The PBC 2026 Forum: A Decade of Philanthropic Leadership and Innovation

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the PBC 2026 Forum opened at the West Kowloon Cultural District on September 7, 2026. Hosted by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in collaboration with the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), this significant two-day event has drawn around 2,000 leaders and delegates from various sectors including philanthropy, sports, business, and government. The forum serves as a platform for exploring pressing issues and opportunities that shape modern philanthropy.

This year's event, themed `Leap for Impact`, draws inspiration from top athletes and the world of sports, emphasizing qualities such as discipline, focus, resilience, and teamwork as vital for driving meaningful social change. It aims not only to showcase the successes achieved over the past decade but also to highlight the ongoing challenges and necessary transformations in the world of giving.

The forum commenced with speeches from key figures, including The Hon Chan Kwok-ki, HKSAR Government Chief Secretary, who underscored Hong Kong's role as a global center for philanthropy. He stated, "As a bridge between East and West, we are uniquely positioned to deploy global capital for good." Acknowledging the importance of collaboration in philanthropy, attendees were encouraged to foster innovative partnerships that can enhance community impact.

Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao noted that over the past ten years, the PBC forum has engaged more than 10,000 participants and featured over 380 speakers from over 40 regions worldwide. This impressive record highlights PBC's role as a leading platform for discourse on philanthropic practices and the collaborative approaches required for sustainable change.

Among the notable highlights of the opening day was a keynote address by Helen Clark, former New Zealand Prime Minister and native advocate for global development. Clark's keynote, titled `A New Era for Philanthropy: Leading Through Complexity`, set the tone for discussions on adaptive leadership in philanthropy in the face of today’s multifaceted challenges.

Additionally, sessions that focused on navigating social mobility and creating pathways for future generations illustrated the collaborative efforts between Hong Kong and Singapore. The insights from government representatives and industry leaders delve into how economic growth can be leveraged to create more social mobility avenues.

In another engaging session titled `Expanding the Arena: Philanthropy, Leadership, and Pathways Beyond Sport`, leading athletes from the Chinese Mainland, including Li Xiaopeng and Deng Yaping, shared how their experiences in sports can shape and inspire future leaders and broader societal impacts.

The Commission on Asian Philanthropy also launched its Interim Report during the forum, unveiling significant statistics on the scale and potential of domestic philanthropic giving across Asia, which reached approximately $109 billion in 2024. This anticipated growth positions philanthropy as a strategic asset for national development, further emphasizing the role of charitable organizations in shaping future societal outcomes.

The event’s discussions reinforced the pivotal role that philanthropy plays in addressing various social challenges. Participants left with a renewed sense of commitment, armed with new perspectives and strategies to effect meaningful change in their communities.

The PBC 2026 Forum exemplifies how collaboration across sectors can drive impactful philanthropy and highlights Hong Kong's commitment to being a global leader in charitable initiatives. As the forum progresses, participants are eager to explore innovative routes to philanthropy that can lead to improving lives and strengthening communities globally.