IFC and HKMA to Host Climate Business Forum Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong on Sept 9

The event is co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), with BloombergNEF as Knowledge Partner.

Emerging markets across the Asia-Pacific region are racing to mobilize capital and innovative solutions for low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive economic growth — a transformation seen as vital for job creation and climate resilience. In this context, the second edition of the Climate Business Forum: Asia Pacific will convene in Hong Kong SAR, China, on September 9, 2025, offering an action-focused platform to align investment, innovation, and climate strategy.

The event is co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), with BloombergNEF as Knowledge Partner. It will serve as the cornerstone event of the second edition of Hong Kong Green Week, the city’s flagship sustainability gathering that brings together global stakeholders to drive collaborative solutions to environmental challenges.

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A Strategic Platform Ahead of COP30

The Forum comes just two months before the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. Discussions will focus on how private investment can accelerate the region’s green transition while fostering innovation, preparing for extreme weather, protecting biodiversity, and generating quality jobs.

Riccardo Puliti, IFC’s Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific, underscored the importance of regional ownership in climate action:

“Emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region recognize the necessity of leading, designing and investing in their own country-specific climate solutions. Working with the private sector to mobilize the capital and innovation they need is indispensable for smart development and job creation. Our partnership with HKMA and BloombergNEF will ensure this Forum drives actionable outcomes.”

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Key Themes and Focus Areas

The Forum will bring together over 250 senior leaders from business, finance, development institutions, and government to explore:

• Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in accelerating the energy transition.

• Decarbonization of heavy industry and cleaner manufacturing pathways.

• Sustainable supply chains that integrate climate resilience.

• Financing biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.

• Latest regional investment trends in renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure.

Participants will examine how technology-driven innovations and policy reforms can work in tandem with private capital flows to create scalable, bankable climate projects in emerging markets.

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Hong Kong’s Role in Regional Green Finance

Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of HKMA, emphasized Hong Kong’s position as a hub for sustainable finance:

“Hong Kong is committed to supporting low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive growth in Asia Pacific. Hosting the Forum for a second year allows us to showcase how mobilizing sustainable finance can transform supply chains, enable nature-based solutions, and help meet our shared climate goals.”

As one of Asia’s leading financial centers, Hong Kong has been active in green bond issuance, transition finance, and nature-positive investments, making it a natural convening point for regional and international climate stakeholders.

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Showcasing Partnerships and Gender-Inclusive Climate Action

Beyond panel discussions and keynote addresses, the Forum will highlight transformative partnerships such as:

• IFC’s She Wins Climate initiative — supporting women entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises delivering climate solutions.

• Alliance for Green Commercial Banks — a global IFC initiative, implemented in Asia with HKMA, to accelerate green finance innovation within commercial banking.

These programs will be showcased as examples of inclusive climate action, illustrating how gender empowerment and private finance can be integrated into national and regional climate strategies.

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Format and Participation

The one-day Forum will feature:

• High-level panels with corporate executives, financiers, development leaders, and policymakers.

• Fireside chats exploring innovative financing structures and climate technologies.

• Case study presentations from companies and institutions pioneering green transitions in Asia-Pacific markets.

The aim is to translate policy discussions into investment opportunities, bridging the gap between climate ambition and implementation on the ground.

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Building on 2024’s Success

The inaugural Climate Business Forum in 2024 laid the foundation for ongoing collaboration among public and private stakeholders in Asia-Pacific’s climate finance ecosystem. The 2025 edition seeks to deepen partnerships, scale up cross-border investments, and position emerging markets as leaders in climate-smart economic development ahead of COP30.