The Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (HiESD) developed the Sustainable Development Planning (SDP) professional qualification curriculum framework, which is positioned at Level 6 of the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (equivalent to master’s degree level). It has been registered with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). “Sustainable Development Planning (SDP)” officially became a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Partnership Project (UNDESA Registration No.: 26908).

On Novermbe 19, 2017, HiESD, together with the China Association of Circular Economy and Peking University, jointly launched the China Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Summit Forum.

- Keynote speakers: Mr. Xiong Zhe, Deputy Director of the Comprehensive Coordination and Guidance Division, Department of Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection, National Development and Reform Commission; Mr. Xia Yingzhe, Director of the Promotion and Development Department, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Centre, Ministry of Finance; and Professor Lee Ngok, Vice-President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association.

- Mr. Zhao Kai, Vice-President and Secretary-General of the China Association of Circular Economy, attended and delivered the opening address.

Certificates were presented to newly certified Certified Sustainable Development Planners (CSDP®) and Certified Sustainable Development Corporations (CSDC®) at each forum.

On top of previous partners, the North China University of Technology strongly supported the Forum since 2018.

Organisers: Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development

Academic support: Centre for Responsibility and Social Value, Guanghua School of Management, Peking University

Co-organisers: World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Southern Weekly China Corporate Social Responsibility Research Center, China Accounting News, and Shenzhen Institute of Sustainable Development

The HiESD Co-organised the Fourth SD Forum cum Asia Environmental Conference with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Ms. Margaret Fong, Assistant Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Professor Karen Cheung, President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association and Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development, delivered the opening remarks.

Certificates were presented to Certified Sustainable Development Planners (CSDP®) and Certified Sustainable Development Corporations (CSDC®), and the “2020 Sustainable Development Planning Reports Complication” was released.

Professor Karen Cheung, President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, spoke on the theme of “ESD for SDGs in Hong Kong” at the IV Asia- Europe Forum on Education, organised by the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA).

Professor Cheung highlighted that the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development had further developed a comprehensive teaching system for Sustainable Development Planning (SDP). After several years of effort, more than 600 learners from various industries and age groups had completed training at different levels and were designated as Certified Sustainable Development Planners (CSDP®). The World Institute of Sustainable Development Planners (WISDP) was established to conduct certification of sustainable development planners and corporations, calling on talent from all sectors of society to participate in advancing sustainable development.

Officially launched the “ESG × Sustainable Development Planning × Corporate GHG Accounting × Professional Integration” course series, integrating Sustainable Development Planning (SDP) with green finance, green building, logistics and supply chain, energy management, corporate governance and other sectors, enabling professionals to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through cross-disciplinary thinking.

The Certificate in Sustainable Development Planning (Elementary) was successfully recognised under the Qualifications Framework, meeting the standards of Qualifications Framework Level 3, and was included in the list of courses reimbursable under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF). This established a complete progression pathway of “Elementary Certificate → Professional Diploma → CSDP® Certification”.

The Green Finance and Sustainable Logistics Professional Integration of the “ESG x SDP x Corporate GHG Accounting” course series were included in the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme and Maritime and Aviation Training Fund respectively.

At the China Pavilion of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the 2023 Hong Kong Sustainable Development Innovation and Technology Solutions Compilation was officially released to the world, showcasing Hong Kong’s practical achievements and innovative solutions in green technology and sustainable development planning to the international community.

Organise diverse member continuing professional development activities and sharing sessions, including visits to Lee Kum Kee (Xinhui) Food Co., Ltd.'s low-carbon factory, Guangdong Yixiang Chenpi's 'Zero-Carbon Chenpi' factory, and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, as well as hosting the 'Talk About UN80' sharing session, Lunch & Learn online sharing sessions.