Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address (AM)

ReThink HK kicks-off with the Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address, live-streamed across the event. Government and private sector leaders will explore the current state of play in Hong Kong as well as discuss key issues that all organisations face in the race to net zero.

The opening programme will also address the challenges businesses are facing as Hong Kong transitions to mandatory disclosure and the complexities of measuring and reporting Scope 3 emissions.

Business & Nature (AM)

The Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) sets out the global ambition to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. This must be achieved by a whole-of society approach where the gains in the health, abundance, diversity and resilience of species, ecosystems and processes lead us towards a ‘nature positive’ future. 

Today, we are living in a world of breaking records—ocean surface temperatures, global surface temperatures, wildfires, floods, coral bleaching, species extinctions.  As such it is in all of our interests to act, not least the business sector, where the impacts and dependencies on nature are crucial, but not always recognised and understood. 

Mobilising Collective Action for Climate Emergency (PM)

“Mobilising Collective Action for Climate Emergency” is designed to act as a pivotal platform for driving a unified and effective response to the urgent challenge posed by the climate emergency. Recognising the dire need for immediate action, this programme brings together a diverse group of leaders, innovators, policymakers, and activists committed to fostering climate adaptation, resilience, and sustainable transition planning. Through an array of impactful keynote speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive workshops, participants will navigate the multifaceted dimensions of climate science, assess the socio-economic repercussions of climate change, and formulate collaborative strategies for a resilient transition to a sustainable future. 

This section aims to inspire a collaborative ethos, galvanize multi-stakeholder engagement, and instill a profound sense of urgency and collective responsibility in addressing the climate emergency. By showcasing effective models of climate adaptation and resilience, groundbreaking advancements in sustainable technology, and powerful narratives of community-led action, we seek to empower attendees with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary for spearheading transition planning within their communities and industries. Embrace this opportunity to be part of a transformative movement for collaborative action towards climate emergency, where every participant contributes to shaping a resilient, sustainable, and equitable world for generations to come. 

Business-Policy Nexus for Circularity and Sustainable Living

The sustainability agenda has evolved over time, from pollution control and social compliance to actively addressing climate change, circular economy, and liveability issues. The conventional linear economy model does not factor into environmental costs properly, and we count on governments with major responsibility to consider policy changes to meet sustainability challenges. In the past decade, corporates have started to reconsider their business models, explore if they can sustain business growth while reducing resource depletion, or even co-create wider environmental and social benefits in their operations. The latest ESG trends have prompted more businesses to embark on their sustainability journey. 

This programme aims at highlighting the role of business and policy in accelerating circularity and improving liveability in our world with limited resources. A closer look will be taken at latest sustainability challenges in Hong Kong and the wider region that BEC and other partners are trying to tackle, such as the unprecedented volume of waste, nature depletion and barriers of energy transition. We will explore how business initiatives and policy instruments could contribute to solving crisis and decoupling economic growth with resource consumption. The business-policy interdependence, synergy, and very often, misalignment will be discussed in depth.  

Rethinking Communities (AM)
重新思考社區發展

(Hosted in Cantonese with
English simultaneous interpretation)
論壇將以廣東話舉行

Cross-sector stakeholders are investing into under-resourced neighbourhoods, such as Kwun Tong and Sham Shui Po to uplift residents and the communities. Apart from nonprofits, public agencies and philanthropies, businesses and residents themselves have also taken the mantle up to become neighbourhood contributors, forming public-private-people partnerships (4Ps) in creating thriving communities. How might businesses operating in these neighbourhood play an active role in energizing neighbourhood development, thereby reinforcing their commitment to the “S” in ESG?

Rethinking Communities will highlight the role of unusual partnerships in anchoring a co-creation and co-caring spirit in neighbourhoods, as well as developing innovative social solutions to tackle urban challenges across Asian cities.

