The University of Hong Kong (HKU) announces the launch of the School of Governance and Policy (SGP), a new interdisciplinary hub dedicated to shaping the future of governance and public policy. To mark this milestone, SGP will host its inaugural week from 27 to 29 April 2026, convening global thought leaders, nobel laureate, former heads of state, and leading academics to confront the world’s most urgent regional and transnational challenges.

A new study examines how carbon pricing affects Japan’s transport sector and regional economies. Using a multi-regional computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, the research evaluates the impacts of a 10% emission reduction target. The results indicate that achieving this target requires a carbon price of approximately 4,153 JPY per ton of CO₂, with only a modest aggregate GDP loss. The policy also reshapes transport demand, shifting activity away from high-emission modes such as water and air transport toward lower-carbon alternatives like rail. The findings highlight that policy design—particularly the coverage of the transport sector and the redistribution of carbon tax revenues—plays a crucial role in balancing efficiency and regional equity.

An analysis led by Paul Mohai of the University of Michigan examines how new tools are leading to innovative policies to protect vulnerable communities from disproportionate environmental burdens. 

Frank Mugisha, executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), has devoted his life to advocating for basic human rights for all people—not only in his home country, but globally. The Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University will award Mugisha with the 2026 Inamori Ethics Prize.