2026 Conference Agenda
2026 Conference Agenda
7 Stages / 500+ Speakers
150+ Sessions
Curated and hosted concurrently across nine theatres and stages plus a series of deep-dive workshops and roundtables.
The programme is designed across a dynamic content matrix structured by topic, industry, and job function for corporates, enterprise businesses and SMEs.
ReThink HK is one of the region’s most comprehensive forums for discussing how businesses can build resilience and drive green growth by mitigating climate change, investing in technology, using resources sustainably, and reducing inequality.
Our ambition is significant, but so is the challenge ahead for our communities, our city and, our planet.
Through shared responsibility, collective change, and a pivot in the way organisations measure success, we are taking a moonshot here – encouraging businesses to embrace innovation, work together, respect and protect our environment and natural resources, and commit to improving the lives of all.
2026 Conference Overview
Day 1 – 10th September
Day 2 – 11th September
09:00
09:30
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11:00
11:30
12:00
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Opening Ceremony 09:20 – 09:50 Opening Address – Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology 09:50 – 10:00 Creating Sustainable Business Value in Turbulent Times 10:00 – 10:20 Creating Sustainable Business Value in Turbulent Times 10:00 – 10:20 Adapting to Global Shifts: Strengthening Systemic Resilience Across Asia 10:20 – 11:10 From Targets to Delivery: Can Hong Kong Accelerate Progress Toward its 2035 and 2050 Climate Commitments? 11:20 – 12:10 The Carbon Balance Sheet: How Emissions Performance is Reshaping Risk, Capital and Competitiveness 12:10 – 13:00 Retrofitting the Vertical City: Can Existing Buildings be Transformed Fast Enough to Meet Climate Targets? 13:55 – 14:45 Powering the Digital Future: Can Hong Kong Meet AI Energy Demand and Its Decarbonisation Targets? 15:25 – 16:15 Nature-Positive Development: How Can Cities Integrate Biodiversity, Climate Resilience and Urban Growth? 16:15 – 17:05 Mobilising Hong Kong’s Climate Talent to Deliver: Our Role in Asia’s Climate Transition 17:05 – 17:55 Opening Welcome 11:00 – 11:05 The Men in Black Session : Three Scientists. Three Systems. One Planet. Part I: Atmosphere: Reading the Signals of a Changing Climate 11:05 – 11:20 The Men in Black Session : Three Scientists. Three Systems. One Planet. Part II: Oceans: Sea-Level Rise and the Future of Coastal Cities 11:20 – 11:35 The Men in Black Session : Three Scientists. Three Systems. One Planet. Part III: Biodiversity: Nature Loss, Wildlife Trade and Hong Kong’s Global Footprint 11:35 – 11:50 The Men in Black Session : Three Scientists. Three Systems. One Planet. Part IV: Moderated Discussion 11:50 – 12:20 Our Food Systems: Recoupling Climate & Nature 12:20 – 13:10 The Local Blueprint: Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) 14:00 – 14:15 Shifting Compliance Baselines: Climate and Nature Action in Hong Kong 14:15 – 15:05 Covering Your Assets: Climate Risks 15:05 – 15:55 Transition to Carbon Negative and Nature Positive 16:15 – 17:05 Future-Proofing Operations: Corporate Adaptation and Resilience 17:05 – 17:55 From Climate Risk to Resilience: Strategic Approaches for the Built Environment 11:10 – 12:00 Advancing Retrofit Solutions for the Existing Building Stock 12:00 – 12:50 Affordable and Sustainable Housing at Speed 12:50 – 13:40 From Reactive to Proactive: How AI is Powering Smarter, Future-Ready Building Operations 14:40 – 15:30 Advancing Green Behaviours in Green Buildings: Tenant Engagement as the Bridge to Real Impact 15:30 – 16:20 Clean Energy and Hydrogen for Construction: Practical Pathways to Reduce On-Site Emissions 11:05 – 11:55 Progressing to Net-Zero Through Carbon Capture & Energy Storage 11:55 – 12:45 Designing SAF Demand: What Global Policies and Experiments Teach Hong Kong 12:45 – 13:35 Future