From left to right: Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (CEO, The Hong Kong Jockey Club), the Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po (Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Naina Subberwal Batra (CEO, AVPN) and Dr. Gabriel Leung (Executive Director, Charities and Community, The Hong Kong Jockey Club) at the Opening Day of the AVPN Global Conference 2025
HONG KONG, 9 September 2025 – The AVPN Global Conference 2025 opened today in Hong Kong SAR, China, convening the world’s most influential business leaders, philanthropists, policy makers and investors to address pressing challenges of a rapidly transforming world. With The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as the host partner, the Conference provides a vital platform for urgent and actionable dialogue amid the shifting currents of a multi-polar global order, growing macroeconomic uncertainties, and escalating climate risks.
The Opening Day was marked by meaningful discussions across high-level plenaries and breakout sessions, where speakers and delegates examined how economic headwinds and environmental threats are driving new imperatives for inclusive, region-specific solutions. Keynote speakers underscored the unique position and responsibility that Asia holds today: not only as the world’s fastest-growing economic powerhouse but also as a rising force in philanthropy, social innovation, and impact investment. The presence and welcome address delivered by the Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region also reinforced the city’s role as a vital convenor and leader for Asian impact initiatives.
The keynote address from Dr. Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, set the tone for this year’s Conference theme, “Asian Leadership for an Inclusive World”, and called on more leaders in Asia to come together and drive meaningful change with compassion, innovation, and collective action.
“Asia is now a global architect in shaping philanthropic action and social impact investment,” said Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, during her welcome address. “As the world contends with widening societal and environmental rifts, the leadership, ambition, and collaboration we foster here will set the benchmark for an inclusive, resilient future.”
Throughout the opening day, speakers highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration to mitigate growing inequality, advance environmental safety, and protect vulnerable communities. From the rising influence of Asian family offices and corporate businesses in driving sustainable development, to the integration of climate adaptation and social justice frameworks, the conversations called for a decisive pivot toward bolder, more integrated impact strategies and action.
Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, noted the Club has been committed to serving Hong Kong’s community for more than a century. “It is fitting that this conference is being held in Hong Kong for the first time,” he said. “Our city has a deep philanthropic tradition and sits at the intersection of East and West, of capital and community. It has the potential to be a true hub for solutions that are designed in Asia, for Asia and beyond.”
The AVPN Global Conference 2025 serves as a timely call to action, inviting Asia’s leaders to channel the region’s dynamism, capital, and ingenuity into lasting, scalable solutions. As discussions continue through the week, the event aims to catalyse new alliances, mobilise investment, and spark the bold action necessary for a more inclusive and resilient Asia.
Key announcements at the Conference 2025 include:
- Building Resilient Communities for the Future: CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative Announced Final Grantees from China, India, Singapore and Vietnam
- The Lighthouse Fund: Catalyst for Climate x Health Innovation in Asia Announced Final Grantees
- Gender-Just Climate Solutions: AVPN Asia Gender Equality Fund Round 3 Announced Grantees
- Transforming How We Fund Impact: Launch of the pioneering ImpactCollab Outcomes Marketplace, developed with Tri-Sector Associates
- From Insight to Action: Launch of the “Unlocking Capital for Climate x Health: The Investment Landscape in Asia” report
The AVPN Global Conference 2025 is expected to convene about 1,500 delegates, including business leaders, funders, philanthropists, policymakers, asset managers, family offices, institutional investors, and impact organisations.
For more information about the AVPN Global Conference 2025, visit avpn.asia/conference.
About AVPN
AVPN is the largest network of social investors in Asia, comprising over 700 funders and resource providers across 43 markets. Our mission is to increase the flow and effectiveness of financial, human, and intellectual capital in Asia by enabling members to channel resources towards impact. As an ecosystem builder, AVPN enables its members to connect, learn, act, and lead across key pillars and improve the effectiveness of deployed capital, bringing local field needs, regional expertise, and policy insights to the forefront. For more information about AVPN and our work, please visit our website and read our latest Annual Review 2023/24.
About The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors. Please visit www.hkjc.com.
About AVPN Global Conference 2025
The AVPN Global Conference, the largest annual networking event for social investors active in Asia, brings together leaders from Asia and beyond to collectively envision an impactful future that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable. The Conference is an opportunity to build trust between social investors, philanthropists and community impact leaders that will be essential to closing the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) gaps in Asia on the four main pillars of Climate Action, Gender Equality, Resilient Healthcare and Youth Opportunities. Alongside the Conference is also a dedicated AVPN Impact Investing Day, the first-of-its-kind large-scale impact investment-focused convening in Asia, featuring global and Asian investors, funders as well as Limited Partners including asset managers, family offices, and institutional investors.
Lead Partners of the AVPN Global Conference 2025
- Ford Foundation
- Gates Foundation
- Johnson & Johnson
- Rupani Development Initiatives
- Tilt Collective
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