Accelerating the transition to a sustainable future

Prof. Maria Francesch-Huidobro

Prof. Elvis Au, BBS

Professor Elvis Au, BBS, is the former Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government with over 37 years of experience (including 32 years in the Government) in environmental protection, sustainability, climate and energy, green procurement/buildings, green finance/bond, cross-boundary collaboration, smart city, sustainable campus initiatives, environment research, environment fund/research/education programme for schools.

He is an Adjunct Professor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), teaching climate change and energy, sustainable waste management, urban planning, environmental assessment and sustainability for undergraduate and master degree students. He is also an Adjunct Professor of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, teaching public policy for master degree students and eco-design for undergraduate students.

He is the Former President of the International Association for Impact Assessment (with members from over 120 countries), the former Chairman of the Environmental Division of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE, with over 5000 members) and the former Chairman of the HKIE’s Green Finance Task Force.

He studied at HKU, University of California (Berkeley), Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, London University and Tsinghua University.

Caitlin Shem

Caitlin Shem is a Regional Sustainability Lead at JLL with over eight years’ experience in the sustainability sector throughout Asia Pacific. She specialises in the development and implementation of decarbonisation targets and strategies for operational carbon.

Caitlin leverages her international expertise collaborating on projects at a grassroots to corporate level in Asia and Australia for commercial real estate and industrial assets to drive measurable outcomes for occupiers.

Matthew Sears

Matt has 15 years of experience in the education sector across Asia, working in positions across school operations, training and consulting. As Vice President of Operations at Guidepost Hong Kong, he works on the global Montessori education organization’s growth in Hong Kong, opening six locations in the past two years in the city. Previously, he worked on the organization’s international expansion and business development initiatives, working on school openings in Europe and across the Americas.

Prior to Guidepost, Matt set up Seeds Training’s business entity in Asia and worked with schools, corporations, and non-profits to develop education programs for students, teachers, and parents. He consulted for The Nature Conservancy, building their educational programs in Hong Kong, including the flagship Nature Works Hong Kong program, and establishing the Education and Sustainability Educators’ Network.

Matt is the co-chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and on the board of the Hong Kong International School Alumni Association. Raised in Tokyo and Hong Kong, Matt holds a BA in History and East Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his MA in Asia-Pacific Studies from the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.

Brett Girven

Brett Girven is the principal of Dubai British School and has more than ten years of experience in the Middle East. Having moved to the UAE from his native New Zealand, Brett has a critical eye for detail, an in-depth understanding of the Dubai and UAE educational climate, and a relentless drive to ensure a high-quality education is provided for every child.

His expertise lies in assessment design and moderation, strategic deployment of technology to accelerate and enrich learning, macro and micro-level curriculum review and design using research-based methodologies and leadership.

Advaita

I have had the chance to speak to Jane Goodall and in school assemblies on multiple occasions regarding the wellbeing of our planet and our school’s sustainability progress. I believe that we still have the power to change our world and to improve it for future generations. Without keeping sustainability in mind, we tend to forget that we are harming the planet. I look forward to making a difference in our society.

Ahmed

Sustainability in schools matters to me because it’s about more than just helping the environment—it’s about inspiring students to take responsibility and make a real difference in the world. At Dubai British School, I’ve seen how small actions can lead to big change, and I want to be part of creating a positive impact. As a TASS Student Ambassador, I’m excited to work with others who share the same passion, come up with creative ideas, and help make sustainability a bigger part of our everyday lives.

Ahmed

Sustainability in schools matters to me because it helps create a greater future by encouraging care for the environment. As a TASS Student Ambassador, I’m excited to inspire others and create meaningful change in my school community.

Ana

As a student, I see even the littlest things happen in school that aren’t sustainable such as leaving the air conditioner and the lights on. I see people waste food, and so much plastic being used and thrown away each day. I want to be able to drive change and work with other like-minded students to help the environment using efficient methods, that’s what excites me the most about being a TASS Student Ambassador.

