A Gathering for Change

In a groundbreaking event, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) brought together over 400 leaders at the Climate Business Forum: Asia Pacific 2025 in Hong Kong, a highlight of Hong Kong Green Week 2025.

The Urgent Call for Investment

The one-day forum emphasized not just the pressing urgency but also the immense potential for private sector investment to fuel the region's transition toward a low-carbon and inclusive future. Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and engaging fireside chats filled the agenda, with BloombergNEF serving as the event's Knowledge Partner.

The Capital Crunch in Climate Finance

BloombergNEF revealed a staggering fact: in 2024, Asia-Pacific accounted for half of global energy transition investments, exceeding $1 trillion for the first time. However, to achieve carbon neutrality, the region's annual investments must more than double within just five years, particularly in emerging and developing economies.

IFC Vice President John Gandolfo stressed the importance of connecting capital and innovative ideas, stating, "Emerging markets in Asia Pacific are in dire need of investment to foster low-carbon growth that creates jobs. Today’s forum is instrumental in mobilizing the necessary resources and insights to make a lasting impact."

Hong Kong's Commitment to Sustainable Dialogues

HKMA's Deputy Chief Executive Darryl Chan reinforced the commitment to sustainability, asserting that open dialogues like this are essential for advancing affordable climate actions.

Hot Topics of Discussion

The forum tackled a range of pivotal themes, including: - Strategies to scale investments for global climate targets. - Innovations in renewable energy and storage. - The transformative potential of artificial intelligence in energy. - Emerging climate policies and their market implications. - Sustainable supply chains and corporate responsibility. - The significance of carbon markets in emission pricing. - Leveraging biodiversity as a business opportunity. - Financing resilience against climate impacts.

Exciting Initiatives Unveiled

Several innovative initiatives were launched during the forum, including:

1. She Wins Climate Accelerator