Hong Kong Hosts Global Prosperity Summit 2026, Reinforcing Its Role as a Bridge Between East and West
HONG KONG — The Global Prosperity Summit 2026 (GPS 2026) concluded last month in Hong Kong, drawing international leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the city's expanding role in global cooperation and its potential across several fast-evolving sectors. The two-day event, held May 19–20, was co-organized by the Savantas Policy Institute, the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, and the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, according to multiple reports.
In his keynote address at the opening dinner on May 18, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized the city's longstanding commitment to open trade and multilateralism. As a Special Administrative Region of China, Lee said, "Hong Kong's doors have long been open – wide and welcoming to all, a champion of free trade and multilateralism." His remarks set the tone for the summit's focus on Hong Kong's strategic advantages in global finance, trade, and innovation.
A Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, chairperson of the board of governors at Savantas Policy Institute, welcomed delegates with a speech praising Hong Kong as a bridge between China and traditional Western powers. "Hong Kong stands at the intersection of East and West, tradition and innovation, global capital and national development," Ip said. "It can serve as a platform for dialogue, exchange and pragmatic cooperation. Amid uncertainties, Hong Kong continues to stand out as an oasis of stability, connectivity and opportunity."
The summit's panel programme highlighted Hong Kong's strengths across established and emerging industries, including innovative drug development, culture, sports, entertainment, international trade, and digital finance. Each discussion showcased different facets of the city's world-class connectivity and its unique capacity to convene cross-border stakeholders, according to organizers.
China's Global Governance Initiative and US-China Relations
Han Zhiqiang, vice-president of the China Public Diplomacy Association and a former Chinese ambassador to Thailand, delivered a keynote speech outlining Beijing's Global Governance Initiative. The initiative, unveiled in September 2025, emphasizes inclusive multilateralism, sovereign equality, and developmental autonomy free from ideological conditions, according to Han. He stressed that China will actively participate in settling international conflicts and improve mechanisms for resolving them, while addressing what he called the "security deficit" in global governance.
Han also referenced the recent summit in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, which marked the first visit by a US President to China in nearly a decade. The two leaders agreed to build a "constructive, strategically stable relationship," a new term defining the framework of bilateral ties. Han said the presidents "have reached important common understanding on maintaining stable economic and trade ties, expanding practical cooperation in all fields and handling mutual concerns in a proper manner."
Hong Kong's Role in Global Governance
Han highlighted Hong Kong's potential as an "important bridge" for international exchanges, noting that a recently established mediation body in the city would bolster international rule of law. The former diplomat's remarks underscored the city's positioning within China's broader foreign policy objectives, while local leaders emphasized Hong Kong's unique attributes as a global financial hub.
The summit also comes ahead of the Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting, set to be held in Shenzhen later this year. This timing further underscores Hong Kong's and the region's growing significance in shaping Asia-Pacific economic cooperation, according to analysts.
Perspectives
- Official Chinese Perspective: The summit reinforced the narrative of Hong Kong as a vital link between China and the world, with leaders emphasizing the city's stability and connectivity amid global uncertainties.
- Hong Kong Business and Policy Circles: Local stakeholders view GPS 2026 as a platform to showcase the city's strengths in finance, trade, and innovation, potentially attracting more international investment and talent.
- International Observers: While the summit highlighted cooperation, some analysts may note the broader geopolitical context, including US-China tensions and the implications of China's Global Governance Initiative for multilateral institutions.