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Over 1,000 influential leaders and changemakers gathered in Hong Kong at the One Earth Summit to chart the path forward for a sustainable future
Hong Kong (March 26, 2024) - The inaugural One Earth Summit, convened by Institute of Sustainability and Technology (IST), concluded successfully yesterday (March 25) at Regala Skycity Hotel in Hong Kong. The premier global gathering for international sustainability leaders attracted more than 1,000 influential leaders and changemakers from global corporations, the financial sector, start-ups, foundations, media, civil societies, and academia who engaged in action-focused dialogues for achieving the net-zero, nature positive transition for the world during the full-day Summit.
The opening ceremony of the Summit was officiated by The Hon John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: "Under the premise of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has long established its robust financial infrastructure, together with the rule of law, a market-oriented and internationalised business environment, internationally aligned regulatory regimes, and the free and unfettered flow of information, people and capital. These strengths, together with our fast-rising prowess as an innovation and technology centre, make Hong Kong the ideal nexus for building partnerships, for driving the innovative solutions the world needs to promote sustainability."
The Hon Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region also delivered his opening remarks at the Summit’s gala dinner later in the day, "As Asia's green finance centre, with green and sustainable bonds issued by us accounting for one-third of Asia's total, Hong Kong is well-positioned to help match funds with green projects. Besides, we possess high-quality professional services that help ensure projects' alignment with international green standards. We have also put in substantial resources in education and training programmes to nurture talents. We are fully committed to cultivating a comprehensive green and sustainable finance ecosystem that will support the great green transformation."
The Hon Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced the launch of a roadmap within this year to provide a transparent and well-defined pathway on sustainability reporting for businesses in Hong Kong.
"Our vision is to be among the first jurisdictions to align the local sustainability disclosure requirements with the ISSB Standards, as we consider it essential to showcase our commitment to reinforcing Hong Kong's leading position on the international sustainable finance map and solidifying the competitiveness of businesses in Hong Kong to address the global demand for sustainability disclosure," Mr Hui said.
Organised by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, co-organised by the World Economic Forum’s Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Initiative, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum as the Knowledge Partner, and with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Host Partners, the Summit is a first-of-its-kind platform in Asia Pacific that focuses on putting climate pledges into action through driving strategic partnerships that transcend cultural boundaries, divisions, and disciplines.
Prof Poman Lo, Founder of Institute of Sustainability and Technology and convenor of the One Earth Summit said during the welcome remarks, “One Earth Summit seeks to unite the world in saving our one and only home – Mother Earth. Our vision is simple but ambitious – to transform dialogue into action, competition into collaboration, and transition risks into investment opportunities. The global climate crisis places us at a critical juncture in the history of humankind. We could either continue on a path of conflict and destruction. Or we can choose to transcend above boundaries and divisions and join forces in our fight against climate change in this crucial Decade of Action.”
During the opening ceremony, Ms Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director, World Economic Forum, also delivered her welcome remarks. The kick-off of the Summit also featured video messages delivered by H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Prof Klaus Schwab, Founder & Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum and Global Co-Chair, Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA); and Mr Ray Dalio, Founder, CIO Mentor, and Member of the Bridgewater Board and Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Global Co-Chair.
Following the welcome remarks, the Summit’s platinum partners including Dr Peter Lee Ka-kit, GBS, JP, Chairman, Henderson Land Group and The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited; Mr Chavalit Fredrick Tsao, Chairman, IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group; Founder, OCTAVE Institute; and Mrs Amy Lo, JP, Chairman, UBS Global Wealth Management Asia; Head and Chief Executive, UBS Hong Kong delivered their speeches on the future of sustainable technology and finance in Asia, before the opening keynotes delivered by H.S.H. Prince Maximilian und zu Liechtenstein; Mr Jim Coulter, Founding Partner and Executive Chairman of TPG; and Dr Robin Zeng, Founder, Chairman and General Manager, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL).
Under the theme of “Planetary crossroads: Investing in innovations for a sustainable future”, almost 20 sessions and panel discussions took place during the full-day Summit, facilitating dialogue, debate and alignment across many perspectives on the path forward to address global sustainability challenges.
During the Summit, speakers explored various topics focusing on five distinct areas: Water & Nature-based Solutions; Infrastructure & Urban Development; Food & Agriculture; Energy Transition; and Materials & Industrial Decarbonisation. Other leading speakers from the Summit included (in alphabetical order of first name):
After the full-day Summit, guests gathered at the gala dinner for an evening dedicated to investing in Asia’s future climate change and sustainability leaders. The gala dinner aimed at showcasing the hands-on solutions and best practices for the global climate challenge, and fostering collective efforts for the net-zero transition in Asia. Fireside chats and panel discussions focusing on the pathway to net-zero in areas such as impact investing, capacity building, adoption of sustainable technologies also took place during the gala dinner, highlighting insights from government representatives, investors, corporate leaders, and key thought leaders in the field of sustainability and innovation.