Mobility Scenarios and Roadmap to 2030 and 2050 14:35 – 15:25 Built to Last: Maximising Efficiency and Minimising Embodied Carbon 11:15 – 12:05 Asia’s Materials Revolution: Building Circular Textiles Through Partnerships 12:05 – 12:55 Translating Circularity: From Material Innovation to Community Impact 12:55 – 13:45 Public-Private Synergy: Connecting Waste Infrastructure and Resource Recovery for a Circular Hong Kong 14:45 – 15:35 The New Green Frontier: Driving Circular Innovation and Cross-Border Synergy 15:35 – 16:25 Designing Recycling Systems for Local Communities: Paper, Metal, Plastic and Beyond 16:25 – 17:15 Unveling of The ReThink Foundation 2026 Grantees 11:00 – 11:20 From Liquidity to Resilience: Rethinking SME Financing for a Net-Zero Real Economy 11:30 – 12:20 Capital with Purpose Initiative — Scaling Innovation, Transforming Systems & Advancing Inclusive Growth 12:20 – 13:10 Opening Welcome from The British Chamber Of Commerce In Hong Kong 14:55 – 15:00 Data: The Strategic Architecture of a Sustainable Future 15:00 – 15:50 Leveraging Credible Sustainability Systems for Resilient Investments 15:50 – 16:40 The Double-Edged Sword of AI: Balancing Innovation with Environmental Responsibility 11:00 – 11:50 Sphera & Johnson Electric: Preparing for the Future of Global Sustainability Reporting 11:50 – 12:05 Beyond Electrification 14:20 – 14:50 Austrian Innovation: Trusted Expertise 14:50 – 15:20 Greener Property Management Futures: Innovating for Sustainable Cities through Urban Biodiversity and AI-Driven Operations 16:40 – 17:00 Scaling Climate Innovation: From University Breakthroughs to Market-Ready Solutions 17:10 – 17:40 What Meaningful Human Rights Due Diligence Approaches Look Like in Practice 10:15 – 11:30 Beyond the Bin: Rethinking Waste in Hong Kong 14:00 – 15:15 Operationalizing Sustainability: Developing Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Programs for HKEX IFRS and ESRS requirements 10:15 – 11:30 Designing with Nature-based Solutions (NbS): Towards an Ecological and Healthy City 12:00 – 13:15 From ISSB Readiness to Stakeholder Engagement: Building an End-to-End ESG Reporting Journey 14:00 – 15:15 From Data to Action: Affordable Housing at Speed 15:45 – 17:00 Rethinking Community Making – Neighborhood Innovation 10:00 – 11:30 Rethinking Social Impact Through AI Application 12:00 – 13:30 Building Trust in the Transition: The Role of Green Professional Services 14:00 – 15:30 Integrated Transition Plan: Value from Connecting Climate, Nature & People 16:00 – 17:3009:00
09:30
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The Great Debate 16:30 – 17:35 Beyond Carbon Neutrality: Forging a Green Energy Future for Hong Kong’s Evolving Energy Landscape 10:00 – 10:15 China’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality: Navigating the Energy & Economic Transition 10:20 – 10:40 Nature-Positive: A Whole-of-Government and Society Approach 10:40 – 11:00 The Role of China’s Five-Year Plans in its Environmental Governance 11:00 – 11:20 From Mission to Policy to Action: Aligning Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan with National Goals 11:20 – 12:00 Unlocking Hydrogen Scalability in Hong Kong’s Energy Transition 13:00 – 13:50 Beyond Credible Transition Planning to Transactions: Executing Transition Finance in the Real Economy 13:50 – 14:40 Beyond the Super-Connector: Scaling GBA Green Technology Across Asia-Pacific 14:40 – 15:30 Climate Governance in Practice: Decisions Shaping Climate Outcomes 15:30 – 16:20 The Great Debate 16:30 – 17:35 The Great Debate: This House Believes Corporate Action and Individual Civic Duty, Not Policy Shifts, Are the Fastest Way to Achieve a Climate-Resilient Hong Kong 16:30 – 17:35 Opening Welcome on Behalf of BEC 10:30 – 10:35 Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Policy: BSAP Breakdown 10:35 – 10:55 BSAP, Hong Kong’s Nature Blueprint and Business Action 10:55 – 11:45 Concrete & Canopies: Integrating Nature, Infrastructure, Development