PBC 2026 opens in Hong Kong: Working with the world to shape a new future for philanthropy

The 2026 Hong Kong International Philanthropy Forum (PBC 2026) opened on Sept. 7 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Hosted by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and co‑organized by the Institute of Philanthropy, the two‑day forum marked its 10th anniversary. It convened around 2,000 global delegates representing the philanthropy, sports, business, government, academia and community sectors. Centered on the theme "Leap for Impact," participants jointly discussed the transformation, challenges and opportunities facing the philanthropic sector.

Photo shows a scene at the 2026 Hong Kong International Philanthropy Forum. (Photo by Han Yuxuan/People's Daily Online)

Leveraging Hong Kong's strategic position connecting Chinese mainland and the rest of the world, the forum examines prevailing trends and practical challenges in modern‑day philanthropy. Drawing inspiration from the Olympic and Paralympic spirit, it explores how sport‑embedded qualities including self‑discipline, focus, resilience and collaboration can be translated into a driving force for philanthropy. The program featured keynote speeches, thematic panel discussions and interactive dialogues for multi‑dimensional deliberations on building social impact. It covered key livelihood areas including healthcare, well‑being for the elderly, alleviation of urban poverty, cultural heritage conservation, youth development, climate resilience and inclusive employment. Drawing wisdom from diverse sectors, participants sought practical solutions to pressing social issues.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Chan Kwok‑ki, chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR Government; Martin Liao, chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, chief executive officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and director of the Institute of Philanthropy.

In his address, Chan noted that Hong Kong boasts a solid foundation for philanthropic development, with more than 11,000 tax exempt charitable organizations. The HKSAR Government is committed to building Hong Kong into a global hub for philanthropy. Benefiting from the institutional strengths of "One Country, Two Systems," internationally recognized tax regimes and tax deductible donation arrangements, Hong Kong attracts substantial philanthropic giving. Meanwhile, as a hub for wealth and family offices, Hong Kong seizes opportunities arising from inter generational wealth transfer across the Asia Pacific region. Through one stop services and thematic forums, it fosters integration between wealth value and social missions.

Chan Kwok‑ki, chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR Government, delivers a speech. (Photo by Han Yuxuan/People's Daily Online)

In his remarks, Liao reviewed the 10‑year journey of the Hong Kong International Philanthropy Forum. Cumulative attendance has exceeded 10,000, with over 380 speakers from more than 40 countries and regions, establishing the event as one of the world's largest philanthropic assemblies. He pointed out that the forum continues to focus on systemic transformation within philanthropy, explores innovative capital operation models, enhances capabilities for social‑value creation, advocates cross‑sector collaboration and multi‑party engagement, and delivers more long‑term and sustainable philanthropic outcomes.

Martin Liao, chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, delivers a speech. (Photo by Han Yuxuan/People's Daily Online)

The forum featured a series of thematic sharing sessions and dialogues. Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand and former administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, delivered the opening keynote speech entitled "A New Era for Philanthropy: Leading Through Complexity." Panelists discussed professional competencies required for philanthropy amid a changing global landscape.

The panel discussion "Expanding the Arena: Philanthropy, Leadership, and Pathways Beyond Sport" brought together Olympic champions and leading sports figures including Li Xiaopeng, Deng Yaping and Yang Yang, alongside international football tournament referee Ma Ning. Participants shared practices of empowering philanthropy through competitive sporting ethos, and explored pathways for sporting power to support institutional development, youth nurturing and community engagement.

Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand and former administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, in conversation with Bernard Chan, steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. (Photo by Han Yuxuan/People's Daily Online)

The Institute of Philanthropy and the Asian Philanthropy Congress (APHIC) jointly launch the Interim Report under the Asian Philanthropy Research Initiative. (Photo by Han Yuxuan/People's Daily Online)

At the event, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust released its inaugural "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust Impact Report." The report innovatively establishes a three tier evaluation framework spanning project, program and Trust levels to assess the effectiveness of philanthropic initiatives from multiple dimensions. It also outlines the Trust's track record of giving back to society and improving people's livelihoods since its first recorded donation in 1915.

Zhang Yujie, intern, contributed to the reporting.