The Division of Public Policy (PPOL) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted a Distinguished Lecture, titled “China, the Asia‑Pacific, and the New Multilateralism: Leading Through Fragmentation” on April 13, 2026, featuring Prof. Siddharth CHATTERJEE, who has recently joined HKUST as Diplomat‑in‑Residence of Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) and Professor of Practice in Public Policy.

Prof. Chatterjee shared valuable perspectives on the complexities of the current global landscape, marked by intensifying geopolitical tensions, geoeconomic fragmentation, and the weakening of traditional governance mechanisms. Drawing on his experience as the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in China, he examined how the Asia‑Pacific, shaped by China’s global rise, can evolve from a site of strategic competition into a cornerstone of a revitalized international system.

Addressing “new era” challenges, Prof. Chatterjee emphasized the need to move beyond “old power” structures and to cultivate a new generation of leaders who combine strategic discipline with diplomatic empathy, while advancing a more inclusive and resilient “Multilateralism 2.0” anchored in the Asia‑Pacific’s capacity for innovation and cooperation. Keys to this roadmap were the China–Global South nexus, the ethical governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and green technologies, and the role of compassion, dignity, and shared humanity in effective diplomacy.

The lecture opened with remarks by Prof. Kira MATUS, Acting Head of PPOL, and concluded with closing remarks by Prof. GUO Yike, Provost of HKUST, who officially welcomed Prof. Chatterjee to the University. The event drew professionals and students in international relations and policy, including Counselor GUO Xin from the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as Mr. Julian IP Chun‑Lim, Political Assistant to the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.

Joining HKUST with over 42 years of experience across diplomacy, humanitarian action, and international development, Prof. Chatterjee amplifies PPOL’s foothold in cross-disciplinary public governance and global affairs. He served for more than three decades with UN, most recently as UN Resident Coordinator in China. He is also Chief Executive Officer of Global Neighbours, Founding Co‑Director of the One Earth Institute, and Visiting Professor at Tsinghua University. A former officer in the Indian Army’s Special Forces and a graduate of Princeton University, he has been internationally recognized for his leadership in humanitarian affairs, including work on the demobilization of child soldiers and advocacy for health and wellbeing, and named as an “Impact Legend” by The Rockefeller Foundation.

We look forward to Prof. Chatterjee’s continued engagement with AIS community through teaching, dialogue, and interdisciplinary exchange!