This session explores how cities can be reimagined with people at the heart of their design and function. In an era where urban spaces must be more than just sustainable, we will examine how to create environments that foster community wellbeing, inclusivity, and vibrant public life. Expert urban designers, policymakers, and community leaders will explore key areas include designing for accessibility across all ages and abilities, integrating nature into urban development, and fostering social cohesion through thoughtful public spaces. This session is a must for those passionate about building cities that put people first, ensuring Hong Kong evolves into a model of inclusive, sustainable urban living.

Learnings

• Understand how urban design can prioritise community wellbeing through inclusive, human-scale planning.
• Explore successful case studies of cities that have transformed public spaces to enhance social cohesion and livability.
• Learn how policy, design, and community engagement can work together to shape more equitable and accessible urban environments.

Post-event Actions

• Review and assess your current projects or policies to identify opportunities for integrating people-centric design principles.
• Engage with local communities or stakeholders to gather input on livability challenges and co-create inclusive solutions.

As cities strive for net-zero goals, managing the carbon footprint of infrastructure across its entire lifecycle is paramount. This session focuses on strategies for managing carbon emissions across every phase of an asset’s life—from design and construction to operation and eventual decommissioning. Discussions will cover cutting-edge tools and methodologies for measuring embodied and operational carbon, case studies of low-carbon infrastructure projects, and opportunities for innovation in materials and construction practices. Delegates will leave with a deeper understanding of how whole-life carbon thinking can drive more responsible decision-making, contribute to achieving net-zero goals, and create long-term value for communities and investors alike.

Learnings

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of whole-life carbon accounting and its role in sustainable infrastructure.
• Discover innovative tools and materials that reduce embodied and operational carbon in construction and maintenance.
• Learn from case studies that demonstrate how whole-life carbon management of infrastructure projects can be achieved.

Post-event Actions

• Initiate a carbon management system for current infrastructure projects to evaluate lifecycle emissions and identify reduction opportunities.
• Explore partnerships or training to integrate whole-life carbon methodologies into your organisation’s planning and procurement processes.

The transition to a resilient, clean energy future demands unprecedented collaboration across sectors and organisations. This session will explore how partnerships between governments, industry, and communities can accelerate the development of futureproof energy systems. Key discussion points include integrating renewable energy into urban infrastructure, scaling smart grids and storage solutions, and overcoming policy and investment barriers. Delegates will hear from leading experts on innovative models of collaboration and successful real-world projects. Attendees will gain practical insights into how to forge alliances that drive the shift towards flexible, reliable, and low-carbon energy systems that can adapt to the evolving needs of tomorrow’s cities.

Learnings

• Learn how cross-sector partnerships can accelerate the shift to renewable energy in urban settings
• Identify policy and investment enablers that support the development of flexible, resilient energy systems.

Post-event Actions

• Initiate discussions with local energy providers or policymakers to explore collaborative renewable energy projects.
• Review local or organisational energy strategies to align with futureproof energy principles discussed in the session.

As climate risks and urban challenges intensify, resilience must be embedded into the DNA of infrastructure. This session will focus on how engineers, designers, and policymakers can future-proof cities against shocks such as extreme weather, resource stress, and socio-economic disruptions. Discussions will cover resilience frameworks, adaptive design principles, and examples of infrastructure projects that have successfully integrated resilience from conception to completion. Delegates will learn how to move beyond reactive approaches and integrate resilience into project lifecycles, balancing cost, functionality, and long-term sustainability.

Learnings

• Learn about resilience frameworks and tools that help cities mitigate climate risks and enhance urban resilience.
• Discover best practices in designing and delivering infrastructure that is robust, adaptable, and futureproof.

Post-event Actions

• Advocate within your organisation or industry for embedding resilience metrics into infrastructure standards, funding criteria, and procurement processes.
• Apply resilience assessment frameworks to current or planned infrastructure projects to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for adaptive design.

