HKU School of Governance and Policy is delighted to announce the Inaugural Week of the HKU School of Governance and Policy, taking place from 27 to 29 April 2026. As a key part of the celebrations, we invite you to join our Open Dialogues on Global Policy Challenges and Solutions on 29 April, where leading scholars will address some of the most pressing issues facing our region and the world.

Open Dialogues & Global Leaders Series – Event Highlights

29 April 2026 | Senate Room, 10/F Knowles Building

• 11:00 – 12:15 | Open Dialogue on Global Policy Challenge and Solutions

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 | Open Dialogue on Global Policy Challenge and Solutions

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

Speaker: Professor Carole Roan Gresenz

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

• 16:45 – 18:00 | Global Leaders Series

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 Global Leaders Series on 27 & 28 April 2026:

Inaugural Week – Highlights:

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

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)

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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