The inaugural Hong Kong Sport & Sustainability Summit, hosted on April 3, 2024, by the Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) with the support of Brand Hong Kong, concluded with resounding success. Held at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, the event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of more than 150 attendees, surpassing expectations and setting a new benchmark for future editions.

The Summit, inspired by the Chief Executive's vision for sports development and professionalism, brought together a global community of leaders, decision-makers, and passionate individuals. The agenda was packed with thought-provoking panels that explored critical aspects of sport and its impact on society and the environment, driving the conversation on sustainability within the sports industry.

Highlights of the Summit included:

Welcome address: Guests were welcomed by Mr Lau Chun, Raistlin, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Mr Lau outlined the government's vision for the role of sports in building a better society for all.

Panel Discussions: Each panel addressed a key theme of sustainability in sports, ranging from good governance and inclusivity to environmental impact and innovations in sustainable sports events. Notable speakers such as former Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh, World Rugby Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion Manager Jaime McKeown, Great Britain 7s player and Scottish Rugby's Sustainability Ambassador Jamie Farndale, and Commonwealth Games 2022 Sustainability Manager Simon Wright Jones shared their insights, inspiring attendees to take actionable steps towards a more sustainable future in sports.　

 Value of Sport Lunch: This annual event, hosted by HKCR since 2013, featured panel discussions with world-renowned athletes and rugby legends such as Huriana Manuel-Carpenter, Schalk Burger, and Sean Fitzpatrick, on how sport can positively change the world. The 2024 edition saw an impressive lineup of attendees from leading corporations and philanthropic foundations, underscoring the event's significance in promoting positive change through sports.

Key Outcomes and Next Steps:

The Summit facilitated meaningful discussions and networking opportunities, with over 40% of delegates coming from overseas, highlighting the international appeal and importance of the event. The panels inspired attendees to consider the role of sports in building inclusive societies, promoting environmental awareness, and driving innovation in event sustainability.

Building on the success of this year's Summit, HKCR is committed to continuing the conversation and action on sport and sustainability. Plans are underway for the next Hong Kong Sport & Sustainability Summit, to further expand its reach and impact.