PBC 2026 Forum: Celebrating a Decade of Philanthropic Leadership and Impact

On September 7, 2026, the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong played host to the exciting opening of the PBC 2026 Forum. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, convened by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP). The forum gathered approximately 2,000 delegates from various sectors, including philanthropy, sports, business, government, academia, and the social sector. Together, they explored the ongoing transformation, challenges, and opportunities within the realm of philanthropy.

The theme for this year’s forum, "Leap for Impact," draws inspiration from esteemed athletes and sport itself. It emphasizes the importance of qualities such as resilience, discipline, focus, and teamwork as vital tools for generating meaningful social change. This philosophy aligns with the goals outlined in the National 15th Five-Year Plan, focusing on talent development, youth empowerment, and fostering a robust sporting environment in Hong Kong.

The opening ceremony of PBC 2026 featured significant speeches from notable figures including the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR, The Hon Chan Kwok-ki, and Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao. Chan highlighted the unique position of Hong Kong as a global philanthropy hub, praising its ability to harness global capital for the greater good under the 'one country, two systems' principle. He encouraged delegates to leverage the forum as an opportunity to foster their philanthropic legacies.

Martin Liao, addressing the attendees, shared an impressive statistic: throughout its decade-long journey, PBC has engaged over 10,000 participants and featured more than 380 speakers across over 40 countries and regions, solidifying its reputation as one of the world's largest philanthropic gatherings. He urged for a focus on systemic changes, innovative funding approaches, and collaboration across sectors to create sustainable outcomes.

An exciting aspect of the forum was the release of the inaugural The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust Impact Report. This report presents an analysis of the Club’s philanthropic endeavors since its earliest recorded donation in 1915. It introduces a three-tier hierarchical framework to assess impact at various levels, emphasizing targeted resource allocation towards marginalized populations, long-term sustainability of initiatives, and adaptive impact measurement strategies tailored to each program's life cycle.

Prominent philanthropic organizations, including the Gates Foundation, the D.H. Chen Foundation, and others, actively participated in PBC 2026, enriching the discussions with their insights and experiences.

One of the forum's highlights was the keynote speech by Helen Clark, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who discussed the need for leadership in philanthropy during complex times. The session opened a dialogue on how effective leadership can inspire change and guide philanthropic efforts amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Another engaging plenary session, "Two Playbooks, One Goal: Navigating Social Mobility in Asia's Twin Cities," featured government officials from Hong Kong and Singapore, showcasing how these cities strive to turn economic growth into pathways for enhanced social mobility for the next generation.

Moreover, the session titled "Expanding the Arena: Philanthropy, Leadership, and Pathways Beyond Sport" brought together esteemed sports personalities who explored how sporting excellence can catalyze social change and broaden access to opportunities.

The Commission on Asian Philanthropy, co-organized by the IoP and the Asian Philanthropy Congress, released its Interim Report during the forum, marking a significant milestone in understanding the philanthropic landscape across Asia. With domestic philanthropic contributions estimated to reach $109 billion in 2024, the report emphasizes that Asia’s philanthropic future could potentially exceed $1 trillion in the next decade, shaped by contributions from daily giving, corporate initiatives, and public investments.

As the forum progresses, attendees are eager to delve into more insightful discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering impactful philanthropy, ensuring a lasting legacy for the next generation. The PBC 2026 Forum undoubtedly stands as a pivotal gathering, driving conversations that align philanthropy with tangible, sustainable societal progress.