and Planning 11:45 – 12:35 Financing Nature & Resilience: How to Structure Bankable Deals 13:20 – 14:10 From Ocean to Orbit: Tech Innovations Transforming Nature Monitoring and Climate Action 14:10 – 15:00 Practical Solutions: Climate and Nature Tech in Action 15:00 – 15:50 Opening Welcome from MTR 10:30 – 10:40 Innovation for Smart & Sustainable Transportation Systems 10:40 – 11:40 Orchestrating Hong Kong’s Low-Altitude Ecosystem 11:40 – 12:30 Building Circular Cities: Driving Construction Material Reuse 13:10 – 14:00 Connecting Carbon, Communities and Nature: Reimagining the Future of Net-Zero Connected Cities 14:00 – 14:50 So French So Green – Sustainable Solutions for Green Cities: Buildings and Mobility 15:00 – 16:30 Connecting the Dots: How Capital Moves Through the Energy Transition Finance Chain 10:45 – 11:35 Scaling ASEAN Renewables through Integrated Climate Finance & Value Chain Partnerships 11:35 – 12:25 Investing in Asia’s Fossil‑Fuel‑to‑Renewables Transition: Capital, Competitiveness and a Just Energy Shift 12:25 – 13:15 Innovating Port Logistics: Integrating Sustainable Measures for a Greener Future 13:55 – 14:45 Green Shipping Corridors: Positioning Hong Kong and the GBA as a Regional Net‑Zero Maritime Hub 15:35 – 16:25 The Green Supply Chain: Embedding Carbon Reduction Goals into Sourcing and Procurement Decisions 10:15 – 11:05 Exploring Social Issues from a Sustainable Supply Chain Perspective 11:05 – 11:55 From Compliance to Competitiveness: Building Practical Due Diligence Systems for Business Success 11:55 – 12:45 Accelerating the Transition: Implementing Circular Supply Chains from Design to End-of-Life 13:55 – 14:45 How Procurement Organisations can Effectively Empower Suppliers through a Sustainability Lens to Achieve Mutual Progress and Growth 14:45 – 15:35 The Tyranny of the Measurable: Is Our Obsession with Reporting Killing the Very Purpose We’re Trying to Quantify? 10:45 – 11:35 Impact Capital for Planetary Resilience: Heat, Water, and What’s Next 11:35 – 12:25 Impact Safari: Brand New Approach to Impact Ecology 12:25 – 13:15 Reimagining Sustainability Storytelling: Balancing Authenticity, Accountability and Aspiration 14:00 – 14:50 Blind Spots At The Top – Why Homogenous Leadership Fails 14:50 – 15:40 Workforce Transformation for Social Good: Rethinking Talent Development for a Future-Ready Economy 15:40 – 16:30 AI Opportunities in Energy Infrastructure Development in the Greater Bay Area 10:40 – 11:30 Sweden Re:Designs the Future 11:30 – 12:00 Scaling Green Tech: 6 HKUST Startups Transforming University R&D into Global Action 14:50 – 15:40 Architecting the Intelligent Enterprise: Transforming Corporate Operations through AI x ERP Synergy 10:15 – 11:30 Cut Through the Noise: How to Communicate Sustainability Progress with Substance and Accountability 15:15 – 16:30 Green by Design, Lean by Default: How Sustainable Design Decisions Cut Product Cost 10:15 – 11:30 Nature as a Business Solution: Inspirations for Hong Kong Companies 13:45 – 15:00 Know What You’re Sitting On: A Furniture Teardown Workshop 15:15 – 16:30 The 3.6% Premium: Resilience and ROI Through Shared Intelligence and AI 10:00 – 11:30 Rethinking How Capital Markets and Lenders Evaluate Sustainability Performance, and What That Means for Financing Decisions 14:00 – 15:30Knowledge Partner
Session Partners
ReThink Forum – Day 1
The Day 1 programme examines how Hong Kong can navigate the transition from climate ambition to delivery, focusing on the systems, capital, and infrastructure required to meet its 2035 and 2050 targets. Participants will explore how geopolitics, energy demand, and emissions performance are reshaping risk, investment, and competitiveness across the city. Through case studies and practical insights, the programme highlights how policymakers, corporates and investors can accelerate decarbonisation, retrofit the built environment, and integrate biodiversity and workforce readiness into long-term transition strategies.
