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.

Facing climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, global efforts to enforce environmental regulations are driving businesses toward sustainability and compliance, while fostering social responsibility. Central to this movement is the shift towards net-zero emissions, a transformation that goes beyond meeting regulatory demands to fundamentally changing business operations for long-term sustainability.

This session will bring together esteemed leaders as we explore the impacts and opportunities of these changes. Offering insightful discussions and expert guidance, the conference aims to equip businesses with the tools to thrive in this changing landscape, highlighting the role of regulatory changes in driving a sustainable, resilient future for Hong Kong’s business sector.

Learnings

• How are some of Hong Kong’s most complex organisations working to engage internal and external ecosystems to navigate climate action across multiple industries and geographies?
• What systemic changes and partnerships are needed to help us execute climate commitments, and turn transition risks to opportunities?
• How can we work together to tackle challenges, while maintaining growth ambitions and shareholder value creation?
• How can leadership companies leverage innovation to inspire ambition and drive solutions to reduce our carbon footprint over the next five to ten years? What are our biggest barriers?
• What impact are businesses feeling with new regulations being enforced?

Post-event Actions

• Gain insights on leading organisations’ carbon reduction approaches and cross-industry solutions.
• Rethink actions that your company and industry should focus on over the next ten years to turn risks into leadership opportunities, and make meaningful impact at the scale needed to address today’s most pressing climate challenges.
• Understand why business leaders have a compelling and common interest to work along each other and ensure the transformation of every aspect of industry to contribute to a net-zero economy by 2050

The mix of reporting standards is becoming increasingly complex as the number of options increases. With sustainability as a critical global issue, governments, organizations, and investors focus on sustainability regulatory standards and mandatory disclosure. This session aims to shed light on the significance of sustainability standards, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the implications of mandatory disclosure for businesses and investors as new climate-related disclosures are required in Hong Kong by 2025.

During this session, we will explore the current state of sustainability regulatory standards and their impact on various industries. We will delve into the key frameworks and guidelines, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), among others. By understanding these standards, delegates will gain insights into the expectations placed on organizations regarding sustainability performance measurement and reporting.

Throughout the session, we will hear from industry experts, and sustainability leaders who have first-hand experience navigating sustainability regulatory standards and their journey to mandatory disclosure. They will share their insights, best practices, and success stories, providing practical guidance to participants.

Learnings

• What is the evolving landscape of regulations and standards related to mandatory disclosure?
• What are the differences in the key regulatory frameworks and guidelines?
• What action must business take to ensure they are on track for mandatory disclosures?

Post-event Actions

• Gain insights into the expectations placed on organizations regarding sustainability performance measurement and reporting.

This session will explore the complexities of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, which occur in a company’s value chain. These emissions are often the largest share of a corporation’s carbon footprint and can be the most challenging to manage due to their indirect nature. The panel will explore strategies for businesses to effectively measure, report, and reduce these emissions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with suppliers and customers to achieve meaningful reductions.

Learnings

• What are the challenges associated with measuring Scope 3 emissions?
• How can you engage with suppliers and customers to encourage and facilitate emission reductions?

Post-event Actions

• Understanding what Scope 3 is and be able to create a baseline to create a framework for action.
• Understand the innovative approaches and technologies to mitigate Scope 3 emissions.

Water is the resource most vulnerable to climate change yet it’s the only resource we cannot survive without. Beyond quenching our thirst, we need water to grow food, generate power, mine and manufacture goods from fashion to electronics. It is an invaluable asset but with every degree of warming, threats to water security also increase. By 2050, 31% of global GDP worth US$70 trillion and 60% of the world’s population could be exposed to extremely high water stress for at least one month a year . Seas are also rising faster than we think redrawing coastlines & forcing migration unless we adapt. Given this, it is not surprising that leading corporates are innovating to adapt and thrive. Join us to find out how HK based corporates are driving global change to futureproof water
revolutionising industries with water in mind, carrying out water stress tests, striving for water neutrality plus more.

Learnings

• Why are companies taking action now to protect water? What exactly was the impetus?
• What do they view as the biggest short and long term water and climate risks?
• How are water and climate risks viewed & managed in the companies? Are they board level risks? Are they integrated into risk management?
• What are these innovations & how do they come up with them? Where can other companies start?
• What are the benefits of taking this protective action? How do they balance this against the investment ($, time, people +)?

Post-event Actions

• Leave with an understanding of urgent water and climate risks and why they matter/ are material to companies
• Be inspired and see that it’s possible for companies to innovate to protect water and that it is being done by Hong Kong companies
• Leave with an understanding of the range of actions companies can take to protect water from operations to supply chains and setting ambitious corporate targets to future proofing portfolios

This session targets the critical challenge of cutting carbon emissions in industries where such efforts are most difficult. These sectors contribute approximately 20% of global emissions and face significant hurdles due to technological, economic, or practical constraints.

We will delve into the innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies that hold the promise of transforming these stubborn sectors. From advancements in green energy to novel carbon capture methods, the focus will be on viable solutions that can pave the way for substantial emissions reductions.

The discussion will extend to collaborative efforts and policy frameworks that support the decarbonisation journey. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators, we aim to foster a dialogue that accelerates the pace of change. Join us as we explore the pathways and potential for achieving meaningful decarbonisation in the sectors where it is hardest yet most crucial.

Learnings

• What are the key challenges to decarbonise the Hard to Abate Sectors?
• How are companies using innovation and technology to reach their sustainability goals in these sectors?
• What collaborative efforts among industry leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators are essential?