Anindita

I believe in the power of education to create a long-lasting environmental change. Hearing ideas and acting on it excites me the most about being a TASS Student Ambassador.

Audrey

To me, sustainability means working towards a future in which everyone’s needs can successfully be met without causing the environment around us to further deteriorate.

Ava

Ava is a student at the Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) in Penang, Malaysia. She is actively involved in the POWIIS Secondary Eco Committee, where she has dedicated her time for almost two years. The committee was formed at the start of 2021 and has already made a significant impact on the school and wider community, specifically in the area of waste management.

Ava

Sustainability to me means that we are fostering changes that will benefit our environment, ensuring the well-being of future generations while also meeting our current needs.

Barzilay

To me, sustainability is the ultimate goal to be able to maintain a balance between mankind and nature. It is the ability to be able to reduce the negative impacts of mankind on earth either through technological advances or measures in order to make up for the footprint we leave behind. It must be also be effective over a long period of time

Bella

Bella’s past experiences in sustainability include collaborating with marine biologists to conserve coral reefs in the Maldives, working as a trainee naturalist in India’s Gir Lion Reserve, and becoming a certified junior naturalist in the Kanha Tiger Reserve. Through her passion for travel, Bella continues to expand her knowledge and understanding of sustainability. She is proud to serve as an ambassador for TASS, an organization aligned with her values and dedication to creating a more environmentally conscious world.

Caitlin

When I was in primary school, my teacher showed our class a video of one of Greta Thunberg’s speeches, in which she was criticising world leaders for not taking immediate action to mitigate the effects of human-caused climate change. That was one of my first exposures towards grasping the idea of the state of our environment.

Since then, I’ve learnt more about our environment and understood how humans have affected it, which drove me to want to try my best to help protect our planet for the future generations. As a TASS Student Ambassador, I hope to make bigger and more impactful changes to promote sustainability, and encourage others to join in our efforts to create a more sustainable future for our school community.

Carlise

What excites me the most is I am extremely excited to work with all of the TASS student ambassadors. Sustainability matters to me in school because it helps the environment like the clean up drive and many more. Additionally, it helps to create more green spaces in the world.

Daniel

I strongly believe that sustainability is about meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It’s about living in harmony with the natural environment, minimizing our resource consumption and waste, and finding ways to power our lives and economies through renewable, clean energy sources.

Daniya

I am a year 12 student from Haileybury Almaty who believes that each of us can make an impact in sustainability whether it is small or big. As part of my school’s eco-committee leadership team, I have worked on organizing events and projects to increase sustainability within the community such as: obtaining funding for an electric bus for students and teachers, organizing clothing swaps, and creating a skirt out of old books for our Eco-Fashion Walk.

Eleni

By embodying sustainable values, we have the power to enact meaningful, lasting change.

Gabriel

Within this ever-changing world, sustainability has always been and always will be an integral part of it. As a TASS student ambassador and sustainability ambassador for QASMT, I aim to advocate towards our generation the reality of our world and its environment. In the hopes of helping inspire them to become more eco-friendly in their everyday lives. We only have one planet; we must look after it. Act locally to make change globally.

Grace

Sustainability involves supporting the environment by creating things that are beneficial for the present and future generations, with a lasting positive environmental impact.

Gustav

Sustainability in schools is important because it enables us to become stewards for a better future. We, the youth, are the ones who will be leading the world in the next decade and integrating sustainability into our everyday lives helps us understand the significance of the issue.

Hadia

As an ambassador, I hope to thrive and introduce initiatives that will promote sustainability. I hope to spread awareness and support in making our world a greener place.

Hana

Sustainability matters to me because we are essentially the next generation of change-makers that have the ability to create an environmentally-friendly world. As a TASS ambassador, I’m most excited to advocate for sustainability through creative and innovative projects. I also hope to continue learning about the ways in which sustainability can be integrated into the school curriculum and our daily lives.

