Margaret Chan, former Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), at the Climate Change Conference COP21 where the Paris Agreement was born.

WHO estimates that climate change is already causing tens of thousands of deaths every year. These deaths arise from more frequent epidemics of diseases, the vastly expanded geographical distribution of diseases like dengue, and from extreme weather events, like heatwaves and floods. Climate change degrades air quality, reduces food security, and compromises water supplies and sanitation. Experts predict that, by 2030, climate change will be causing an additional 250,000 deaths each year from malaria, diarrhoeal disease, heat stress, and undernutrition alone. The heaviest burden will fall on children, women, and the poor, widening already unacceptable gaps in health outcomes.

Transition towards a carbon neutral world and building sustainable cities are both crucial and urgent. A comprehensive climate policy and a viable healthcare system are paramount building blocks to the survival, livelihood and well-being of human beings, and will contribute to sustainable economic growth.