The low-altitude economy holds immense potential to transform urban living by easing congestion, enhancing logistical efficiency, and reducing environmental impact using drones, eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), and other aerial technologies. However, realizing this vision requires overcoming significant technological, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges. This session brings together experts from leading delivery and eVTOL companies, urban planners, and policy advisors to explore how Hong Kong can strategically integrate the low-altitude economy into its urban fabric. Discussions will focus on the development of supportive infrastructure, the creation of new economic opportunities, and the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and sustainable operations. Join us to learn how Hong Kong can champion this emerging sector and set a global example for the future of urban air mobility and logistics.

Learnings

1. What are the most critical infrastructural and regulatory changes needed to support the growth of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong?
2. How can businesses leverage drone and eVTOL technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impacts?
3. What role can collaboration between the public and private sectors play in accelerating the development of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong?

Post-Event Actions

1. Assess the feasibility of adopting drone and eVTOL technologies within your organization’s operations and identify potential use cases.
2. Explore partnerships with technology providers or startups to pilot urban air mobility and logistics such as drone deliveries or eVTOL services.

The pivotal role of electric vehicle (EV) innovations drive Hong Kong’s transition toward a sustainable and low-carbon future. As one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Hong Kong faces unique challenges in reducing emissions from transportation, a major contributor to its carbon footprint. The discussion will explore the latest advancements in EV technology, including battery efficiency, charging infrastructure, and smart mobility solutions, and how these innovations can be tailored to meet the city’s specific needs.

Panellists will also address the barriers to widespread EV adoption, such as high costs, limited charging networks, and public awareness, while highlighting successful case studies and collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. By fostering dialogue among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, this session aims to identify actionable strategies to accelerate EV adoption and position Hong Kong as a leader in sustainable urban mobility.

Learnings

1. What are the most critical innovations in EV technology that can address Hong Kong’s unique urban and environmental challenges?
2. How can public-private partnerships accelerate the development and deployment of EV infrastructure in Hong Kong?
3. What policies or incentives are needed to encourage broader adoption of electric vehicles among businesses and consumers?

Post-Event Actions

1. Assess your organization’s fleet or transportation needs and explore opportunities to transition to electric vehicles.
2. Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies and technology providers, to advocate for expanded EV charging infrastructure in Hong Kong.
3. Educate employees, customers, or community members about the benefits of EVs and sustainable transportation options.

The latest IMO framework encourages the maritime industry to switch to alternative fuels however it remains agnostic on which zero and near zero emissions (NZN) fuel type should be promoted. While the discussions on which NZN fuels will emerge as the preferred choice, this panel will explore some of the efforts and opportunities within the industry to reach net zero outside of the fuel debate.

Learnings

• Whare are the maritime environmental protection technologies/solutions?
• Explore the potential of carbon capture technologies.
• How can businesses work together to develop Hong Kong’s port community system?

Post-event Actions

• Increased investment in technologies to support increased efficiencies in the maritime industry.

Join industry leaders as we explore the transformative developments in maritime energy. Our speakers will discuss the promising role of green fuels such as methanol as a sustainable marine fuel. Attendees will learn about methanol’s benefits, including lower emissions and its compatibility with existing engines. Industry experts will present successful case studies, illustrating how this transition can enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Discussions will also cover the opportunities and infrastructure developments needed for widespread methanol adoption and the regulatory landscape shaping its future.

Learnings

• Understanding Methanol’s Environmental Impact: Participants will gain insights into how methanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional marine fuels.
• Practical Implementation and Infrastructure Needs: The session will provide a detailed overview of the infrastructure required for methanol adoption, including bunkering facilities and storage solutions.
• Regulatory Framework and Market Opportunities: Participants will explore the current regulatory environment surrounding methanol as a marine fuel, including incentives and policies that support its adoption. It will explore Hong Kong’s role as a green bunkering hub and the market opportunities, such as partnerships and investments in methanol technology, equipping attendees with the knowledge to navigate and capitalize on emerging trends in the maritime energy landscape.

Post-Event Actions

• Engage with government and stakeholders to analyze investment opportunities to establish Hong Kong as a green fuel hub.
• Foster partnerships between shipping companies, green fuel suppliers, government and port authorities to address logistical and infrastructure challenges.