Jeff

Sustainability isn’t just the goal of ensuring that future generations’ needs aren’t compromised: it’s the pride that comes with it that induces a drive to change. As a steward, my mission is to champion that empowering sentiment.

Jeremy

Jeremy is a Grade 11 student at the American School Hong Kong. In recent years, he’s been exposed to several environmental issues such as the vast amounts of garbage on Hong Kong’s beaches, and the disadvantages of fast fashion. His participation in various works of service towards environmental protection has inspired him to make and advocate for change. He has grown an appreciation for nature’s beauty and is determined to contribute to the promotion of environmental welfare.

Jinnuo

Sustainability is especially relevant to myself and those of us living in developed countries, as we are objectively the most significant polluters yet simultaneously possess a greater potential for change.

Khadija

Sustainability is a multifaceted concept encompassing three core elements: the natural environment, economic vitality, and healthy communities. At its essence, sustainability is about the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

Many businesses and governments have recognized the importance of sustainability and have committed to sustainable goals. These include reducing environmental impact and conserving valuable resources. By adopting sustainable practices, organizations can work towards a more balanced and resilient future.

Kylton

Sustainability is a commitment everyone should make to help maintain the living standards of our generation, as well as future generations.

Lalita

The phrase “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” has always resonated with me. It captures the essence of how the smallest actions have the ability to create far-reaching impacts – to me, promoting sustainable practices at schools is much like this. There is no better way to co-opt future generations, than to work with them towards their own future.

Leilah

Sustainability to me is about living in a way that respects the world around us. It’s about making sure we don’t use up all our resources today, so there’s still plenty left for the people who come after us. It’s a mindset that influences how I live my daily life, the choices I make, and the values I hold dear.

Lorelei

Lorelei is a year 10 student at Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong. She wants to drive positive change in our community while also recognising what she can improve in herself.

Mariam

Sustainability to me means the future.
Our and future generations’ future depends on us; if we as a global community do not start to take action in environmental issues that us and past generations have caused, future generation’s lives would corrupt; and not forgetting to mention wild animal life, marine animal life, and plant life.
In honor to save all of that i have taken initiative within my community and school to do my part of taking care of the environment, wild life, marine life, human well-being and reducing carbon emissions.

Matthew

Sustainability has always been an personal interest of mine; from primary, I already had a deep interest in biology and was introduced to habitat conservation and sustainability through school clubs which partnered with NGOs like WWF and Masarang. I have always believed that the best way to raise awareness for sustainability is through hands-on work. Working in beach cleanups in HK, invasive species removal in Mai Po wetlands, and other activities greatly increased my passion for sustainability and understanding for the crisis we are currently facing. Sustainability in schools matters greatly because students are the people with the greatest capacity to make change. It is important to foster awareness for environmental issues from a young age, and even more importantly to empower them to make impact. As part of the school’s environmental council, I have seen or implemented projects like glass recycling, implementing sustainable meals, black soldier fly larvae composting, and worked with NGOs like Rooftop Republic, Redress and Sustainable Ocean Alliance, but what most excites and impresses me are students who actively engage and innovate to make an impact, like those in the school’s Hackathon or Redress Fashion Show. I am most excited about being a TASS student ambassador because it allows me to connect with other like-minded students and NGOs, and allows for broader, more systematic long term changes to be made.

Mobin

Sustainability in schools is important to me because it reflects the core values of the institution and its commitment to the future. What excites me most about being part of TASS is the chance to make a meaningful impact, not just within my school but also on a global scale. It allows me to express my passions, take action, and contribute to a better, more sustainable world in my own unique way.

Mohamed

Sustainability in schools matters to me because it sets a foundation for future generations to understand the importance of environmental stewardship. By integrating sustainable practices into education, we can teach students to be mindful of their impact on the planet and inspire them to make positive changes in their communities.

