Building on the success of CASI's inaugural in-person event in Brazil, which attracted over 200 participants from across Latin America, we are now gearing up for our next endeavor in the vibrant city of Hong Kong, extending our reach across Asia. Themed "Empowering Sustainability and Prosperity in Asia," this event aims to spotlight solutions and enhance the capacity for connectivity and low-carbon transitions in the region, with a special focus on Southeast, Central, and East Asia.
Co-hosted by the Institute of Finance and Sustainability, HKMA IFFO, and the University of Hong Kong, this in-person capacity-building event is scheduled for June 24-28, 2024. It is part of the initiative of the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), an international platform dedicated to delivering high-quality and impactful capacity-building services in sustainable finance for EMDEs.
Over the course of five days, the event will comprise two parts. The first leg will consist of two days of in-house workshops in Hong Kong, featuring six thematic sessions covering topics like Market Updates and Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Finance, Sustainability Disclosure, Financing Green and Low-carbon Transition in Asia, Sustainable Projects Needed to Enhance Connectivity and Prosperity in Asia, the Role of Blended Finance in Decarbonizing Infrastructure Projects, and Biodiversity Conservation and Blue Finance. From interactive panel discussions to expert keynote speeches, participants can anticipate a dynamic and immersive experience designed to inspire, educate, and empower.
Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to visit Huzhou, Zhejiang Province in mainland China from June 27-28. As a leading hub for green finance pilot projects in China, Huzhou offers a chance to witness innovative projects and investment practices driving sustainable progress. A crucial element is to showcase how small and medium-sized enterprises in Huzhou are actively engaged in the local green finance system. The visit may also generate some business opportunities. Participants traveling to Huzhou will need to transit via high-speed train on June 26th.
Day 1: Sustainable Finance in Asia: Markets, Policy Frameworks and Other Priorities
Day 2: Financing Support for More Sustainable and Bankable Projects
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20AM
Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI, President of IFS
Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Hong Kong
20AM
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50AM
Eddie YUE, Chief Executive, HKMA
Teresa Ko, Trustee Vice Chair, IFRS
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30AM
Policy frameworks for sustainable finance normally include an identification approach of sustainable economic activities and/or finance assets, such as a taxonomy, disclosure requirements to enhance market transparency, policy incentives to encourage investments, a suit of sustainable financial products and solutions, such as green/sustainable bonds and loans, as well as capacity building activities to upskill all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, project owners and relevant service providers.
This session will invite experts from around the world to provide an update on the sustainable finance market and on policy frameworks, especially in Asia, to shed light on lessons and experience for further scaling up of sustainable finance in the region.
Moderator:
• Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI, President of IFS
Panel Discussants:
• Lilian Tse, Senior Manager of Banking Policy Department, HKMA
• Nomindari Enkhtur, CEO of Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association
• Heru Rahadyan, Assistant Director, Macroprudential Policy, Bank Indonesia
• Azreen Idayu Zainal, General Manager, Sustainability, Securities Commission Malaysia
• Rebecca Wright, Chief Executive Officer, AIGCC
30AM
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45PM
Session II: Sustainability Disclosure - Challenges, Benefits and Solutions
One year after the finalization of the ISSB Standards, including IFRS S1 and S2, there have been lots of progresses in sustainability disclosure, including in Asia. For example, Hong Kong Exchange and Singapore Exchange have announced their plans to adopt these standards, three main stock exchanges in mainland China also posted disclosure requirements for public consultation early this year on sustainability information for some listed companies. However, there are also voices about the challenges and barriers in implementing these standards. Some regulators and investors are concerned with the interoperability among different standards, while some are also less aware of potential benefits of enhancing sustainability disclosure in the capital markets. The G20 has also looking into this topic for many years, specifically focusing on SMEs and EMDEs.
With this background, the panel delves into various aspects of sustainability disclosure, focusing on challenges, benefits and solutions associated with disclosure, emphasizing its role in driving responsible business practices and fostering sustainable development.
Moderator:
• Sherry Madera, CEO, CDP
Panel Discussants:
• Kelly Lee, Senior Vice President, Policy and Secretariat Services, Listing Division, Hong Kong Exchange
• Jingwei Jia, Associate Director, ESG Research, Fitch
• Dr. Hezri Adnan, Director of Sustainability, Bursa Malaysia
• Timothy Colyer, Partner, Oliver Wyman Singapore
• TBC
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15PM
Transition finance has been broadly recognized as an important instrument to facilitate the shift from high carbon to a green and sustainable economy. As the urgency and awareness to address climate change intensifies, there is a growing need to expand the scale of transition financing. The G20 and many other international platforms have been working on this topic for years. However, the global markets still yet to play a larger role in financing high-carbon sectors through transition finance due to challenges, such as the lack of clear and common frameworks, lack of the capacity, concerns on potential reputation risks from investors and so on. This session aims to invite speakers to analyze the unique challenges and opportunities in Asia and identify potential measures that can promote transition finance both at the regional and global scale.
