On April 22, 2025, the Earth Day Forum 2025 was co-hosted by Friends of the Earth(HK), the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council, and China Social Investment Forum(China SIF). The forum aimed to advance transition finance and accelerate the path toward a sustainable future.
Mr. Yip Kwong To, Founding Partner of Real See International and Chairman of Friends of the Earth(HK), was invited to deliver the opening address. He shared his vision and mission to promote green finance and support global sustainable development in his remarks.
In his speech, Mr. Yip emphasized the financial sector’s critical role in shaping a more sustainable future:
“Hong Kong possesses the infrastructure, expertise, and capital needed to foster the global development of sustainable finance. By fully leveraging these strengths, we can direct capital toward sustainability-driven projects, improve market transparency, and accelerate the adoption of international standards. Hong Kong is an international financial center committed to building a resilient and future-oriented economy, striking a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability while setting a global benchmark for green finance.”
The forum was officiated by Mr. Joseph Chan, Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR Government, underscoring Hong Kong’s aspirations in cross-border capital flows and green investment. By aligning with internationally recognized standards, enhancing transparency, and improving corporate sustainability reporting, Hong Kong seeks to attract green issuers and investors while boosting confidence in global capital markets.
Two thematic panel discussions were held during the forum. The first, titled “The Importance of ISSB Standards in Global Sustainability Reporting,” focused on the critical role of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in building a unified global disclosure framework. The second panel, “The Role of Talent Development in Advancing the Sustainable Finance Market,” explored how skill development and regulatory coordination are shaping the future of sustainable finance.
Gathering leading financial institutions, corporations, and industry experts, the forum highlighted the importance of ISSB standards in driving cross-market consistency and high-quality sustainability reporting. Hong Kong remains at the forefront of adopting international standards and continues to attract global investors to join its green transition. Capacity building is essential in responding to evolving reporting requirements, and this can be achieved through professional training, improved data infrastructure, and enhanced collaboration between regulators and stakeholders.