Post-event Actions

• Leave with an understanding of how the hard-to-abate sectors are a large part of our journey to net zero and the urgency behind their decarbonisation.
• Be able to understand realistic pathways to achieve carbon neutrality in the hard to abate sectors.

The Global Biodiversity Framework clearly recognizes the role of businesses and financial institutions in achieving all the targets of the framework and a growing community of these actors recognise they cannot sustainably grow their business, or achieve their climate goals, without protecting and restoring nature. This 30-minute fireside chat explores how businesses are responding to the Nature Positive Challenge and what assistance is at hand to help.

As Hong Kong develops and implements its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for the next 10 years, this panel session addresses the business challenge of accounting for biodiversity and examines local opportunities for innovative public private partnerships.

A sustainable blue economy is an approach to economic development that seeks to promote the long-term health and sustainable use of ocean resources. In this session, our aim is to explore the immense potential and critical importance of harnessing our oceans and marine resources in a sustainable and responsible manner. Join us as we delve into how businesses can align their practices with sustainability goals at every stage of the value chain, while showcasing innovative solutions that accelerate the transformative power of sustainable blue practices.

Learn from industry experts and thought leaders who will share their insights, experiences, and best practices, providing valuable guidance on adopting sustainable approaches within various sectors.

Learnings

• What are the principles of the sustainable Blue Economy and how can we ensure the long-term health, resilience and sustainable use of the ocean resources?

Post-event Action

• Gain insights into best practices when protecting our ocean and resources.
• Rethink actions that your company engage in with the Blue Economy, and what they key focuses will be over the next 10 years.
• Learn how multi-sector collaborations can contribute to the movement towards a Sustainable Blue Economy.

Nature-positive development is an approach that recognizes the intrinsic value of nature and seeks to integrate it into economic activities and development plans. It aims to ensure that economic growth and human well-being are achieved in harmony with the conservation and restoration of ecosystems. This discussion session will explore the concept of nature-positive development, its principles, and its potential to drive sustainable and resilient growth. We will examine case studies and lessons learned from businesses that have successfully incorporated nature into their strategies, and discuss the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration for achieving nature-inclusive development goals.

Learnings

• What are the economic advantages for businesses in implementing Nature Based Solutions?
• What are the unique opportunities and challenges present in these regions and examine how experiences from other areas can shape and inform local Nature based Solutions strategies?
• How Nature based Solutions can contribute to risk reduction, increased resilience, and improved operational efficiency for businesses?

Post-event Actions

• Be able to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges present in these regions and examine how experiences from other areas can shape and inform local Nature Based Solutions strategies.
• Exchange valuable insights from global initiatives and best practices in implementing Nature based Solutions and explore their applicability in the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong

Collective action stands as a pivotal force in the battle against the climate emergency, underscoring the critical importance of collaboration among companies. In an era marked by escalating environmental challenges, the synergy between businesses acts as a catalyst for innovative solutions and sustainable outcomes. By pooling resources, sharing best practices, and aligning on climate goals, corporations can amplify their impact, pushing the envelope on what is achievable in sustainability. This united front not only accelerates progress towards a low-carbon economy but also sets a powerful example of responsible leadership, demonstrating that in the face of global challenges, collaboration is beneficial and essential. 

Learnings: 

• How does collaboration among corporations amplify their impact on addressing environmental challenges? 
• In what ways do shared practices among businesses foster innovation in sustainability? 
• Why is united action by corporations crucial for driving substantial progress towards a sustainable future? 

Post-event Actions: 

• Reflect on the importance of how business can drive environmental change through partnership and shared responsibility 

In Hong Kong, the business sector faces acute challenges from climate emergency, necessitated by its dense urban environment and economic structure. Rising sea levels, intensifying typhoons, and escalating temperatures pose significant risks to infrastructure, supply chains, and operational viability. For businesses, resilience and adaptation are not just environmental responsibilities but strategic imperatives crucial for sustainable growth and competitiveness. Innovating towards resilience allows companies to pre-empt climate risks, ensure continuity, and tap into new opportunities presented by the sustainable economy. Thus, in the context of Hong’s Kong’s vibrant but vulnerable economic landscape, building adaptive and resilient business practices is paramount for enduring success in the face of environmental uncertainties. 

Learnings: 

• What steps can businesses take to mitigate climate risks like rising sea levels and extreme weather in Hong Kong? 
• How can business collaborate to improve supply chain resilience against climate change? 
• What kind of collaboration with government will support the business sector in overcome extreme weather event? 

Post-event Actions: 

• Rethink climate resilience in a more extreme setting. 
• Understand what kind of collaboration and the latest implement from business and the government will help supporting the city-wide resilience discussion. 

In the face of escalating climate challenges, Hong Kong businesses stand at a crucial juncture requiring immediate and strategic action towards sustainability and decarbonisation. Transition planning for a lower-carbon future is vital, not only for mitigating environmental impact but also for ensuring long-term business resilience and competitiveness in the global market. As international regulatory landscapes evolve and consumer demand for sustainable practices grows, companies without clear net-zero strategies risk falling behind. Implementing transition plans allows Hong Kong businesses to lead in innovation, engage with different stakeholders, and contribute significantly to the city’s long-term climate targets, marking a critical step in both environmental stewardship and economic advancement. 

Learnings: 

• How can corporations plan for strategic transition planning? 
• What best practices exist for engaging stakeholders in a company’s transition? 
• What are the barriers and difficulties do corporations encounter when transitioning to a lower-carbon business model? 

Post-event Actions: 

• Get to know how corporations implement strategic transition planning and its importance  
• Understand the best practices in stakeholder engagement in transition towards a lower-carbon economy 
• Reflect on difficulties that corporations encounter while conducting strategic transition planning and how they overcome the problems