ReThink Forum – Day 2
The Day 2 programme examines how Hong Kong can align with national priorities and translate policy into execution, positioning itself at the centre of Asia’s transition economy. Participants will explore the financial, regulatory, and market mechanisms required to mobilise capital, scale transition finance, and support cross-border collaboration within the Greater Bay Area. Through case studies and practical insights, the programme highlights how organisations can move beyond frameworks to create markets, export green technologies across the region, and embed governance structures that enable credible, long-term net-zero delivery.
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|
| Adapting to Global Shifts: Strengthening Systemic Resilience Across Asia | Deciphering the 15th FYP: Future Strategy for National Energy & Carbon Mandates |
| From Targets to Delivery: Can Hong Kong Accelerate Progress Toward its 2035 and 2050 Climate Commitments? | Nature-Positive: Integrating Ecosystem Resilience into Urban Development |
| The Carbon Balance Sheet: How Emissions Performance is Reshaping Risk, Capital and Competitiveness | The GBA Economic Pivot: Financing the Transition within the New National Cycle |
| Retrofitting the Vertical City: Can Existing Buildings Be Transformed Fast Enough to Meet Climate Targets? | Policy into Action: Aligning Hong Kong’s Fiscal Response with National Goals |
| Powering the Digital Future: Can Hong Kong Meet AI Energy Demand and its Decarbonisation Targets? | From Taxonomies to Transactions: Executing Transition Finance in the Real Economy |
| Nature-Positive Development: How Can Cities Integrate Biodiversity, Climate Resilience and Urban Growth? | The Super-Connector: Exporting GBA Green-Tech to the APAC Region |
| The Net-Zero Workforce: Can Hong Kong Build the Skills Needed to Deliver the Climate Transition? | Climate Governance 2026: Institutionalising Hong Kong’s Net-Zero Vision |
| The Great Debate |
Exclusive Co-Organiser
Knowledge Partner
Programme Partner
Session Partner
BEC Climate & Nature Theatre – Day 1
The Day 1 programme examines how organisations can understand and respond to the growing intersection of climate and nature risks, with a focus on resilience, disclosure, and operational performance. Participants will explore the physical impacts of climate change, the role of biodiversity and natural systems, and the increasing expectations around climate and nature-related reporting. Through case studies and practical insights, the programme highlights how businesses can integrate risk into asset management, strengthen decarbonisation strategies, and build more resilient operations in the face of environmental uncertainty.
BEC Climate & Nature Theatre – Day 2
The Day 2 programme examines how Hong Kong can translate nature and biodiversity commitments into practical action, with a focus on finance, planning, and implementation. Participants will explore how frameworks such as the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) can drive business engagement, and how capital can be mobilised to support nature-based solutions and resilience projects. Through case studies and practical insights, the programme highlights how organisations can integrate nature into infrastructure and development, and leverage emerging technologies and business models to deliver scalable environmental solutions.
