UN FIRST Programme Fosters Climate Innovation and Youth Empowerment at Hong Kong School
22 October 2025
The Fostering Innovation for Resilience and Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) programme, a UNESCO-endorsed initiative spearheaded by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), transformed Chong Gene Hang College (CGHC) in Chai Wan, Hong Kong, into a living laboratory for sustainability on 22 October 2025. Supported by i2Cool, Oxfam Hong Kong, and the SIE Fund, the event engaged over 200 students through expert lectures, interactive STEM workshops, and the application of our passive radiative cooling technology—a solution that reduces indoor temperatures without using electricity.
The afternoon commenced with a keynote lecture by Prof. Edwin Tso, Programme Director of UN FIRST, who introduced the FIRST Programme’s core vision: to create scalable, impactful change through four breakthrough technologies—cooling coatings, printable solar films, biomass waste-to-energy systems, and human-powered water purification. Addressing an audience of 140 senior students, Prof. Tso dove into the science behind passive cooling and its potential to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate extremes. An engaging Q&A session followed, with students posing innovative questions to deepen their grasp of climate physics and sustainable innovation.
A highlight of the day was the rooftop coating launch, where 20 selected students teamed up with Prof. Tso, Principal Mr. Sai-yiu Wong, CGHC Alumnus Mr. Miu Hoi Ming, and i2Cool representatives to apply the signature reflective coating to their school's rooftop. The coating specifically addressed heat stress in the school’s upper-level classrooms caused by intense solar exposure. This was more than just a demonstration—it was a chance for students to contribute directly to making their learning environment cooler and more sustainable.
(From left: Mr. Miu Hoi Ming, Principal Mr. Sai-yiu Wong, Prof. Edwin Tso, and two student participants.)
Concurrently, another 50 students participated in a dedicated STEM workshop, conducting experiments with cooling paint and film samples to observe the temperature-drop results firsthand. This hands-on activity ignited curiosity and empowered the next generation of climate innovators.
By integrating theory, practical application, and scientific experimentation, this event provided a scalable model for community-driven climate action under the FIRST Programme. It equipped students with insights into sustainable technology that enhances urban livability, paving the way for a cooler, more resilient future.
We are proud to support schools like Chong Gene Hang College in becoming climate action leaders, and we look forward to expanding our impact as we bring the FIRST Programme to more communities across Hong Kong and beyond.