Climate Governance in an Uncertain World

Spencer Liu is Executive Director of the Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter (CGI HK), a non-profit initiative dedicated to empowering board directors to exercise effective climate governance. In this role, Spencer works with business leaders and governance professionals to strengthen boardroom capabilities and embed climate oversight across Hong Kong’s corporate landscape, influencing through practical guidance, cross-sector engagement, and original research to support decision-making in the climate transition.

Beyond CGI HK, Spencer has founded Riverwood Climate Solutions, where he advises corporations and startups across Asia on climate technologies, with a focus on strategy and venture building in sustainable transportation and circular economy.

Earlier in his career, Spencer spent eight years at McKinsey & Company, where he co-led sustainability and green business building in Greater China as an Associate Partner. He is a CFA charterholder, CESGA holder, and LEED Green Associate.

My Sustainability Goals for 2026:

Deepen tradeoff discussions in sustainability-embedded business decisions in the board room

Mark Harper leads FGS Global’s work on ESG in Asia helping clients develop better strategies and implement campaigns to promote sustainability in their companies and beyond.

He is Chair of the BritCham ESG Committee and has over 20 years of experience in corporate sustainability. Recently served as Group Head of Sustainability at John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd., where he led the Group’s global sustainability strategy, SwireTHRIVE, and advanced ESG integration across its businesses. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at NGOs including the Earthwatch Institute, Fauna & Flora International, China Water Risk, and the Business Environment Council, focusing on sustainability strategy, climate change and nature risk and ESG reporting.

My Sustainability Goals for 2026:

• Hong Kong to integrate sustainability as a key foundation for Hong Kong’s economic future within its first five year plan.
• Hong Kong to increase its decarbonisation ambition within the updated climate action plan.

Luke is based in London and is Head of International Sustainability for JPMorganChase. In his role he leads the Firm’s corporate sustainability activities outside North America, guiding the Firm in developing and executing its sustainability strategy and managing relationships with external stakeholders and industry initiatives. Before joining the Firm in 2022, Luke was a Director in PwC’s sustainability advisory practice in London, advising global financial institutions on their sustainability strategies. Prior to PwC, Luke worked on financial services public policy issues in London and Brussels. He holds degrees from the University of Nottingham and Bayes Business School.

Athena Ng is a Board Member of Friends of the Earth (HK), one of Hong Kong’s most prominent and long established green groups. She is the General Manager, Corporate Finance & Corporate Communications Departments of China Overseas Land & Investment Limited (688.HK), responsible for corporate finance, media, investor relations, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and other Board related matters.

Athena is a Chartered Secretary, CFA Charterholder, a Certified Public Accountant of Hong Kong and the State of Virginia. She is a Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential holder and a Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA®) of The European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS).

My Sustainability Goals for 2026:

1. Re-launch the HK waste charging scheme to encourage re-use
2. More awareness of the climate action plan 2050

Prof Tai is the Director of Great Glory Investment Corporation with an extensive career spanning 45 years in the financial sector across international markets. She holds governance roles at the World Economic Forum Global Future Council, Chapter Zero Alliance (hosting 34 Climate Governance Initiative chapters worldwide), Global Reporting Initiative and Hong Kong Institute of Directors. She is a board trainer, Adjunct Professor, ESG competition judge, sustainable investor, frequent speaker and author.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

What I hope to see in 2025

1. HKSARG publically commit concrete climate action beyond 2030, aligned with China State Council ‘Opinions’ published 11 Aug 2024
2. HKSAR Climate Commissioner be more seen and heard, especially in sharing about our city’s (public and private) commitments, achievements and action plans in sustainability
3. I’d continue to help raise HK/China’s profile and voice in Just Transition and Sustainable Finance & Investing