EdUHK Co-hosts the 4th Asian-Arican Women's Development and Cooperation Forum cum Inauguration of the Global Centre for Women, Development and Education
The 4th Asia-Africa Women’s Development and Cooperation Forum, convening leaders from politics, academia, business and women’s organizations across Asia-Africa region, will take place on 10 November at the Tai Po campus of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK). This marks the first time the international forum is jointly hosted by a Hong Kong university and the Women Empowerment & Development Society in Asia-Africa (WEDS), following its relocation from Beijing to Hong Kong in 2023.
Held under the theme “Opportunities and Challenges for Women’s Development in the Age of AI”, this year’s forum will welcome, either in person or virtually, several former presidents and dignitaries from Asia and Africa, Ms Shirley Lam Shuet-lai, Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs from the HKSAR Government, as well as representatives of international women’s organizations, renowned scholars and influential social leaders.
Echoing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to further advance research and initiatives in women’s development, EdUHK will officially launch the “Global Centre for Women, Development and Education” (Centre) at the forum. Building on the University’s expertise in gender studies and educational innovation, the Centre will collaborate with partners across Asia and Africa to promote empowerment through education, inclusive participation in technology, and leadership development. The Centre’s vision has won widespread support from private institutions and charitable organisations, which will support the establishment, research, policy advancement, empowerment training, as well as cross regional exchange.
The forum will feature a series of keynote sessions on the opportunities and challenges faced by contemporary women in areas such as education, employment, empowerment, equal access to opportunities, and leadership in decision.
Forum details are as follows:
Date: 10 November 2025 (Monday)
Time: 9:30 am – 4:15 pm
Venue: Conference Centre, Block E, The Education University of Hong Kong
Keynote speakers and guests include (listed in no particular order):
| Guest Speakers | Keynote Speakers |
| • Dr Zhao Meiling, President of the Women Empowerment & Development Society in Asia-Africa • Ms Shirley Lam Shuet-lai, Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, The Government of HKSAR • H.E. Dr Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi (video speech) • H.E. Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius (video speech) • H.E. Nomvula Mokonyane, First Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress, and Honorary President of South Africa-China People’s Friendship Association • Dr Thet Thet Zin, President of the Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation • Dr David Wong Yau-kar, Chairman of the Council, The Education University of Hong Kong | • Ms Starry Lee Wai-king, Honorary Professor of The Education University of Hong Kong and Standing Committee Member of the 14th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China • Ms Louise Ho Pui-shan, Chief Commissioner of The Hong Kong Girl Guides Association and Former Commissioner of Customs and Excise Department, the Government of HKSAR • Professor Fanny Cheung Mui-ching, Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Former Vice-President (Research), The Chinese University of Hong Kong • Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of The Education University of Hong Kong • H.E. Djauhari Oratmangun, Ambassador of Indonesia to China • H.E. Masanneh Kinteh, Ambassador of The Gambia to China • H.E. Allan Chintedza, Ambassador of Malawi to China • H.E. Daouda Bitie, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to China • Ms Nyima Jammeh, President of the Group of African Ambassadors’ Spouses and Spouse of Ambassador of The Gambia to China • Ms Sarita Neupane, Representative of the Madan Bhandari Foundation • Ms Bahar Durdyyeva, Spouse of the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to China • Ms Melissa Pang, Member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former President of The Law Society of Hong Kong • Ms Amy Chan Lim-chee, Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, The Hong Kong Jockey Club |
Appendix: Rundown of the 4th Asian-African Women’s Development and Cooperation Forum
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