For more information, please visit the event website: www.oneearthsummit.org
The Institute of Sustainability and Technology (IST) is a non-profit organisation with a mission to empower transformational solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. IST strives to accelerate the net-zero transition through international collaboration, sustainability education programmes, and interdisciplinary research.
Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) is a global initiative of the World Economic Forum to foster new and existing public, private, and philanthropic partnerships (4Ps) to help unlock the $3 trillion of financing needed each year to reach net zero, reverse nature loss and restore biodiversity by 2050.
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to maintain and enhance Hong Kong’s status as a major international financial centre; maintain the integrity and stability of the financial system of Hong Kong; ensure orderly and efficient operation as well as prudent and appropriate regulation of the financial markets; and provide a business environment which is open, fair and conducive to financial market developments. FSTB seeks to achieve the above aims through formulating policies and/or introducing legislative proposals; assisting the Financial Secretary in overseeing the relevant regulatory authorities; co-ordinating and facilitating the implementation of new initiatives on financial infrastructure; and facilitating market innovation, etc.
InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies.
World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation committed to improving the state of the world. In its capacity as a collaborator for the Summit, it will facilitate engaging the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Institute of Sustainability and Technology, World Economic Forum’s GAEA initiative, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and InvestHK of the Government of HKSAR forge vision to unlock talent, technology and capital for a sustainable future
Hong Kong (March 14, 2024) - The Institute of Sustainability and Technology (IST), a Hong Kong-based sustainability research and education institute, announces the launch of the inaugural One Earth Summit, a premier global gathering for international sustainability leaders set to take place at Regala Skycity Hotel, Hong Kong on March 25, 2024. The Summit is a first-of-its-kind platform in Asia Pacific that curates action-focused dialogues for achieving a net-zero, nature positive transition in the region and beyond.
Organised by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, co-organised by the World Economic Forum’s GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) Initiative, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum as a Knowledge Partner, and with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and InvestHK of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Host Partners, the Summit will leverage Hong Kong’s prominence as the region’s financial and innovation hub to foster an ecosystem of public-private-philanthropic partnerships dedicated to driving sustainability progress through putting promises into action.
With the theme “Planetary crossroads: Investing in innovations for a sustainable future”, the Summit will bring together over 500 influential leaders and changemakers from government representatives, green finance experts, young leaders and entrepreneurs, senior executives of multinational corporations, academia, institutional investors, and representatives of international organisations, aiming to foster actionable solutions addressing global sustainability challenges through insightful discussions focusing on five distinct areas: Water & Nature-based Solutions; Infrastructure & Urban Development; Food & Agriculture; Energy Transition; and Materials & Industrial Decarbonisation.
Confirmed speakers include climate envoys, government officials, heads of international organisations and multilateral development banks, as well as top executives of corporates and family offices, prominent philanthropists, and celebrated individuals renowned for their contribution to climate action such as H.S.H. Prince Max von und zu Liechtenstein; Mr Jim Coulter, Founding Partner of TPG & Managing Partner of TPG Rise Climate; Prof Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; Mr Jingdong Hua, Vice-Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board; Dr Peter Lee Ka-kit, Chairman of Henderson Land Group and The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited; Mr Chavalit Frederick Tsao, Chairman of IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group; Ms Amy Lo, Chairman of UBS Global Wealth Management Asia; and more.
The programme of the full-day Summit will include plenary sessions, open sessions such as roundtable dialogues and fireside chats, and closed-door sessions with invite-only networking events and investor pitches.
The inaugural One Earth Summit aims to promote personal, organisational, and planetary well-being through fostering inter connectedness, diversity, and inclusion – with the vision of driving collaboration, transformation, and innovative solutions through strategic partnerships that transcend cultural boundaries, divisions, and disciplines. With a focus on knowledge sharing and showcasing talent and cutting-edge technologies in Asia and emerging markets around the globe, the Summit will serve as a platform that promotes “Investment for Good ” by connecting high-potential start-ups with the world’s most prominent, purpose-driven investors.