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|
| Concrete & Canopies: Integrating Nature, Infrastructure, Development, and Planning | Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Policy: BSAP Breakdown |
| Climate at a Crossroads: Understanding Risk, Tipping Points, and Sea‑Level Rise | Hong Kong’s Nature Blueprint and Business Action |
| Planetary Balance: Oceans, Atmosphere, and the Climate Challenge Ahead | Concrete & Canopies: Integrating Nature, Infrastructure, Development and Planning |
| Our Food Systems: Recoupling Climate & Nature | Financing Nature & Resilience |
| The Local Blueprint: Hong Kong’s Five-year Plan (2026-2030) | Nature in 4D: Digitalising Nature for Eco-Tourism in Hong Kong |
| Shifting Compliance Baselines: Climate and Nature Action in Hong Kong | Practical Solutions: Climate and Nature Tech in Action |
| Covering Your Assets: Climate Risks | |
| Transition to Carbon Negative and Nature Positive | |
| Future-Proofing Operations: Corporate Adaptation and Resilience |
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|
| Construction & Infrastructure | Multi-Modal Integrated Transportation |
| Building Management | Innovation in the Net-Zero Connected Cities |
Strategic Partners
Session Partners
Day 1 — Construction & Infrastructure + Building Management
The Day 1 programme examines how Hong Kong can strengthen the resilience and performance of its built environment as the city transitions toward a low-carbon future. Participants will explore the systems, materials, and digital tools that enable more efficient construction, modernised infrastructure, and high-performing buildings across dense urban areas. Through case studies and practical insights, the programme highlights how developers, engineers, and facility managers can accelerate retrofits, improve operational efficiency, and integrate climate-ready design into existing and future assets.
Day 2 — Transport & Mobility + Urban Planning & Liveability
Day 2 focuses on how cities can deliver cleaner, safer, and more connected urban environments through forward-looking mobility systems and people-centred planning. Attendees will explore strategies for reducing transport emissions, enhancing multimodal movement, improving street-level experience, and designing neighbourhoods that support health and social wellbeing. The programme emphasises how integrated planning, mobility innovation, and community-scale interventions can shape a more liveable and sustainable Hong Kong.
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|
| New Energy | Financing the Net-Zero Energy Transition |
| E-Mobility | Powering the Future of Aviation, Maritime and Public Transport |
Strategic Partner
Session Partners
Day 1 — Powering Hong Kong’s Transition + Infrastructure & Grid Modernisation
The Day 1 programme explores Hong Kong’s rapidly evolving energy landscape and the infrastructure upgrades required to support electrification across transport, buildings, and the digital economy. Discussions will examine the city’s future energy mix, grid flexibility needs, and the investments and policy shifts necessary to deliver reliable, low-carbon power. Participants will gain insights into the opportunities and practical challenges involved in modernising energy systems at scale.
Day 2 — Commercial Electrification + Hydrogen & New Energy Systems
Day 2 examines the growing role of new energy technologies in decarbonising Hong Kong’s hard-to-abate sectors. Attendees will engage with emerging commercial applications for electrification, hydrogen, and storage, and explore how these solutions can be deployed safely, efficiently, and economically. The programme highlights the operational realities, cross-border considerations, and innovation pathways that will shape Hong Kong’s next decade of energy transformation.
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|
| Future-Ready Materials | Sourcing and Procurement |
| Beyond Waste: Circular Innovations | Manufacturing and Supply Chains |
Strategic Partner
Session Partners
Day 1 — Future-Ready Materials + Sustainable Supply Chains
The Day 1 programme examines how material innovation and responsible sourcing can reshape value chains and reduce environmental impact. Participants will explore low-impact materials, bio-based alternatives, transparency tools, and the practices that strengthen traceability across regional supply networks. The programme highlights how businesses can adopt forward-looking material strategies that enhance resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability performance.
Day 2 — Circular Resource Systems + Waste Reduction Strategies
Day 2 explores practical pathways for accelerating Hong Kong’s transition toward a circular resource system. Attendees will examine opportunities to redesign products and processes, enhance recovery and reuse, and reduce landfill dependence across the real economy. The programme emphasises scalable solutions, policy drivers, and cross-sector collaboration that enable organisations to minimise waste, improve efficiency, and contribute to long-term environmental resilience.
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|
| Real Economy Financing for SMEs | Social Impact and Philanthropy |
| The Role of Data in Driving Impact | Authentic Leadership and Workforce Transformation for Lasting Impact |
Programme Partner
Session Partners
Day 1 AM – Real Economy Financing for SMEs
This programme is designed to equip SME owners and financial professionals with the essential tools and insights needed to navigate the evolving funding landscape. Each session focuses on a critical pillar of real economy financing—ranging from green credit and sustainable finance to impact-linked finances — fostering a comprehensive understanding of how innovative capital solutions can drive long-term resilience and competitive growth for small and medium enterprises.
