To explore how empowering young leaders can drive movements for social change, discussing strategies for training, supporting, and amplifying their voices. Participants will gain insights on fostering community-driven initiatives that address local issues effectively, with a focus on the importance of cross-sector collaboration.

Learnings

• Why is empowering young leaders essential for social change?
• What training and support systems can effectively empower young leaders?
• How can these challenges be overcome to ensure meaningful youth participation and leadership?
• What role does cross-sector collaboration play in empowering young leaders?
• What trends are shaping the future of youth leadership in social movements?

Post-Event Actions

• Identify and overcome barriers by conducting surveys and community forums to address challenges faced by youth in participating in social initiatives.
• Foster cross-sector collaboration by establishing partnerships with NGOs, government, and private sectors to enhance support for youth-led initiatives.
• Monitor emerging trends in youth leadership and social movements to inform future initiatives and training programs.

This session explores the potential of impact investing to create shared value for communities, businesses and investors alike. It will provide insights into the interplay between profit and purpose, delve into emerging trends and highlight case studies where organisations have successfully aligned their business goals with societal needs.

Learnings

• How can you create win-win solutions through impact investing to address social and environmental challenges that are aligned with company objectives, while enhancing long-term competitiveness and financial returns?
• What is the role of partnerships and collaboration in scaling initiatives and leveraging collective resources to drive systemic change?
• What effective frameworks and tools can be used to make data-driven decisions that align business values and investment goals, ensuring accountability and transparency in shared value initiatives?

Post-Event Actions

• Define specific social or environmental goals and outline investment types that drive sustainable growth
• Identify impact investing opportunities compatible with corporate objectives that could enhance the organisation’s longer-term competitiveness
• Implement a system to measure and communicate the outcomes of impact investments and shared value initiatives, fostering accountability and transparency

What is the role of culture in shaping a sustainable society? How can arts, culture, and heritage evoke emotion and drive behavioural change for sustainability? In this session, we will explore these often untapped mediums to engage the wider public to not only reflect but also actively participate in humanity’s greater effort towards social and environmental sustainability. We will examine how cultural narratives can highlight the interconnectedness of people and the planet, emphasising the importance of collective action.

Learnings

• Understand how cultural narratives shape perceptions of sustainability and foster a sense of shared purpose.
• Recognise the power of arts and culture to evoke emotions that drive behavioural change towards sustainability.
• Discover effective ways to communicate sustainability issues through creative mediums, making them more relatable and actionable.

Post-Event Actions

• Join community projects that use arts and culture to promote sustainability, such as murals, performances, or workshops.
• Explore how local culture can address sustainability issues, encouraging community input and collaboration.

This panel discussion will delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. Experts from various sectors will explore how AI is reshaping job roles, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation while also addressing concerns related to job displacement, ethical implications, and the need for reskilling. Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of AI integration, such as improved efficiency and decision-making, alongside the challenges it presents, including potential inequality and the importance of fostering a human-centered approach to technology in the workplace. Join us for an engaging dialogue that aims to illuminate the complexities of AI’s role in shaping the future of work.

Learnings

• Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI is transforming job roles across various sectors, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation.
• Discussions will focus on the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach to technology, ensuring that AI enhances rather than replaces human capabilities.
• Attendees will explore the potential inequalities that may arise from AI adoption and strategies to mitigate these issues, fostering a more equitable workplace.

Post-event actions

• Initiate or enhance training programs focused on reskilling employees to work alongside AI, ensuring they have the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven environment.
• Develop and adopt ethical guidelines for AI use within the organization, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI applications.

This panel discussion will focus on the critical strategies for attracting and retaining talent in the sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sectors through innovative educational pathways. Industry leaders and educators will share insights on the effectiveness of training courses, graduate schemes, and continuous learning initiatives in building a skilled workforce committed to sustainability. The panel will address the evolving demands of the job market, the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs, and the role of mentorship and community engagement in fostering a new generation of professionals. Join us to explore how targeted educational approaches can enhance talent retention and drive meaningful progress in sustainability and ESG initiatives.

Learnings

• The panel will highlight the evolving demands of the job market and the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs.
• Gain insights into critical strategies for attracting and retaining talent in the sustainability and ESG sectors through innovative educational pathways.

Post-event actions

• Assess and refine their educational programs to ensure alignment with industry needs, focusing on skills required for sustainability roles.
• Develop partnerships with educational institutions to create relevant training courses and graduate schemes.

