
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Day 1: 26
October 2021
Global events have slowed and in some cases regressed progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, the negative impacts have affected nations differently. Staying on track to achieve the SDGs will require not just rethinking businesses but actively creating businesses whose mission is to address the most pressing problems that our world faces today.
This period of unprecedented challenges also presents opportunities to future-proof systems, manage climate and other risks, and position our workforce for the emergent economy. Businesses play a critical role in all these.
Key points:
- COVID-19 has slowed, even regressed progress on the Sustainable Development Goals; staying on track will mean not just rethinking businesses but actively creating businesses whose mission is to address the most pressing problems that our world faces today.
- It has also presented the world with an opportunity to design better systems that address the flaws of the pre-COVID times.
- Designing conscientious ecosystems and businesses that keep people and the health of the planet at the centre will create lasting value for stakeholders. This will ensure long term success.
- Designing resilient supply chains that address the issues of human rights and environment will be imperative. Financing systems that place ESG considerations in decisions and metrics to ensure transparency will be enablers to ensure funds are channelled to impactful projects.
- Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Republic of Singapore

- Ms Goh Swee Chen, President, Global Compact Network Singapore

According to the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report released in August 2021, human-induced climate change is already contributing to weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe. In order to limit the worst scenarios, we must aim for collective action across sectors to achieve net zero by 2050. This will require companies to embrace innovation, and adopt a 'start-up mindset' to create, test and scale new technologies.
It will also require commitment to investing in such innovations. What are the innovations already existing or in development? What are the support and financing mechanisms available to advance innovation towards a lower carbon economy?
The session will explore:
- Decarbonisation efforts will be collectively required of every sector to make any significant progress towards net zero.
- Demand for clean energy will increase in the coming decade, and will require significant investments in innovation.
- How can large and small companies play a part in developing innovative solutions? What innovations are already out there?
- What are the market opportunities for SMEs in lowering emissions?
- How can investors contribute to an innovation-oriented ecosystem?
- What are the commitments required of stakeholders - government, corporations, civil society - in creating a low carbon economy?
- Ms Emma Herd, Oceania Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young

- Mr James Tham, Managing Director, Penguin International Limited

- Mr Benedict Chia, Director (Strategic Issues), National Climate Change Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore

- Mr Raphael Cheminat, Group Country Head for Singapore, Head of South East Asia, Societe Generale

- Dr Ryal Wun, Deputy Executive Director, Global Compact Network Singapore and Managing Director, CPLC Singapore

The Sustainable Development Goals have been underfinanced over the years. In order to achieve the SDGs, it is estimated that financing of USD 2.5 trillion will be needed. There is also a large gap in terms of the scale and speed of required investments to achieve the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.
Both the public and private sectors play a crucial role in financing the SDGs. However, an increased participation by the private sector may help in closing this financing gap.
The session will explore:
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Increase in sustainable investments and realigning the financial system are critical in financing the SDGs.
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How are financial systems integrating sustainable and green objectives?
- How are investors and financial institutions using SDG considerations in their investment and lending decisions?
- Are corporate investments in line with building a green and inclusive economy, and reducing ESG risks?
- How can existing and new financial instruments be used to catalyse achieving the SDGs and net zero targets?
- Ms Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited

- Mr Sean Kidney, Chief Executive Officer, Climate Bonds Initiative

- Mr Clifford Lee, Group Head, Fixed Income, DBS Bank

- Ms Ng Lay San, Senior Vice President, Group Strategic Communications & Sustainability, Sembcorp Industries Ltd

- Mr En Lee, Managing Director and Head of Sustainable and Impact Investments in Asia, LGT


Day 2: 27 October 2021
The role of business in successfully achieving Sustainable Development has never been clearer: it’s a primary catalyst for employment and economic growth, a driver for innovation and a critical stakeholder in financing the SDGs. From investors to consumers, various business stakeholders have gained a collective voice - with more demanding greater transparency around the role that businesses play in addressing societal challenges. How can they drive sustainability in their organisations and by extension, to the ecosystem that they operate in?
This session will explore:
- How can business leaders and the board navigate and steer businesses in these complex times to create better businesses?
- What are the critical information, expertise and processes required so that CEOs and the Board can deliver on their sustainability commitments?
- What is the impetus to build greater transparency and mutually beneficial relationships with all their stakeholders and how are they going about it?
- Globally as nations step up their climate commitments, how does it impact Singapore businesses and what must business leaders pay attention to?
- Mr Naveen Menon, President, Southeast Asia and Board Member, Cisco Foundation, Cisco

- Dr Bicky Bhangu, President - Southeast Asia, Pacific & South Korea, Rolls Royce

- Mr Ho Ren Hua, Chief Executive Officer, Thai Wah Public Company Ltd

- Mr Elliott Harris, Assistant Secretary General/ Chief Economist, United Nations

- Prof Annie Koh, Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) and Senior Academic Advisor, Business Families Institute and International Trading Institute, Singapore Management University

The global workforce has been placed under tremendous stress as a result of the pandemic. Many of the business recovery measures have resulted in workers having to adapt to the dual changes of rapid digitalisation and changes in how business was conducted during the pandemic. This has added an additional layer of complexity in the way workers view their current job and their career path going forward. What actions can companies today take to ensure that their workforce not just adapt but thrives in the pandemic and beyond?
This session will explore:
- Shifting perspectives and processes on Human “Resource” planning; balancing organisational success with a worker-centric approach.
- The use of digital technology to enhance workers’ experience and enabling them to find purpose in the work they do.
- How are successful companies reviewing hiring, training and development practices?
- How are they viewing the psychological effects of working remotely and mitigating associated risks?
- What is the role of leadership in creating a resilient and thriving workforce?
- Ms Aileen Tan, Group Chief People & Sustainability Officer, Singtel Group

- Mr Benjamin Chua, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Speco Singapore

- Ms Anthea Indira Ong, Founder and Chairperson, WorkWell Leaders, Hush TeaBar and SG Mental Health Matters

- Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Director, U SME & U Women and Family, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals would be difficult without the collective action of business, government and civil society organisations.
However, what would be more critical is the collaboration between them. Fundamental and systemic changes are needed to achieve the SDGs and these can only be done if all stakeholders work in tandem.
The adoption of responsible business practices and solutions at scale can be undermined by a variety of market failures, governance gaps, and cultural and trust impediments. Collaborative partnerships can play a vital role in helping to overcome some of these obstacles.
Why is it necessary for companies to view collaboration as a necessary mode to its survival?
The session will explore:
- What are the considerations that companies must evaluate in order to enter into impactful partnerships?
- What are the perceived challenges to building partnerships for Sustainable development and how can they be overcome?
- What is the balance that stakeholders must strike between running successful businesses and innovating for sustainability?
- Mr Nicholas Kolesch, Vice President of Projects, Alliance to End Plastic Waste

- Dr Steve Newman, Assistant Vice President, Group Sustainability Director of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts and Coordinating Director of Banyan Tree Global Foundation, Banyan Tree Group

- Ms Anita Varshney, Global Vice President, Strategy SAP S/4HANA Sustainability, SAP

- Mr Eric Lim, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Group Finance, UOB

- Ms Veronica Lai, Chief Corporate Officer, StarHub Ltd

- Ms Goh Swee Chen, President, Global Compact Network Singapore

