HONG KONG, 26 October 2026 — The six Joint Institutes—the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists, Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, Hong Kong Institute of Planners and the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors—convened Session 2 of the Northern Metropolis Forum 4.0 on 24 Oct 2026 at the City Gallery. Building on the strong momentum of Session 1 in September, which drew more than 500 participants, the second session shifted the conversation from broad principles to practical pathways for delivering a resilient, connected and investable Northern Metropolis.

A central highlight of the event was the formal release of the Northern Metropolis Guiding Principles, developed through a multi‑disciplinary workshop at Session 1 and modelled after the 2005 Harbour Planning Principles. These principles articulate a shared professional vision for how the Northern Metropolis can be planned and implemented as Hong Kong’s next-generation urban innovation platform.

The Forum was honoured to welcome Ms. Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, who delivered the morning keynote, and Mr. David Lam Chi‑man, Under Secretary for Development, who delivered the afternoon keynote. Distinguished guests included Hon. Ar. Julia Lau, Member of the Legislative Council (Architectural, Surveying, Planning and Landscape), and Mr. Tom Yip, Director of Planning.

The programme brought together leading voices from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas. Presentations by Prof. Sun Yimin, Prof. Thaddeus Pawlowski, Prof. Teresa Yang Ming‑yen, Mr. Alvis Kong and Ms. Fiona Waters explored themes ranging from innovation‑driven city building and climate resilience to sustainable industrial development and investment strategy. A wide‑ranging panel discussion featuring experts from planning, property, sustainability, rural conservation and urban innovation further examined how the Northern Metropolis can evolve into a world‑class model of integrated development.

Through a collaborative sharing session with supporting organisations and industry stakeholders, the Forum recommended ten core principles to guide the planning of the Northern Metropolis. These principles call for strong and proactive leadership; the creation of a world‑class metropolitan identity; dignified living through high‑quality housing and generous open space; nature‑positive and context‑sensitive development; human‑centric mobility; vibrant and connected urban‑rural integration; innovation and design excellence; climate‑resilient and low‑carbon development; smart and inclusive community engagement; and the celebration of cultural, historical and ecological heritage as the foundation for a better Northern Metropolis for all.