“Cultivating an Inclusive and Sustainable Future” Panel Discussion Brings Industry Leaders Together, Joining Forces to Promote Equality for Vulnerable Children and Girls
“Cultivating an Inclusive and Sustainable Future” was held in September, gathering nearly 70 representatives from corporates and foundations. The meaningful and inspiring discussions focused on how different industries can promote sustainable development through ESG and women empowerment.
To promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and foster sustainable development, Plan International Hong Kong hosted the “Cultivating an Inclusive and Sustainable Future” Corporate Partner Awards Ceremony and Panel Discussion on September 27, 2024. Industry experts shared invaluable insights on the crucial role of corporates in addressing the climate crisis through ESG initiatives and empowering women, gathering nearly 70 delegates from corporates and foundations.
The event also featured an awards ceremony aimed at recognising the contributions of corporate and foundation partners in promoting the rights of children and girls. Ms. Sylvene Fong, a distinguished member of our Board of Directors, officiated the event with an inspiring opening speech, and together with Dr. Kanie Siu, our Chief Executive Officer, presented awards to 27 corporates and foundations.
Industry Experts Gather to Seek Pathways for A Sustainable Future
Industry experts, outstanding entrepreneurs, and women leaders engaged in the panel discussions to share their professional experiences on two key topics: ” The Role of ESG in Mitigating Climate Crisis” and “Empowering Women: Unlocking Their Potential.” The discussions delved into the critical role of corporates in promoting sustainable development and gender equality.
Dr. Kanie Siu, our Chief Executive Officer, emphasized that girls and children in developing countries are the most vulnerable during the climate crisis, facing higher risks and greater burdens that further exacerbate gender injustice. She continued that Plan International is implementing various projects to provide immediate and long-term assistance to vulnerable communities in building resilience to climate change while also striving to empower girls with knowledge, enabling them to be free from threats such as child marriage and sexual violence and to lead fulfilling lives.
Through the experts’ sharing, participants gained a deeper understanding of how to develop more specific strategies and guidelines for addressing the climate crisis and promoting gender equality. We hope that this will further encourage collaboration within the industry to jointly foster sustainable development and equality, creating a better world for children and girls.
The first session of the panel discussion, “The Role of ESG in Mitigating Climate Crisis,” was moderated by Miss Kelly Kwok, CESGA®, Development Executive, V’air Sustainability Education. During the discussion, Ms. Melanie Kwok, Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) and the Head of Sustainability, Sino Group, Professor Ir Prof Steve Wong, Chairman and Managing Director, BillionGroup Technologies Limited, Ms. Ophelia Lin, Founder & Managing Director, Meiriki Japan Co., Limited and Dr. Kanie Siu, Chief Executive Officer, Plan International Hong Kong (from left to right) shared successful industry practices in implementing ESG and discussed the crucial role of corporates in helping children in developing countries combating the climate crisis.
Moderated by Ms. Jenny Lee, Co-founder and Director of t6.communications Limited, outstanding female entrepreneurs and leaders engaged in inspiring dialogues on “Empowering Women: Unlocking Their Potential.” The panel included Ms. Jane Tong, Managing Director of Arredamenti Company Limited; Ms. Winnie Wong, JP, CEO and Executive Director of Asia Insurance Co., Ltd. and Avo Insurance Co., Ltd.; Ms. Juliana Lam, Founder and President of INNOTIER Limited; and Dr. Kanie Siu, our Chief Executive Officer（from left to right）. They shared their experiences and challenges in entrepreneurship and management, aiming to raise public awareness of the importance of empowering women.
Thanks to Corporates and Foundations’ Generous Contributions
To show gratitude for our corporate and foundation partners’ long-term support in advancing children’s and girls’ rights together, a series of awards were presented including: “Diamond Partner,” “Annual Platinum Partner,” ” Platinum Partner,” ” Gold Partner,” and “Partner.”
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Plan International’s reopening of its Hong Kong office. During her speech, Ms. Sylvene Fong, our board member, expressed our sincere gratitude for the generous support from corporate and foundation partners, which has enabled us to carry out different projects globally and locally and provide comprehensive and ample assistance to help children and girls in need overcome various challenges. She hopes to collaborate with more like-minded corporate partners in the future, supporting more children to thrive and rewrite their destinies through knowledge.
During her opening speech, Ms. Sylvene Fong, our board member, pointed out that in recent years, climate disasters have become more frequent, threatening the rights of children and girls. She emphasised the increasingly important role of corporates in implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.
Kimberly-Clark (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. collaborated on the “Girls Takeover” event with Plan International Hong Kong and promoted menstrual education in schools last year. Ms. Stella Chun, General Manager, Kimberly-Clark, said that as a leading brand of female hygiene products, Kimberly-Clark and its Kotex brand continue to promote the #SheCan spirit and are committed to creating a carefree period for girls and encouraging girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly. She looked forward to cooperating with Plan International to eradicate period poverty and period shaming in the coming years.
List of Awardees
To celebrate the remarkable event, an advertorial was published on 5 November 2024 in the Hong Kong Economic Journal.
