HKU School of Governance and Policy is excited to announce the Inaugural Week, taking place from 27 to 29 April 2026. As a highlight of the celebrations, the Global Leaders Series will bring together distinguished policymakers and academics from around the world to address critical issues in governance, economics, and international relations.
Global Leaders Series – Event Highlights
28 April 2026 | Rayson Huang Theatre
• 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 | Senate Room, 10/F Knowles Building
• 16:45 – 18:00
Transnational Scams and the Digital-Age Death Penalty Debate
Speaker: Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana (Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand)
The Inaugural Week will also feature the Inaugural Ceremony and Open Dialogues on Global Policy Challenges and Solutions on 27 & 29 April 2026.
27 April 2026 | Inaugural Ceremony
• 16:00 – 18:15
o Official announcement of the establishment of the HKU School of Governance and Policy
o Keynote Speech by Professor James Robinson, 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics
o 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
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)
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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