Moderator:
• Stan Ho, Adjunct Prof. in Management and Strategy, HKU Business School
Panel Discussants:
• Ricco Zhang, Director, Asia Pacific, ICMA
• Huifeng Zhang, Regional Head, Corporate Sustainability, Asia Pacific, HSBC
• Charles Nguyen, Head of Asia ESG Investing, Neuberger Berman
• Luanne Sieh, Chief Sustainability Officer, CIMB
• Ira Poensgen, Interim Team Leader, Transition Plan Taskforce, E3G
• Damu Fund
15PM
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30AM
• Paul Moody, Managing Director, Global Partnerships & Client Solutions, CFA Institute
• Danny Alexander, Vice President, AIIB
30AM
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45AM
In order to foster greater connectivity and prosperity throughout Asia, there is an urgent need for the implementation of more sustainable projects across the region. These projects should be designed to not only address current challenges but also to anticipate and mitigate future environmental and socio-economic risks. By prioritizing sustainability in infrastructure development, transportation networks, energy systems, and urban planning, Asia can unlock new avenues for growth while safeguarding natural resources and enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants. Embracing sustainable practices will not only promote environmental resilience but also stimulate economic development, create job opportunities, and foster innovation.
Moreover, by building a more sustainable and interconnected infrastructure backbone, Asia can better position itself to navigate the complexities of global trade, address pressing climate concerns, and achieve long-term prosperity for generations to come.
Moderator:
• Dr. Roman Novozhilov, Head of ESG, New Development Bank
Panel Discussants:
• Anouj Mehta, ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, ADB
• Dr Ede Ijjasz Senior Adviser of the MCDF
• Wang Tianyi, CEO of China Everbright Environment (Group) Limited
• AIIB/EADB
• Rep, HKTDC
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Blended finance plays a pivotal role in driving the decarbonization of key infrastructure projects, such as those in energy, transport and buildings. By combining public and private sector funding, blended finance mechanisms can leverage resources more effectively, unlocking investments for sustainable infrastructure development. This approach not only catalyzes the deployment of renewable energy, energy-efficient transportation, and resilient urban infrastructure but also mitigates financial risks and enhances project viability.
Furthermore, blending public funds with private capital encourages innovation and incentivizes the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. Through strategic partnerships and innovative financing models, blended finance empowers stakeholders to address the urgent challenges of climate change while promoting economic growth and social equity.
Moderator:
• Ibu Mari Pangestu, Former Managing Director of the World Bank, Former Minister of Trade of Indonesia
Panel Discussants:
• Celina Chan, Head of Sustainability Office for Hong Kong/Macau, OCBC
• Tracy Wong Harris, Head, Sustainable Finance for Asia, Standard Chartered
• Silk Road Fund
• Speaker from Indonesia/Thailand
• DBK
• TDBM
45PM
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00PM
Biodiversity conservation and blue finance represent crucial pillars in fostering sustainable development across Asia's diverse ecosystems. By prioritizing the preservation of marine and terrestrial biodiversity, countries can safeguard essential ecosystems, protect endangered species, and ensure the resilience of natural resources crucial for human well-being. Blue finance initiatives, which focus on sustainable ocean-based industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, and marine tourism, are instrumental in promoting both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. Through innovative financing mechanisms and strategic partnerships, blue finance efforts enable the sustainable management of marine resources while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth in coastal communities.
By integrating biodiversity conservation with blue finance strategies, Asia can achieve a balance between ecological preservation and socio-economic development, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future.
Moderator:
• UNDP
Panel Discussants:
• Anthony Cheung, Managing Director ESG, Friends of the Earth (HK)
• James Xu, Director, General Manager, Oversees Business Aviation, Space & Marine Hull, CPIC
• Barbara Sanderson, COO, TNFD
• Theresa Mundita Lim, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
• Ministry of Finance, Malaysia
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10PM
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We are planning to take the bullet train "G100" to Hangzhou. It would be wonderful to meet you at the check-in entry of Hong Kong West Kowloon Station before your departure. We suggest meeting at 10:00 am on 26th June.
Kindly stay informed by checking for updates or more details here. Looking forward to seeing you!
