Keynote Speaker
Prof WONG Ming Hung
Advisor/Chair Professor of Environmental Science
The Education University of Hong Kong, China
Biography
BSc (CUHK), MSc, PhD, DSc (Durham), MBA, DSc (Strathclyde), Hon DSc (SFedU)
Advisor/Chair Professor (Environ Sci), The Education University of Hong Kong, China
Professor Wong is a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Environmental Geochemistry and Health’ (Springer Nature), 2002-2023. Professor Wong was the Coordinator of Central and NE Asia of ‘Regionally Based Assessment of PTS’ and a Panel Member of ‘Chemicals Management Issues of Developing Countries and Countries with Economies in Transition’, sponsored by UNEP/GEF, 2001-2003 and 2010-2012. His research areas included ‘Environmental toxicology’, ‘Ecological restoration’, and ‘Resource reuse’. Under Environmental Science, Professor Wong is ranked 6th for 3 years and 8th for 2 years globally according to the World’s Top 2% Scientists (Stanford University, 2020-2024) and 1st in China, based on Research.com’s Best Researchers in Various Disciplines (2023, 2024).
“Sustainable Management of Toxic Chemicals for Ecological and Human Health Protection “
Abstract:
Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, & Research (CHEER), The Education University of Hong Kong, China. Email: minghwong@eduhk.hk
Persistent Toxic Substances (PTS), including heavy metals, legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and emerging chemicals, pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. This presentation synthesizes findings and recommendations from several UNEP/GEF projects addressing these challenges. The Stockholm Convention on POPs established global controls for 12 POPs. The ‘Regionally Based Assessment of Persistent Toxic Substances’ analyzed PTS sources, concentrations, and impacts, identifying transboundary transport routes and regional management capacities. The ‘Emerging Chemicals Management Issues in Developing Countries and Countries with Economies in Transition’ project assessed the risks of emerging chemicals and proposed management strategies. ‘Plastics and the Circular Economy’ addressed the global overuse of plastics and associated toxic chemicals. Finally, UNEP’s 2022 report highlighted 19 critical chemical issues, divided into emerging policy concerns and new risk evidence, to guide safer chemical management. These projects emphasize the need for collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder capacity-building. Sustainable management practices are essential to mitigate the impacts of legacy POPs and emerging chemicals, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future.
Keywords:
Persistent Toxic Substances, Persistent Organic Pollutants, Emerging Chemicals, Environmental Health, Sustainability
