ABL Lab Participates in UN-Backed Global Sustainability Initiative

On May 12, 2025, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) announced that its initiative, "Innovation-Driven Sustainable Future: Pilot Programme," has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the "UN Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033)." The project aims to advance global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative technologies.

Currently, the world is facing significant challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, clean energy transition, and water scarcity. City University of Hong Kong (CityU) recognizes its profound responsibility to drive solutions to these global issues. Through coordinating this pioneering initiative, CityU will collaborate with global partners to jointly develop affordable innovative technologies, with particular focus on resource-scarce regions, to enhance their sustainable development and improve quality of life for local communities. The initiative will concentrate on critical issues such as rising temperatures, biodiversity depletion, unequal energy distribution, and water shortages - all of which carry far-reaching implications for the planet's future well-being.

In the initial phase of the initiative, the research team will develop multiple innovative technologies, including:

• Passive radiative cooling coatings utilizing local waste materials to reduce building temperatures;

• Low-cost printed solar films for powering remote rural areas;

• Conversion of waste biomass into energy to advance circular economy principles;

• Human-powered sanitation systems capable of producing safe drinking water.

By delivering localized, affordable, and scalable solutions, the program aims to drive sustainable development through capacity building, job creation, and collaboration with both local and international stakeholders. Particular emphasis will be placed on long-term sustainability, community engagement, and measurable outcomes. Furthermore, CityU's undergraduate and postgraduate students will have opportunities to participate in this initiative, engaging in research and innovation to develop people-centric solutions. They will gain hands-on experience in implementing innovative applications and service practices within global communities, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable development goals.

Professor Xu from ABL Lab is a key member of the project, contributing to the development of critical technologie: Converting waste biomass into energy to promote a circular economy.

Participating in such a globally impactful project is an honor for ABL Lab. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to translating research outcomes into practical applications to advance global sustainability.

(This article is reproduced from the official website of City University of Hong Kong. Original article link: [https://www.cityu.edu.hk/zh-hk/media/news/2025/05/12/cityuhks-un-backed-project-drives-global-sustainability-through-affordable-innovations].)