45AM
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00AM
Huzhou Municipal Government
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25AM
Ma Jun, President of IFS & Chairman of CASI
Paul Moody, Managing Director, Global Partnerships & Client Solutions, CFA
Zhang Zhengwei, ISSB Beijing Office
UNDP Rep (tbc)
25AM
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40AM
Liu Yiwen, Deputy Secretary-General of Huzhou Government
40AM
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30AM
In this session, speakers will present the big picture of the financial strategies propelling sustainable progress in Huzhou. The focus will be on the regional transition finance framework, the development of a carbon-neutral banking system, and the impact of green finance on local economic growth. A particular emphasis will be placed on the active integration of SMEs within the green finance ecosystem. The session will also feature case studies on the just transition for financial sectors and the textile industry's engagement with sustainable finance, providing a holistic overview of Huzhou's leadership in green finance innovation.
Moderator: Rozani Ozman, CASI Secretariat
Panel Discussants:
Huang Dingwei, Deputy Director of Huzhou Government Office - Regional Transition Finance Framework in Huzhou
Wu Di, Deputy Director of National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) Huzhou Branch - Construction of Carbon Neutral Banking System in Huzhou
David von Eiff, CFA Institute - External Observation on Huzhou's Experience in Green and Transition Finance
30AM
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45AM
45AM
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00PM
Moderator: Rozani Ozman, CASI
Lou Xuejun, Chairman of ICBC Huzhou Branch - Just Transition Assessment of Financiers in Huzhou
Qiu Quanmin, Chairman of Changxing Rural Commercial Bank - Textile Industry Practice in Transition Finance
Q&A
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30PM
This session will highlight the pivotal role of financial technology in advancing sustainable finance practices, aiming to showcase the development of an innovative information management system designed to streamline green finance operations. It will also delve into an ESG evaluation system tailored to support SMEs in their sustainability efforts. Through these presentations, the session will underscore the integration of technology and finance in fostering a robust green finance ecosystem, with a focus on practical applications and their implications for economic development.
Moderator: Stan Ho, Adjunct Professor in Management and Strategy, HKU Business School
Panel Discussants:
Guo Zhengjiang, Deputy Governor of People's Bank of Huzhou Branch - Huzhou Green Finance Information Management System Construction
Rep, Huzhou Government Office - ESG evaluation system helping SMEs with sustainability
Q&A
30PM
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50PM
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30PM
The session will provide an in-depth examination of how various financial entities are innovating within the green finance field. The purpose of the session is to explore the innovative practices adopted by smaller banks, the integration of green and inclusive finance, financial support mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, and the exploration of ESG-oriented insurance products. The discussion will highlight the diverse ways in which financial institutions are contributing to sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the green finance landscape. This session will serve as a platform for sharing case studies that exemplify the commitment of the financial sector to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Moderator: tbc
Panel Discussants:
Fang Fengjie, Chairman of Huzhou Bank - Innovative Practices in Green Finance by Small and Medium Banks
Ma Guilian, Chairman of Anji Rural Commercial Bank - Integration of Green Finance and Inclusive Finance
Ding Aiping, chairman of Deqing Rural Commercial Bank - Financial support for biodiversity conservation
Zhang Chunfei, General Manager at PICC Huzhou branch - Exploration and practice on ESG insurance
Q&A
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30PM
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Field Trip
Route One: Wu Xing District & Nan Xun District:
Zhejiang Dadongwu Construction Technology Co., Ltd.: Explore how green finance is fostering the development of green architecture.
CECEC (Huzhou) Industrial Park: Discover the role of green finance in the construction of eco-friendly industrial parks.
Route Two: Chang Xing County:
Blue Arrow Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd.: Learn about the support green finance provides to high-end manufacturing.
Tianneng Group: Understand how green finance is aiding in the transformation and upgrading of industries.
Changxing Rural Commercial Bank: Dive into the construction of a carbon efficiency platform for SMEs.
Route Three: De Qing County:
Wusi Village: Witness the impact of green finance on digital rural construction.
Zhejiang Tapson Industrial Group Co., Ltd.: Examine the support green finance offers to the growth of green enterprises.
Xiazhu Lake National Wetland Park: Gain insights into how green finance is protecting local and regional biodiversity.
Route Four: An Ji County:
Anji "Deep Blue One": Engage with the concept of ecological restoration and value transformation supported by green finance.
Bank of China Changshuo Green Branch: Explore the construction of a carbon-neutral bank.
"Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic" Showcase Center: Learn how green finance is realizing the value of bamboo ecological products.
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