The International Philanthropy Forum in Hong Kong 2026 (PBC 2026) took place on September 7th at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The two-day event marked its tenth anniversary edition. The forum was organized by the Hong Kong Club Charity Foundation and co-organized by the Institute of Philanthropy. Approximately 2000 delegates from around the world participated, representing sectors such as philanthropy, sports, business, government, academia, and the local community.
The central theme of the forum was 'Leap for Impact,' under which participants discussed the transformations, challenges, and opportunities facing the philanthropic sector. Thanks to Hong Kong's strategic position connecting mainland China with the rest of the world, the forum analyzed current trends and practical difficulties in modern charity.
Inspired by the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, participants explored how qualities inherent in sports—such as self-discipline, concentration, resilience, and cooperation—can drive philanthropy. The program included keynote speeches, thematic panel discussions, and interactive dialogues for a multi-dimensional discussion on building social influence. Key areas of life support were highlighted, including healthcare, elderly well-being, reducing urban poverty, preserving cultural heritage, youth development, climate sustainability, and inclusive employment.
Official Speeches
The opening ceremony was conducted by Chan Kwok-kei, Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Martin Lau, Chairman of the Hong Kong Club; and Winfried Engelbrecht-Breggs, CEO of the Hong Kong Club and Director of the Institute of Philanthropy. In his address, Chan noted that Hong Kong has a solid foundation for developing philanthropy, boasting over 11,000 tax-exempt non-profit charitable organizations. He emphasized the HKSAR Government's commitment to transforming Hong Kong into a global center for philanthropy.
Due to the institutional advantages of the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework, internationally recognized tax regimes, and donation tax deduction opportunities, Hong Kong attracts significant donations. Furthermore, as a hub for wealth and family offices, Hong Kong leverages opportunities arising from intergenerational capital transfer in the Asia-Pacific region, promoting the integration of capital value and social missions through 'one-stop shop' services and thematic forums.
Martin Lau, Chairman of the Hong Kong Club, summarized the ten-year history of the International Philanthropy Forum in Hong Kong. The total number of participants exceeded 10,000, and over 380 speakers from more than 40 countries and regions affirmed the event's status as one of the largest philanthropic gatherings globally. He stressed that the forum continues to focus on systemic transformation in philanthropy, explores innovative capital management models, enhances the potential for creating social value, advocates for cross-sector collaboration and multilateral participation, and ensures more long-term and sustainable results in the field of philanthropy.
Thematic Sessions and Reports
The forum presented a series of thematic sessions and dialogues. Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former Administrator of the UN Development Programme, delivered an opening keynote speech titled 'A New Era of Philanthropy: Navigating Complexity.' Panelists discussed the professional competencies required for philanthropy in a changing global landscape.
The panel discussion 'Expanding the Arena: Philanthropy, Leadership, and Paths Beyond Sport' brought together Olympic champions and leading sports figures, including Li Xiaopeng, Deng Yaping, and Yang Yang, as well as international football referee Ma Ning. Participants shared experiences on expanding philanthropy's reach through the competitive sporting ethos and explored ways to use sporting power to support institutional development, youth education, and community engagement.
During the event, the Hong Kong Club Charity Foundation released its first 'Hong Kong Club Charity Foundation Impact Report.' This report innovatively presents a three-tiered evaluation system covering project, program, and Foundation levels to determine the effectiveness of philanthropic initiatives from various perspectives. It also outlines the Foundation's track record in supporting society and improving people's lives since its first registered donation in 1915.