Rethinking Sustainability for SME’s (PM)
中小企的可持續發展

(Hosted in Cantonese with
English simultaneous interpretation)
論壇將以廣東話舉行

Hong Kong’s SME sector is a vital and dynamic force with over 360,000 companies. As sustainability becomes an increasingly crucial aspect of business operations, SMEs have a unique opportunity to rethink their approach and harness its potential for tangible business value.

Rethinking Sustainability for SMEs aims to explore the transformative power of sustainable practices for SMEs in Hong Kong. This forum, conducted in Cantonese with English interpretation, will delve into the reasons behind the importance of adopting sustainable business models and how they can drive long-term success and create value for the communities they serve.

By showcasing real-world examples and best practices, this forum will empower SMEs to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, seize new business opportunities, and build resilient supply chains. It will also shed light on meeting the changing expectations of customers and investors, while highlighting the benefits of integrating sustainability into every aspect of operations.

Rethinking Liveable Cities

Join us at the Rethinking Liveable Cities programme, where we explore innovative solutions for creating a more liveable and sustainable Hong Kong. This programme will focus on liveability, green technology, urban design, built environments, nature-based solutions, and showcases the Northern Metropolis development project. 

Delegates will gain valuable insights into integrating green technology into businesses, sustainable energy, and exploring visionary urban design concepts that prioritize community wellbeing, accessibility, and sustainability. The programme will also delve into nature-based solutions, including the integration of green spaces and urban forests, will be highlighted as means to enhance liveability, and biodiversity preservation.

Rethinking Mobility & Transportation

Join us at the Rethinking Mobility and Transportation Programme as we embark on a journey to reimagine how we navigate our cities. Our program is designed to spark innovative ideas and foster collaboration across various domains. 

We’ll explore the future of urban mobility, touching on topics such as aviation, the intriguing relationship between shopping trends and transportation choices, the intricacies of road smart mobility, and the seamless integration of multi-modal solutions. Be part of the transformation as we rethink mobility, reduce emissions, and enhance quality of life. 

Rethinking Shared Value (AM)

Rethinking Shared Value is an interactive learning experience presented by Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong. Participants will deepen their understanding of shared value, a business strategy that reinvents value creation and aligns profit and purpose. We will explore how social and environmental impact can drive financial value, and how partnerships across private, public, and civil sectors play a key role in creating shared value. Get ready to challenge business as usual and unlock new possibilities for changemakers across sectors to amplify their impact. 

Rethinking Workforce Transformation (PM)

In today’s business world, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has power far beyond buzzwords. In addition to being the right thing to do from a moral perspective, there is also a compelling business case for launching DEI programmes in our workplace. 

Key discussions in Rethinking Workforce Transformation will address DEI as a business and communication strategy, and why creating a culture of respect and belonging in which all employees feel empowered to contribute their best will only serve to benefit our organisations in the long term. 

We will also explore the sustainability skills gap as it relates to competence greenwashing.

Rethinking Marketing & Communications (AM)

In an era where conscious consumerism and environmental awareness are paramount, the Rethinking Marketing & Communications program aims to equip and inspire business delegates with innovative strategies on how communications and marketing functions can drive sustainability change for internal and external stakeholders.

Join us to discover how to align organizational values with employee engagement, fostering a brand that resonates with purpose. As well as learn effective communication techniques to drive positive impact, engaging consumers as partners in sustainable transformation. Finally, we address the pros and cons of leveraging the marketing and communications function to drive ESG.

Through three engaging sessions, participants will be explore, inspire and empower industry leaders to champion sustainable marketing and communications, shaping a brighter future for businesses and our planet.

Rethinking Health & Wellbeing (PM)

The Rethinking Health & Wellbeing programme aims to bring together leaders, experts and professionals from various industries to explore the most pressing issues in the realm of health and wellbeing. By prioritizing employee well-being, embracing responsible practices in sports, andpursuing the innovation and social responsibility of food and nutrition, organisations can create supportive environments that foster holistic well-being and contribute to a sustainable and healthy future.

