HKMA and DFSA Launch Inaugural Joint Climate Finance Conference to Promote Sustainable Investment and Collaboration.

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) concluded their inaugural Joint Climate Finance Conference today (September 16). The hybrid conference, which took place in Hong Kong, brought together more than 240 participants from financial institutions, industry associations, and international organisations across both regions.

Under the theme "Building a Net-Zero Asia – Middle East Corridor", the event discussed the demand for, and the gap in, transition finance, and explored the opportunity for greater collaboration between Hong Kong and Dubai. It highlighted the vision for the net-zero transition in each market, and for encouraging investment into the transition.

The HKMA and the DFSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further deepen their strategic partnership on sustainable finance. Through this partnership, both authorities will engage in enhanced cross-border dialogue, deepen the exchange of information on recent trends, and conduct joint research and events to further drive progress in this crucial area.

The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "Climate change is a global challenge that requires a collaborative response. Hong Kong and Dubai, as the sustainable finance hubs in Asia and the Middle East, and the key gateways between East and West, can and should do more together. The inaugural conference is our first effort to build a 'Net-zero Asia – Middle East Corridor'. I look forward to many more fruitful collaborations between the HKMA and the DFSA."

The Chief Executive of the DFSA, Mr Ian Johnston, said, "As we strive to achieve net-zero targets, it is crucial to establish strong partnerships that allow for the exchange of expertise, regulatory alignment, and the promotion of sustainable investment opportunities. The signing of this MOU with the HKMA represents a pivotal step in reinforcing the co-operation between Dubai and Hong Kong in climate finance. Through its ambitious Economic Agenda D33, Dubai is committed to leading the charge on environmental, social, and governance initiatives. Today's signing is a testament to our shared ambition with Hong Kong to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon economy."

The HKMA and the DFSA will continue working closely to promote sustainable finance, including transition finance. The enhanced partnership will support both regions in exploring opportunities to mobilise capital to support the green and sustainable growth of the wider economies.

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 19) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

The public should adopt the following precautions:

Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;

Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;

Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;

For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;

Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and

Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

​The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):

Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;

Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;

Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and

While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

​If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

​The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.