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2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference: Day 2 Highlights

The 2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference, sanctioned by China's State Council, has made its mark in the Huangpu District of Shanghai from October 16 to 18. With the overarching theme of "Joining Hands to Address Challenges: Global Action, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth," the conference gathered international expertise to carve out new avenues for sustainability.

This significant event is a collaborative effort between the World Green Design Organization (WGDO) and Sina Group, with support from the IFRS Foundation Beijing Office. The local government of Huangpu District has been instrumental in facilitating this gathering which aims to empower global sustainability governance with a distinctive Chinese momentum.

Notable Attendees

On the second day of the conference, esteemed international figures graced the event, reflecting its global significance. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the former President of Croatia and member of the International Olympic Committee, was a key attendee along with Vuk Jeremić, President of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development, and Salvador Moncada, Ambassador of Honduras to China.

Liu Jun, the President of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, engaged in a critical dialogue with Michael Levitt, a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. They discussed how AI innovation can spearhead sustainable development, proving the core intersection of technology and sustainability.

Additional notables included Tu Guangshao, Co-chair of the ESG Leaders Association Forum, and various Chinese government officials such as He Qing, Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Committee. Dignitaries from the finance and educational sectors, including Xu Huili, District Mayor of Huangpu, were also present to lend their voice to the discussions.

ESG Reports Unveiled

During the conference, a series of influential reports concerning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria were released. These included the 2024 China Alcohol Drinks ESG Development Index Report, highlighting the strides made in the alcohol sector towards sustainability. Another noteworthy publication was the ESG Disclosure Progress Report — Based on AI Tools, which provided a modern approach to assessing corporate transparency and accountability in ESG matters.

The 2025 Disclosure Dividend report assessed how businesses can remain resilient amidst rapid environmental changes, while the Green Development Research Findings from the Beijing National Institute of ESG painted a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities facing sustainable development in China.

Inspiring Keynotes and Lectures

The conference featured profound insights from Michael Levitt, who presented a keynote on “How AI Is Reshaping the Future of Industry and Society.” His discourse illuminated the vital role technology plays in addressing current societal challenges. Jared Diamond, a notable geographer and author, fascinated attendees with his lecture titled “The Next Chapter of Human History: Integrating Health, Environment, and Governance.” Their contributions enriched the dialogue on sustainable practices and innovation.

Among other esteemed speakers were Liang Tao, former Vice Chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, and Zhao Ruirui, a former Chinese women’s volleyball player and Olympic champion, who showcased the intersection of sports and sustainability.

The Road Ahead

As a pivotal platform for international dialogue on sustainability, the 2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference fosters collaboration across various sectors including government, business, academia, and social organizations. It emphasizes practical solutions and long-term mechanisms for sustainable progress.

Looking forward, the conference aims to enhance exchanges regarding green innovations and deepen their integration with local economies and technological advancements. The end goal is to position Shanghai as a global model city for sustainable development, further bridging China’s commitments to global sustainability with actionable initiatives.

In conclusion, the 2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference showcases the steps being taken towards a sustainable future, driven by innovation and collaboration across sectors. The road to sustainability is indeed promising as leaders in the field join hands in tackling the challenges of our time.