People & Purpose Theatre
Cultivating Change: Attracting and Retaining Sustainability and ESG Talent through University Education
11 Sep (Thur) Day 1 : 16:05 – 16:55
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.
Speakers
Moderator
Dr. Nadira Lamrad
Head of Sustainability
Jardine Matheson
Dr. Nadira Lamrad
Jardine Matheson
Head of Sustainability
Nadira is responsible for sustainability at Jardine Matheson, a diversified Asia-focused investment group. She has extensive experience as a researcher, consultant and a sustainability lead working across a wide variety of industries to drive systemic change for a more sustainable future. Nadira holds a doctoral degree in Asian and International Studies and a Master of Social Science in Development Studies during which her research focused on the role of the business sector in building international sustainability norms, institutions and global governance.
Dr Margaret Burnett
Programme Director
Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong
Dr Margaret Burnett
Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong
Programme Director
Currently the Programme Director for the Master of Social Sciences in Sustainability Leadership and Governance, University of Hong Kong, Margaret has 30 years of experience in sustainability. Her professional experience crosses the private, public and NGO sectors. Margaret developed and has grown this taught Master programme to be a uniquely placed learning experience for professionals wishing to expand their sustainability credentials. She teaches business ethics, stakeholder engagement, ESG disclosure frameworks, sustainability strategy, circularity in the value chain, principles for corporate sustainability. Has also, developed and delivered sustainability leadership training modules, partnered with international NGO to deliver experiential learning for corporate leadership development and executive training. She is often a guest speaker, and partners with organizations in Hong Kong such as HKIA, Swire group, HSH, Gammon, ACM, Green Island Cement, ReThink, EcoMatcher, Zerofood Print Asia, Canadian Chamber, to provide support to their in-house sustainability initiatives.
My Sustainability Goals for 2025:
To see the private sector, take a more active role in shaping Hong Kong into the vibrant, model of sustainability promoting sustainable living (more holistic approaches), where innovation, collaboration and ecological awareness support a resilient community and a high quality of living for everyone. To see our leaders ensure us a city that integrates nature into its urban fabric (“healthy city” vision), a commitment (shared by all) to community well-being as well as economic prosperity that can be experienced by all. To see both the private and public sector prioritizing investment in people and ensuring access to common goods and services for all.
Paddy Balfour
Managing Director Asia Pacific
Acre
Paddy Balfour
Acre
Managing Director Asia Pacific
Paddy has spent 20 years in the executive search and recruitment sectors with experience of working across multiple markets in the APAC region. At Acre he has overall responsibility for the growth and leadership of the APAC business.
A prominent voice on Asia’s sustainability talent landscape, he has extensive relationships across the finance and commercial sectors, while also supporting the not-for-profit and NGO sectors. He specializes in both technical and thematic sustainability hiring.
Originally from Scotland, Paddy holds a BSc (Hons) in Geography from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
My Sustainability Goals for 2025
- Hong Kong to position itself as one of the key carbon markets hubs in Asia.
- To leverage China’s leadership in low carbon technology and products and act as a gateway in bringing that technology to the rest of the world.
- To utilise the updated mandatory climate disclosure rules to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an ESG reporting hub.
Supported by
The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
The Chamber is one of Hong Kong’s biggest and most active independent international business organisations representing a broad span of British, Hong Kong and international companies doing business in, with, or through Hong Kong.
The Chamber encourages diversity in its membership and activities and has a 1,000 members from the biggest multinationals through to a broad range of medium and smaller companies and start-ups. The Chamber’s aim is to help our members grow their business, and promote and represent their business interests by providing representation and advocacy; networking and brand exposure; as well as information and insight.
