Inaugural Ceremony of HKU School of Governance and Policy
April 27, 2026
Event

HKU School of Governance and Policy is delighted to announce the Inaugural Week, taking place from 27 to 29 April 2026. The celebrations will commence with the Inaugural Ceremony on 27 April, from 16:00 to 18:15, at Rayson Huang Theatre.


Inaugural Ceremony – Event Highlights:

• Official announcement of the establishment of the HKU School of Governance and Policy

• Keynote Speech by Professor James Robinson, 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics

• Panel Discussion: “Beyond Borders: Policy Innovation and Collaboration in a Multipolar World,” featuring deans from the National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, and Georgetown University


The Inaugural Week continues with our Global Leaders Series and Open Dialogues on Global Policy Challenges and Solutions on 28 and 29 April, bringing together renowned policymakers and academics:


28 April 2026 | Global Leaders Series


• 16:30 – 17:30

The Future of Sino-Japanese Relations Amid a Cracking World Order

Speaker: Dr. Yukio Hatoyama (Former Prime Minister of Japan)


• 18:00 – 19:30

The Future of Nations: How Economic and Political Institutions Contribute to Growth and Progress

Speaker: Professor James Robinson (Nobel Laureate in Economics, 2024; Professor, Harris School of Public Policy and Department of Political Sciences, The University of Chicago)


29 April 2026 | Open Dialogues on Global Policy Challenges and Solutions


• 11:00 – 12:15

Southeast Asia Between the Superpowers: The Dilemma of Choice

Speaker: Professor Joseph Liow Chinyong

(Dean and Wang Gungwu Professor in East Asian Affairs, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore)


• 15:00 – 16:15

Cognitive Health, Household Financial Decision-Making & Intrahousehold Financial Spillovers

Speaker: Professor Carole Roan Gresenz

(Dean, McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University)


29 April 2026 | Global Leaders Series


• 16:45 – 18:00

Transnational Scams and the Digital-Age Death Penalty Debate

Speaker: Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana (Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand)


Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with world-renowned leaders and experts, discuss pressing policy challenges, and be part of HKU’s newest academic milestone.


For programme and registration details, please visit: https://sgp.hku.hk/2026-inaugural-week

Enquiries: sgpinfo@hku.hk

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