This panel discussion will explore the implications of recent rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the United States and how these changes resonate across the Asia Pacific region. Experts in international business and social policy will analyse the potential ripple effects on corporate practices and cultural attitudes towards DEI in Asia. The conversation will highlight how companies in the region are responding—whether by reinforcing their own DEI commitments, adapting strategies, or facing challenges amid shifting global norms. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the interconnectedness of global DEI efforts and the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces in an increasingly diverse world. Join us for a critical dialogue on navigating these challenges and opportunities in the Asia Pacific context.

Learnings

• Attendees will explore the implications of recent rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the United States and their resonance across the Asia Pacific region.
• The discussion will highlight how companies in the region are responding to these changes, including reinforcing their DEI commitments, adapting strategies, and facing challenges amid shifting global norms.

Post-event actions

• Adapt strategies to address potential challenges arising from shifting global norms, ensuring that DEI efforts remain relevant and effective.
• Foster collaboration with local and regional stakeholders to share best practices and promote a collective approach to DEI in the Asia Pacific context.

We have known about fossil fuel-driven climate change since the late 1950s, but we are further than ever from a solution – let alone a reversal of temperatures. There is a growing body of thought that the doomsayers have had the effect of making things worse, rather than driving change. There is a growing body of evidence that we need to change the way we talk about climate change if we are to drive demonstrable change. We are seeing much greater emphasis on telling stories, and showing real people and the real-life effects climate change is having on them.

Learnings

• How are sustainability communications changing?
• Which organisations are doing it well, and who needs to think again?
• What are the practical steps any organisation can take to make changes?
• How do you bring storytelling into your communications?

Post-Event Actions

• Research and compile case studies of organisations excelling in sustainability communications to share best practices.
• Develop a checklist of practical steps organisations can implement to enhance their sustainability communications.

Consumers often publicly advocate for brands to step up their environmental and social responsibilities. But do they put their money where their mouth is? This session will discuss differing generational perspectives towards the responsibility of businesses versus buyers, the gap between what consumers say they want and what they actually buy, and if regulation is the only real backbone to change across Asian markets – especially in more difficult market conditions.

Learnings

• Understand the disparity between consumers’ advocacy for sustainability and their actual purchasing decisions.
• Explore how different generations prioritize corporate social responsibility and how this influences their buying habits.
• Assess the role of regulations in driving change in corporate practices and consumer behaviours in Asian markets.

Post-Event Actions

• Develop a simple guide for brands on improving transparency in their sustainability efforts.

As the geopolitical landscape transforms, so too does the narrative surrounding ESG communications. With global ESG investments dropping in 2023 and geopolitical tensions reshaping sustainability priorities, organizations must rethink how they communicate their ESG commitments. This panel discussion will explore how businesses can adapt their messaging and strategies to remain credible, transparent, and impactful in promoting sustainability amidst these challenges.

Learnings

• Understand major geopolitical changes (e.g., U.S.-China tensions, the ban on DEI in the US) that are reshaping ESG priorities and the impact on multi-national corporations.
• Explore ways that organizations can adjust their ESG messaging to resonate with stakeholders in a climate of scepticism and reduced funding.
• Practical advice on integrating geopolitical insights into ESG communication frameworks.

 Post-Event Actions

• Gain actionable insights on how to effectively communicate ESG initiatives within a changing geopolitical context.
• Learn practical strategies for adapting communication frameworks to meet the evolving expectations of stakeholders and investors.

This topic explores the powerful intersection of sports, mental health, and community building. Discover how sports participation not only enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and fostering a sense of belonging but also serves as a catalyst for building strong community connections. Through inclusive programs and partnerships, sports play a vital role in promoting diversity, supporting mental health initiatives, and creating a supportive environment for all. Join us on this journey of leveraging the transformative power of sports to nurture mental health and enhance community well-being.

Learnings

• Recognizing the role of physical activity in promoting mental well-being through the release of endorphins and improvement in overall brain function.
• Appreciating how sports can create a sense of community by fostering relationships, teamwork, and social connections among individuals.
• Exploring how sports programs can be tailored to address specific mental health challenges within communities, providing a platform for support and healing.
• Emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in sports to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the mental health and community-building aspects of sports.
• Learning about successful collaborations and partnerships between sports organizations, mental health professionals, and community groups to promote mental well-being through sports.

Post-Event Actions

• Reflective Journaling: Encourage delegates to reflect on key insights gained from the event in a personal journal. This can help them internalize learnings and identify actionable steps for implementation.
• Community Engagement: Encourage delegates to volunteer or participate in community sports programs that promote mental health and well-being. They can contribute their time and skills to support initiatives within their local communities.
• Action Planning: Encourage delegates to develop action plans based on the event learnings. They can set personal or company goals related to mental health, sports participation, or community building and work towards achieving them.