Rethinking Facilities Management

With the world now transitioned from a post-Covid reality, locally, Hong Kong has drawn increasing attention to our relationship with and time spent in commercial, residential, community and public spaces. Companies have since started bringing into conversation how business strategies and practices should be redefined for more environment and social-oriented initiatives, as well as the integration of innovation to enable more tech-efficient use of space. Rethinking Facilities Management will advise on what this could mean for offices of the future, procurement and a new vision for sustainable facilities management.

Rethinking Finance

Green and sustainable finance has become a global trend, driven by the collective efforts of public and private actors for the net-zero transition. This has created enormous opportunities for reprioritising economic activities and realigning investment portfolios toward sustainable development. 

Rethinking Finance will bring together regulators, investors, researchers and finance professionals to look into Hong Kong’s rapid expansion of sustainable finance deals, the growing practice of taking ESG into investment considerations, the increasing demand in transition finance, as well as how SMEs, asset owners and multinational corporations can access new breeds of green financing in the city’s efforts to capitalize on its strengths and accelerate its emergence as a green finance hub for the region.

Green Leaders of Tomorrow

While the imperative task of cultivating green talent remains significant in empowering the next generation, it represents only one facet of the multidimensional puzzle. To effectively address the pressing challenges of climate change, a comprehensive and collaborative effort spanning generations and disciplines is indispensable.

The Green Leaders of Tomorrow programme is designed to bridge an intergenerational and collaborative dialogue between young changemakers and established leaders to share their efforts in innovating sustainability and discuss how we could better address the pressing issues in the present collectively. How can we empower the next generation to disrupt the status quo? How can we foster collaboration between organisations of all sizes to tackle social and environmental challenges arising from climate change? What role can youths play in ensuring that Hong Kong is on an authentic trajectory to meet its net zero and climate goals?

Rethinking Talent Development

Rethinking Talent Development The Rethinking Talent Development roundtable session offers stakeholders across sectors a unique opportunity to come together to explore key challenges and effective solutions to achieve the ‘S’ in ESG through talent development. Participants will:

• Gain diverse perspectives from HR leads and future youth leaders on expectations around talent acquisition, development, and engagement;
• Discover meaningful ways to engage existing talent in developing the next generation of young leaders;
• Develop an action plan to engage and develop a sustainable, purpose-driven intergenerational workforce through impact creation/community building.

Rethinking Food Systems

The energy and transport industries are two of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions and the climate crisis, but both are successfully decarbonising at a rapid and increasing rate. As the transition to green energy and fuel accelerates, the third biggest carbon emitter – the food and agricultural industry – is set to take centre stage as the most pressing and least addressed issue.

Within the next 10 years, our food systems will become the main focus in the fight against the climate crisis – but it will be too late to catalyse the scale of change that we need. The time to act is now; we need an immediate and drastic overhaul of how we grow, source, prepare and consume our food. This is a pivotal moment across the globe.

Countries across Asia have an opportunity to act more decisively than their Western counterparts have done, learning from the mistakes others have made over the past two decades and stepping into the future as world leaders in food systems transformation. With its unique position at the intersection between food systems and food consumers, the hospitality industry has a critical role to play in this seismic shift.

Join The Sustainable Restaurant Association in a revolutionary session designed to inspire, inform and galvanise the sector for positive and impactful change.

Rethinking Inclusion

This roundtable focuses on reimagining inclusion as a conscious act by understanding the realities of the diversity and inclusion in Hong Kong today.

To the reimagine inclusion as a conscious act, the roundtable encourages participants to

• Reflect – exploring the DE&I realities of Hong Kong and workplaces today by understanding the dimensions to diversity in everyday life
• Rethink – As you reimagine inclusion to be a conscious action, participants are encouraged rethink mindsets and possibilities for behaviour and social change
• Realign – realigning goals that are fit for purpose to encourage participation in the society and also give voice to marginalised communities
• Rebalance – rebalancing inequitable systems in the society and in workplaces through the work of community groups and employee groups that would help change systems
• Re-engage – re-engaging communities for wider impact where inclusion is an everyday occurrence.

Green Collaboration Partners