As a TASS Student Ambassador, what excites me the most is the opportunity to engage with fellow students and promote initiatives that can lead to real change. Being part of a movement that encourages sustainability and awareness among peers is incredibly fulfilling, and I look forward to collaborating with others to create a lasting impact

Naomi

Naomi is an active and engaged student who enjoys organizing a variety of events and initiatives related to sustainability and STEM. Through her work with the ITS Youth Advisory Committee, she has planned large-scale events focused on environmental sustainability. Naomi has also organized a Model United Nations conference and led school projects addressing issues like oil spills. As a TASS Ambassador, she is committed to driving positive change and creating a more sustainable future for the students in her school community.

Natalie

Sustainability in school matters to me the most, as I believe that the environment at school is where our current and next generation will be educated at. Ultimately, they are our future leaders who will be bringing changes into our world, improving it for the better and it’s important we are educated on sustainability at a young age, so we can easily adapt it into our lifestyle early on.

I believe that sustainability is not just a term; but a lifestyle, and I have full confidence that we as TASS Student Ambassadors are able to take the first step towards it, so I can’t wait to work together, and achieve our goals as one. I am beyond excited to see all that we can accomplish as a team and I can already envision the impact we will be making.

Nathan

Sustainability in schools is essential to creating a pathway to a better and a greener world. It is so exciting that together, as an Alliance we can join together and share best practices in order to create this path for each other, allowing generations to come to live in a better world.

Nayyab

Schools are where children grow and learn, and they’re still open to new ideas about the world. We should use this opportunity to educate them about the Earth’s problems and how we can make a difference by living sustainably. I’m excited about being a TASS student ambassador because I look forward to learning new ways on how to have an impact on my environment by being more sustainable, and have other students, to help motivate me to keep going while doing so.

Niloufar

As students, we spend the majority of our day in school, so it is important that the school environment and mindset teach sustainability by example. Only if sustainable behaviour becomes an integral part of our lifestyle, will we be able to effect lasting change. I am excited about being a part of a global network of like-minded people who can learn from one another.

Ojaswini

Introducing sustainability practices in schools teaches students about environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and the importance of sustainable living. It helps instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment from a young age. Since schools are large institutions they have a significant environmental footprint, so implementing sustainable practices help in making a positive change. What excites me the most about being a TASS Student Ambassador is meeting new people who are driven by the same passion as me in hopes for making a healthy and sustainable future.

Pyunggang

To approach the meaning of the word ‘sustainability’ literally, we can say that it refers to the ‘ability’ to ‘sustain’ certain conditions or situations. I believe the word sustainability means the capacity to maintain our favorable and meaningful lives in the present, as well as preserving these conditions for the duration of our time on Earth and ensuring that future generations can enjoy their lives as we have.

Reem

I’m a member of Al Watan Charter School’s Sustainability Students Council. We’re passionate about saving the Earth from pollution by focusing on the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. I’m involved in school and community initiatives to protect the environment. Currently, I’m the sustainability manager at our school, leading recycling efforts and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Riddhisha

As a Sustainable Futures Ambassador for my school, QASMT, for the past 3 years and a hopeful captain next year, I have embarked on my sustainability journey passionately navigating through the intersection of innovation and responsibility. Sustainability is not just a goal to me, but a way of life and a dream for a flourishing tomorrow. It involves making choices that ensure environmental, social, and economic well-being are intertwined while respecting the intricate web of life. I aspire to create change in the world by thinking locally and acting globally.

Ryan

Sander

Sander is a year 11 student from the Chinese International School in Hong Kong. He has previously been involved in efforts to increase sustainability at his school through participating in the international Global Entrepreneurship Conference, conducting extensive research on water consumption and sustainability at his school, and more.

Serving as a TASS Ambassador, he hopes to use the TASS platform to increase dialogue and propose innovative solutions for day-to-day issues and affect positive change for our local and global communities.