Prof Poman Lo, Founder of Institute of Sustainability and Technology, said, “I am thrilled to initiate the launch of One Earth Summit, a ground-breaking partnership with the World Economic Forum and the HKSAR Government with a mission to drive urgent action to save our one and only Mother Earth. The global climate crisis places us at a critical juncture in the history of humankind. Our Summit seeks to reverse this trajectory. Our collective goal is to mobilise the necessary capital to fuel innovative solutions for the most pressing environmental challenges, transforming competition into collaboration, dialogue into action, and transition risks into investment opportunities. To foster international partnerships and technology exchange across the East and West, we are hosting the inaugural Summit in Hong Kong. As a key economic growth engine, the Asia-Pacific region is responsible for over half of the world's carbon emissions and thus plays a pivotal role in accelerating the sustainable transition. Our event marks the dawn of an impact revolution across Asia, setting new standards for environmental stewardship and purpose-driven investments. Together, we can empower innovations for a sustainable future and drive meaningful change – from Asia to the world.”
Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Global Co-Chair, said, “Human activity has pushed the planet beyond the zone of uncertainty. There is no Planet B. The six remaining years of this Decade of Action are crucial for delivering meaningful climate and nature action. The time is now to unite diverse organisations and stakeholders with a common purpose of addressing climate change through global public-private-philanthropic collaboration. The One Earth Summit marks a pivotal moment in global sustainability efforts. By bringing together leaders from all walks of life, we can collectively address the challenges our planet faces and forge a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future.”
Mr Ray Dalio, Founder and (Former) Chief Investment Officer of Bridgewater Associates and Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Global Co-Chair, said, “Climate change is happening in a big way. A big challenge requires even bigger commitments from everyone in the world, including investors and philanthropists. Private capital will need to be deployed in a big way to help fight the climate crisis. At this critical juncture, the One Earth Summit provides a unique platform that gathers big thinkers from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to come up with big solutions for our planet.”
Prof Klaus Schwab, Founder & Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum and Global Co-Chair, Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA), said, “Climate philanthropy has the power to be catalytic in helping unlock private finance and government public funds required to finance positive tipping point interventions at the speed and scale required across earth’s systems. This is a historic time to innovate and design the new kind of philanthropic-public-private collaborations needed to put the planet on track to meet its climate ambitions. Come join us, in helping corporates shift their practices and value chains towards sustainable ones, faster, and at scale.”
Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, said, “As one of the mega events taking place in Hong Kong this year, the inaugural One Earth Summit further consolidates Hong Kong’s position as an international green technology and financial centre and tells the good stories of our city to our local and international audiences. We look forward to joining the thought-provoking dialogues among the world’s leading changemakers and innovators at the One Earth Summit, and participating in concerted global efforts in building a sustainable future for our next generation.”
Mr Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, said, “As a leading international financial centre with its dynamic capital markets, Hong Kong is well-positioned to spearhead green and sustainable finance. We are also developing Hong Kong into a philanthropic centre for global family offices and philanthropists to deploy charitable capital. The One Earth Summit will contribute to enhancing Hong Kong’s international profile in the green and sustainability domain, and showcase our commitment to developing Hong Kong as the leading green and sustainable finance hub, as well as a philanthropic centre.”
Ms Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, said, “The global pursuit to carbon neutrality has created a huge demand for innovative and technological solutions to reduce, mitigate or offset carbon emission. The strong presence of talent, skills and innovation in Hong Kong makes the region stand out as a bright spot for attractive investment opportunities that offer both impact and returns and a beacon of hope in combating the climate crisis. We are committed to providing support that will strengthen the Summit’s capacity for fostering international collaboration and investment in sustainability-focused initiatives.”
The Institute of Sustainability and Technology (IST) is a non-profit organisation with a mission to empower transformational solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. IST strives to accelerate the net-zero transition through international collaboration, sustainability education programmes, and interdisciplinary research.
Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) is a global initiative of the World Economic Forum to foster new and existing public, private and philanthropic partnerships (4Ps) to help unlock the $3 trillion of financing needed each year to reach net zero, reverse nature loss and restore biodiversity by 2050.
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to maintain and enhance Hong Kong’s status as a major international financial centre; maintain the integrity and stability of the financial system of HongKong; ensure orderly and efficient operation as well as prudent and appropriate regulation of the financial markets; and provide a business environment which is open, fair and conducive to financial market developments. FSTB seeks to achieve the above aims through formulating policies and/or introducing legislative proposals; assisting the Financial Secretary in overseeing the relevant regulatory authorities; co-ordinating and facilitating the implementation of new initiatives on financial infrastructure; and facilitating market innovation, etc.
InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies.
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World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation committed to improving the state of the world. In its capacity as a collaborator for the Summit, it will facilitate engaging the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
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