Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday pledged to enhance the city's international standing and competitiveness by hosting more high-profile conferences.
Speaking before the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee noted the successful hosting of the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, which took place on Friday to mark the creation of the world’s first intergovernmental mediation body.
Attended by representatives from over 80 countries and nearly 20 international organizations including the United Nations (UN), the event is significant for enhancing Hong Kong's international profile and expanding its global network, said Lee.
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Two prominent international meetings — both being hosted in Hong Kong for the first time — feature in the city’s mega-event schedule this month, Lee said.
From Friday to Saturday, the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong Conference, will welcome over 800 global experts, scholars, and political and economic leaders, and feature keynote speeches by former national leaders, senior representatives from international organizations and renowned scientists who will shed light on innovation-driven transformation.
The International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025, taking place on June 12 and 13, will also serves as a premier dialogue platform for green transportation, with participants from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland.
Lee also noted Hong Kong’s first-ever hosting of the Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly in 2026, which will draw over 1,200 overseas and local representatives along with notable figures from the sports industry.
The hosting of major international conferences is key for expanding Hong Kong's international network and creating more opportunities for local businesses, Lee said, adding that the events can also attract high-spending business travelers and encourage them to extend their stay in Hong Kong.
The special administrative region government will strive to bring more major international conferences to Hong Kong to give a lift to the city’s international influence and competitiveness, Lee said.
Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