Sanvi

I am year 6 student at GEMS Cambridge International School in Dubai. Sustainability in schools matters to me because it fosters a culture of environmental responsibility among students and prepares future leaders to tackle climate challenges. I believe that integrating sustainable practices into education can significantly impact both local and global communities.

As a TASS Student Ambassador, I’m excited to engage with peers and promote initiatives that inspire positive change, create awareness, and empower students to take an active role in sustainability efforts. This role allows me to be part of a collaborative movement towards a more sustainable future.

Sasha

I remember seeing litter in the desert when I was just 5 years old, and wondering about the impact it had on our community. That experience made me passionate about protecting our planet from a young age. Over the years, I’ve undertaken various projects to help the environment, but I knew I needed to do more to drive real change. That’s why I wanted to become a TASS Student Ambassador.

Shaarav

Sustainability in schools matters to me because it shapes the habits and values of the next generation, creating a ripple effect that extends into families and communities. Being a TASS Student Ambassador excites me because it’s an opportunity to lead meaningful change, not only by implementing eco-friendly initiatives in my own school but by inspiring others to rethink their everyday choices. For me, this role is a chance to create a tangible, lasting difference, starting right where I am.

Shivansh

Sustainability in schools matters to me because it represents a commitment to creating a better future for our planet and the generations to come. By integrating sustainable practices into education, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also instilling values of responsibility, awareness, and innovation in students. This mindset empowers young people to make informed decisions that positively affect the world around them, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the school grounds.

Schools are hubs of learning and transformation, making them the perfect place to lead the charge in sustainability efforts. As a TASS Student Ambassador, I am most excited about the opportunity to be a part of a community that is passionate about driving change. This role allows me to actively contribute to sustainability initiatives, share ideas, and collaborate with like-minded peers who are equally committed to making a difference.

It’s incredibly motivating to be in a position where I can inspire others, learn from them, and work together towards common goals that have a meaningful impact on our environment and society. The prospect of turning ideas into actions and seeing real-world results is what excites me the most about this ambassador role.

Sreya

Sreya, a Year 7 student at Cambridge International School Dubai, is a young changemaker on a mission! Obsessed with sustainability, she’s all about turning classrooms into eco-action zones. Sreya believes students should be the driving force behind saving the planet, and she’s ready to lead the charge. Teaming up with her peers, she’s set on creating a greener, brighter future where every idea sparks real-world impact. Bold, passionate, and unstoppable—Sreya is making waves, and she’s just getting started!

Sriansh

For me, sustainability simply means having the ability to live in harmony with the nature, ensuring that our actions today do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. We, the youth, are the future of this world, so it’s essential that we develop the right mindset from the start. We need to be genuinely concerned about our environment, and one of the best ways to instill this mindset is by incorporating it into our education from an early age. I am honored to have this opportunity of being a TASS ambassador and present my ideas for sustainability on this global platform.

Sultan

I am Sultan, a high schooler from ASCS in Dubai. I wish for a bright and green future for our planet. I hope that we have a lot of fun together while trying to reach the goal of sustainability!

Swara

I’m currently a Year 9 student at GEMS Cambridge International Private School in Sharjah. Over the past two years, I’ve actively participated in the school’s eco-committee, which focuses on education, raising awareness, and inspiring others to embrace sustainability. I’ve taken part in various initiatives, including “Plant a Legacy” and organizing paper drives, among others.

For me, sustainability is synonymous with the responsible management of resources, ensuring that we meet our present needs without disrupting the natural cycle for future generations. I wholeheartedly embrace the quote, “Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing better,” as it reflects the evolving and more proactive approach needed to tackle environmental issues.

Talia

It excites me to be a role model in my school and present my society in a big forum. Sustainability is a hot topic which we need to contribute and care to keep our world lively for the next generation.