Day 1 PM – The Role of Data in Driving Impact
This programme explores the critical intersection of data analytics and sustainability, focusing on how robust metrics are essential for navigating the complexities of ESG reporting. As regulatory examination builds and stakeholder expectations shift, it is crucial to move beyond basic data collection toward actionable intelligence.
Participants will engage in discussions on bridging the “data gap,” leveraging AI for real-time supply chain transparency, and the transformative role of verifiable data in driving internal accountability and unlocking long-term strategic value.
Day 2 AM – Social Impact and Philanthropy
The Social Impact and Philanthropy programme explores the evolving landscape of purpose-driven investment. It begins by challenging whether an obsession with reporting has stifled genuine progress, questioning if the focus has shifted from real-world change to mere compliance. The narrative then moves toward action, examining how “impact capital” can be strategically deployed to address urgent climate crises like extreme heat and water stress. Finally, the programme introduces a holistic “impact ecology” approach, breaking down traditional silos to create a connected, thriving ecosystem. Together, these sessions provide a roadmap for moving beyond data toward a resilient, systemic model for global impact.
Day 2 PM – Authentic Leadership and Workforce Transformation for Lasting Impact
The afternoon programme on Day 2 explores how a company’s internal culture shapes its external impact.
The sessions look at the future of sustainability storytelling, focusing on how to stay authentic and honest while inspiring change. The programme also highlights the power of young leadership and how the next generation can drive real growth. And last, but not least, the discussion shows the business value of diverse perspectives, demonstrating how inclusive teams help companies spot new risks and opportunities that others might miss. Together, these topics provide a roadmap for building a future-ready workforce that communicates its purpose with confidence.
| Digital Transformation and Infrastructure / Green FinTech | Pitching Competitions |
| Artificial Intelligence | Innovation Spotlights |
Innovation Partner
Session Partner
Day 1 — Digital Transformation for Sustainability + Smart Operations
The Day 1 programme highlights how digitalisation, automation, and data-driven decision-making can accelerate sustainability outcomes across Hong Kong’s real economy. Participants will explore practical applications of emerging technologies that optimise operations, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen long-term resilience. Through examples from across sectors, the programme demonstrates how smart systems can deliver measurable impact when aligned with organisational strategy and operational needs.
Day 2 — ClimateTech & Applied Innovation + Emerging Solutions for Resilience
Day 2 showcases the technologies and business models driving Hong Kong’s climate-adaptation and decarbonisation efforts. Attendees will explore innovations in environmental intelligence, risk analytics, materials science, and low-carbon technologies, with a focus on scalable, commercially ready solutions. The programme highlights how applied innovation can strengthen resilience, support compliance with evolving standards, and open new economic opportunities for businesses.
| Rethinking Community Making – Neighborhood Innovation (Hosted in Cantonese) |
| Rethinking Social Impact Through AI Application |
| Building Trust in the Transition: The Role of Green Professional Services |
| Building Trust in the Transition: The Role of Green Professional Services |
| From Data to Action: Affordable Housing at Speed |
| Nature as a Business Solution: Inspirations for Hong Kong Companies |
| Cut Through the Noise: How to Communicate Sustainability Progress With Substance and Accountability |
Roundtable Partners
ReThink HK provides insight and inspiration for driving sustainable development across globally recognised risk and opportunity topics, always with a Hong Kong context.
Conference Diversity
ReThink HK believes in spreading the knowledge of leaders and experts across the many areas of sustainable business. We believe that greater understanding, collaboration and change are better facilitated by a variety of perspectives, and our goal is to create an inclusive, respectful conference environment that invites participation from people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, religions, and sexual orientation.
ReThink HK is committed to striving for no ‘manels’ (no all-male panels) and works closely with all those contributing to the programme to ensure a full spectrum of perspectives, opinions and experiences are represented across the programme.