HKU Faculty of Social Sciences
Global Society and Sustainability Lab
Under Strategic Research Theme “Culture, Equity & Community Development”
Objectives
The HKU Faculty of Social Sciences Global Society and Sustainability Lab (GSSL) (Under Strategic Research Theme “Culture, Equity & Community Development”) is a platform for collaborations between academic researchers and stakeholders in government, business and civil society, with the aim of bringing social scientific theories, methods and insights into global discourses and practices on environmental sustainability. These collaborations notably aim to build capacity among business, financial, government and civil society stakeholders in Hong Kong, China and beyond to consider the social and cultural dimensions of sustainable investments and development projects in communities of the Global South.
Message From the Director
Welcome to the Global Society and Sustainability Lab (GSSL) at HKU Faculty of Social Sciences. Hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences' Strategic Research Theme (SRT) on Culture, Equity & Community Development, we pursue an interdisciplinary approach that brings together diverse fields—anthropology, finance, humanities, business, law, and engineering. By fostering dialogue across these disciplines, we aim to develop sustainability practices that are deeply informed by social, cultural, and spiritual contexts.
True sustainability requires a holistic understanding of ecology, where the physical environment and social life are inseparable. The GSSL focuses on the study of global society, with a particular emphasis on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Our research has highlighted the critical importance of sustainability in China's interactions with the Global South. As the push for a 'green BRI' and the institutionalization of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles gain momentum, sustainability has become a core concern for stakeholders in Hong Kong, mainland China, and beyond.
Anthropologists, sociologists, and human geographers here chart how people, nature, and belief systems intertwine to shape local realities and economic strategies. We study traditional cosmologies and shifting human–environment relationships through fieldwork across China and the Global South. Partnering with investment banks, multinational firms, and public agencies, we turn field-based evidence into risk briefs, engagement plans, executive trainining, and a “thicker” ESG guidance. We look forward to hearing from, and working with, you to co-create solutions that honor these social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions and help build a fairer, more resilient world.
Prof David A. Palmer
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