Tallie

Sustainability means protecting our future. It is an uphill battle, but one we can win together. From simple habits like picking up plastic bottles from the street, to lifestyle changes such as going vegan, practicing sustainability is an investment in ourselves, the people around us, and the people who have not yet had the privilege to live on this Earth.

Tanishqa

As a year 10 student, I believe that everyone should make green choices. Being a TASS Student Ambassador offers me the opportunity to be a catalyst for change. I’m thrilled to collaborate with like-minded peers, implement sustainable initiatives, and have a positive influence on my school community. The chance to make a tangible impact while developing leadership and advocacy skills truly motivates me to contribute to this important cause.

Tiya

When I was 7 years old, I watched David Attenborough’s ‘Planet Earth’ and I was astounded. I remember, one documentary showing monkeys stranded in a dry desert because their homes in the Amazon forests were cut down to make paper for us. That truly made me reconsider the state of our environment.

I then decided that I would try my at-most best to help protect our environment for future generations. This starts from my home and my school. I am eager to implement these values at GFS and work towards making our school greener. As a TASS ambassador, I am determined to promote sustainability within our classrooms and communities, raising awareness on eco-friendly practices and encouraging others to join in our efforts to create a more sustainable future.

Ufirah

I love the idea of making our school greener and teaching others how to care for the environment. As a TASS Student Ambassador, I’m excited to share my ideas and inspire my friends to get involved in eco-friendly projects. Together, we can make a real difference!

Vaiz

Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment. It’s about living in a way that’s good for our planet and each other. It’s about utilising resources carefully so the next generation can enjoy them too. It’s also about making sure everyone has what they need to live well. As a TASS ambassador, I hope to help the community and spread awareness about environmental sustainability.

Valerie

It’s important to cultivate an understanding of being environmentally-friendly from a young age, as we are the future change-makers that have the potential to create a sustainable world. I’m most excited to initiate positive change in our community for a better future.

Varisha

As student leader, I’ve been devoted and eager to help initiate pleasant and beneficial ideas, innovation and difference to our school. As a student who envisions change and prosperity, I have participated in many initiatives led by our school to take part in sustainability. I’m part of the Hydroponics and Growth team and help monitor the school’s goal of achieving sustainability in environmental related matters, and I have been a part of many competitions centered around sustainability in and out of school.

I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to be an ambassador who can take the initiative and spread awareness about sustainability in our daily lives and introduce projects that everyone can join in on. I believe that since sustainability is a theme that the future is avid to focus on, spreading awareness on it can help inspire others to take action for a greener and developed future.

Veeya

Sustainability in school matters to me since I took subjects that makes sense of the unfortunate outcomes our earth is going through. As a result, not only do I truly care about us but also about the generations that will come after us. Being able to share my views on the sustainable development with a wider audience is the most exciting aspect of being an ambassador.

Winson

Given the number of people affected by lung disease globally each year, pollution and air quality is an issue that is very significant to me. As a TASS ambassador, I look forward to sharing and improving my own knowledge on sustainability and the opportunity to make a positive impact in our society.

Yega

Sustainability as a student means making eco-friendly choices and reducing waste. I aim to inspire my peers to think about their environmental impact. Balancing my education with responsibility contributes to a healthier future. It’s about ensuring learning and nature thrive together.

Zain

As the impacts of climate change worsen, sustainability is becoming increasingly significant. I believe that advocating for sustainability in school is imperative, as school is where lifelong habits are built. By instilling the concepts of sustainability into young minds, it should act as a domino effect, shaping the communities they will participate in as they grow. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to become a TASS student ambassador and am very excited to be able to work with other like-minded students, exploring new ideas and working towards building a better, more sustainable community for our future generations. I believe that sustainability isn’t always about large scale change, but can start off by smaller, more consistent actions.

Zoe

Sustainability in schools matters to me because this is our future. It shapes our mindsets and behaviours in order to keep our planet alive. As a TASS Student Ambassador, I am the most excited about the opportunity to inspire and empower fellow students to take action towards sustainability.