AIRI Regional Forum I

Bridging Knowledge and Action: the Roles of the University in Rural Revitalisation
 

Rural communities of many developed and developing countries are facing pressing challenges of depopulation and environmental deterioration. Higher education institutions, as the hubs of knowledge and innovation, are increasingly expected to contribute to rural sustainable development and respond to the needs of rural communities. This regional forum calls upon academics and renowned practitioners from Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong to share their experiences and insights on how universities can play a critical role in rural revitalisation by integrating knowledge and resources from different fields, promoting urban-rural partnerships, as well as incubating local talents and changemakers.

Welcoming Speech:

• Professor Ming Wen, Dean of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong

Officiating Speech:

• Professor Tang Man Bun, Stephen, BBS, Head, Countryside Conservation Office, Environment and Ecology Bureau, Hong Kong SAR Government

Keynote Dialogue 1: Rural Development and Climate Change

• Speaker: Dr. Peter King, Senior Policy Advisor, Bangkok Regional Centre of Institute for Global Environmental Strategies 
• Moderator: Assistant Professor Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, Program Chair of Development Planning Management and Innovation, Department of Development and Sustainability, Asian Institute of Technology

Keynote Dialogue 2: Urban-rural Integration in China

• Speaker: Professor Fengtian Zheng, Professor, School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China
• Moderator: Professor Yahua Wang, Associate Dean, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University; Executive President, China Institute for Rural Studies, Tsinghua University

Keynote Dialogue 3: Creating Future Leaders

• Speaker: Professor Hiroaki Ono, President and Representative Director, Eco-College Co., Ltd.; Research Director and Senior Lecturer, Center for Regional Collaboration, Shimane Rehabilitation College; Regional Vitalization Adviser, Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
• Moderator: Professor Ching-Ping Tang, Vice President for International Cooperation, National Chengchi University; Director, University Outreach Office, National Chengchi University

Panel Discussion and Q&A:

• Moderator: Professor Wai-Fung Lam, Director, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong

Related Reports: 

清华大学中国农村研究院.（2023年6月24日）. AIRI城乡可持续发展项目团队赴香港参访. https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/rsZfPGjWkUdp1A9fP4TYjw