The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust hosted the fourth Philanthropy for Better Cities (PBC) Forum 2024 at the West Kowloon Cultural District on 9 September. This event marked the beginning of Hong Kong Philanthropy Week, aligning with the HKSAR Government’s vision to position Hong Kong as a global philanthropy hub.
Forum Overview
The two-day PBC Forum serves as a critical platform for foundations, thought leaders, policymakers, non-governmental organisations, and experts from around the world. It facilitates dialogue and the exchange of transformative ideas aimed at translating philanthropic efforts into tangible, sustainable outcomes. With the theme “Delivering Impactful Philanthropy in the Real World,” the forum includes keynote addresses and panel discussions. It has gathered nearly 100 distinguished speakers and over 2,000 delegates from 40 countries and regions, including representatives from more than 200 local, regional, and global foundations.
Collaborative Efforts
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust organised the forum in collaboration with the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), a charitable organisation founded by the Club and its Trust during the third PBC Forum in September 2023.
In a video address, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee commended the forum, stating, “This forum reflects Hong Kong’s dedication to philanthropy and is proudly hosted by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust, a longstanding leader in our philanthropic efforts.” He further emphasised the government’s commitment to transforming Hong Kong into a global centre for philanthropy, noting, “Our Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong aims to equip philanthropists with the necessary tools to manage their wealth and channel their resources into impactful social initiatives. We are committed to making Hong Kong a preferred destination for global family offices dedicated to making a difference.”
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony featured remarks from HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, Club Chairman Michael Lee, and Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. Chairman Lee highlighted the rapid growth of philanthropic giving in Asia, driven by the region’s rising prosperity. He pointed out the need for context-specific philanthropic models to address diverse political, economic, and cultural contexts, stating, “Unlocking philanthropy’s full potential will be essential in tackling shared social and environmental challenges effectively.”
Keynote Speakers
The forum included keynote addresses from prominent figures such as Julia Gillard, Chair of the Wellcome Trust and former Prime Minister of Australia, who spoke on “East is East and West is West: Professor Michael Spence, a 2001 Nobel Laureate in Economics and Dean Emeritus of Stanford Business School, presented a keynote titled “The Economics of Giving: What Motivates Us to Donate and What Limits Our Generosity?What stops us from giving more?”
Memorandum of Collaboration
At the forum, a new Memorandum of Collaboration was formalised between the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and three prominent local universities. This partnership is designed to bolster the region’s ability to monitor and tackle epidemics effectively within the Greater Bay Area. The agreement involves the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute at the University of Hong Kong, the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at the City University of Hong Kong. This initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening regional health infrastructure and collaborative research efforts in epidemic preparedness and response. This memorandum aligns with the Club’s long-standing support for the “One Health” approach.
Philanthropy Week
The forum’s five-day programme began with a welcome luncheon on 8 September, coinciding with the opening of Hong Kong’s 2024/25 horseracing season. Following the two-day forum, The Foundations Circle and other related side-events, organised by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), took place on 11 and 12 September. The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy will also conduct a three-day summit from 12-14 September, concluding Hong Kong Philanthropy Week.
The Club’s ongoing support for the PBC Forum and other charitable initiatives is made possible through its integrated business model, which leverages racing and wagering to generate tax contributions, charity support, and employment opportunities for the community.
