The 9th Innovation Forum Hong Kong
Introduction
The Greater Bay Area is symbolic of China’s economic transformation over the past four decades, standing today as an innovation hub and economic gateway to the global market. As a meeting point of East and West in the realms of business, finance, and culture, this is a region that always has something important to say about China’s economic future.
Here, just as they are around the globe, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives are becoming an increasingly important part of this story. As the place where Chinese funds meet European and American funds in which ESG requirements are becoming increasingly commonplace, the effects in the GBA are already being felt. A survey in 2023 found that two in three GBA firms had adopted sustainable practices, with green financing deals in the region climbing to record highs in the same year and investment by GBA firms predicted by some to reach US$127.8 billion by the end of 2025. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange, meanwhile, under the instruction of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), recently released Sustainability Report guidelines, providing important general principles and frameworks for listed companies disclosing their actions relating to sustainability. Developments in ESG, from new environmental frameworks to the trend toward “rational sustainability”, are sure to be felt as strongly here as elsewhere in the world.
At this international forum on the theme "Can ESG Flourish in China's Greater Bay Area?", we’ll begin by taking a look at the macroeconomic trends shaping the future of the Greater Bay Area before taking a deep dive into the latest developments in ESG and what they mean for the region. The event will also see the official launch of the annual CEIBS ESG White Paper, examining the ways in which ESG generates value for companies.
What is driving the move towards ESG in the GBA region and the wider world? How will these changes impact the overall business climate? What are the benefits of ESG to enterprises and investors, and what are the perils of ignoring it? Find out all this and more at this international forum organized by China Europe International Business School (CEIBS).
Event Details
Date: May 30, 2024
Time: 13:30-17:15
Venue: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Language: English, simultaneous interpretation in Mandarin is available
Co-Organisers: The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Caixin Insight
Agenda
| Time | Speaker/Session |
| 13:30-13:45 |
Host:
Welcome Address Speaker:
|
|
13:45-13:55 |
Opening Address Salina Yan, Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) |
|
13:55-14:25 |
Keynote Speech #1: The Economic Integration and Development of the Greater Bay Area in a Changing Environment Xu Dingbo, Professor of Accounting; Essilor Chair in Accounting; Associate Dean, CEIBS |
| 14:25-14:45 |
Keynote Speech #2: 130 Years of Corporate Responsibility: What Have we Learned from the Great Minds? Shan Hongyu, Assistant Professor of Finance, CEIBS |
|
14:45-15:55 |
ESG White Paper Release Panel Discussion: Creating Value while Responding to Global Challenges Moderator:
Panellists:
|
| 15:55-16:15 |
Keynote Speech #3: Charles Li, Founder and Chairman, Micro Connect Group, former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) |
| 16:15-17:15 | Cocktail Reception |
* Speakers are subject to change
