Hong Kong has taken a significant step towards fostering sustainability and innovation with the launch of the Green Entrepreneurial Education Project (GEEP). Convened by Prof. Shirley Yeung, the initiative aims to pave the way towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and supporting commitments made at COP 30. The project launch event, held on May 19th, 2025, at the historic Fringe Club in Central, Hong Kong, marked a pioneering and groundbreaking effort to cultivate sustainability and innovation across generations for future green entrepreneurs.
Based on the Green Curriculum Guidance of UNESCO, 2024, which emphasizes transformative ways of delivering education both inside and outside the classroom, the GEEP engages youth, school management, and industry practitioners locally and globally. It encourages learning how to ‘make a difference’, solve problems, contribute, and negotiate with a mindset focused on climate change. The choice of the Fringe Club, an iconic heritage and cultural space, symbolized the project’s commitment to blending cultural heritage with modern sustainability efforts like circular economy and upcycling concepts
The Green Entrepreneurial Education Project is designed to achieve several key objectives, including enhancing awareness and knowledge related to SDG x ESG x Web 3.0 x Cop30, particularly for SDG#4 (Quality Education) and SDG#13 (Climate Action). A crucial component of its objectives is to develop uprising knowledge, skills, attitude, and mindsets with AI and technology. This focus on technology is further highlighted by the project’s aim to promote SDG#9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) innovations and SDG#13 climate action through knowledge transfer with AI and MIS/data analysis expertise.
The initiative emphasizes developing future skills essential for green entrepreneurs in a rapidly evolving world. These skills include eco-innovation and design thinking, systems thinking incorporating standards like ISO 9001, 26000, and 53002, and values such as resilience and adaptability for social inclusion. Significantly, the project underscores the importance of Digital and Data Literacy, specifically mentioning Digital Tools, Big Data Analysis, and AI Applications for Solutions with Business Opportunities. The involvement of KC Man, described as an AI Model and Pre-Order System provider and an AI and MIS/data analysis expert, further integrates AI into the project’s practical application and knowledge transfer. The project’s objectives also explicitly mention developing skills and mindsets with AI and technology.
The GEEP brought together a diverse group of participants, including students and teachers from Gratia Christian College, principals from other schools, industry leaders, environmental advocates, entrepreneurs, and international partners like UNSURYA University from Indonesia. The event highlighted engaging activities and presentations, including an inspiring speech from Prof. Shirley Yeung on integrating sustainability into education via art, tech, and business to find innovative solutions for climate change.
By focusing on actionable steps aligned with SDGs such as Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), the project aims to integrate sustainability principles into educational curricula and entrepreneurial training programs. This strategic movement is designed to foster awareness and competence in environmentally-conscious entrepreneurship and create innovative solutions for environmental challenges. The launch of the Green Entrepreneurial Education Project in Hong Kong serves as a vital step towards cultivating the next generation of green entrepreneurs equipped with the essential skills, including proficiency in AI and digital technologies, needed to address global sustainability challenges ahead of COP 30.
Looking ahead, GEEP will host a seminar on July 21 featuring Ruby O, Assistant VP of Sustainability at MGM Macau, exploring “Halal Sustainability” as part of creating inclusive green business models. The program aims to develop students’ capabilities across multiple SDG targets while preparing them for what organizers describe as a fundamental shift in how business education addresses climate challenges. As global attention turns toward COP30 in Brazil, Hong Kong’s integration of AI into climate education represents a test case for how cities can rapidly develop talent pipelines for the green economy. Whether GEEP can deliver on its ambitious goals of producing AI-literate environmental entrepreneurs will likely influence similar programs across Asia.
