The Hong Kong Federation of Women (HKFW) organised the Second Women Power Forum on Saturday, 23 October at Unit 402 Exhibition and Event Space, 4/F, Shun Tak Centre. This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Accordingly, the Forum’s theme is "Herald a new chapter of Harmony and Growth for our World City," with a view of promoting women's causes and international cooperation to connect all walks of life globally from Hong Kong as a world city and a key city in the Greater Bay Area.
From left: Mrs. Shirley Chan, Ms. Katherine Cheung, Dr. Ronald Lam, Prof. Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Mrs. Laura May-Lung Cha, Dr. Rita Fan, Dr. Peggy Lam, Dr. Margaret Chan, Mr. Liu Guangyuan, Ms. Lu Xinning, Ms. Pansy Ho, Mrs. Regina Leung, Dr. Annie Wu, Dr. Elsie Leung, Mr. Timothy Fok, Mr. Siu Chak-yee, Mr. Ricky Chu, Mrs. Janice Choi
The Forum was honoured to have distinguished officiating guests including Ms. Lu Xinning, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR; Mr. Liu Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR; Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson of the HKFW; Chairperson of the Women Power Forum; Dr. Margaret Chan, Founding Dean, Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Emeritus Director-General, World Health Organization; Mrs. Regina Leung, Life Patron of the HKFW; Dr. Peggy Lam, Honorary Life Chairperson and Supervising Advisor of the HKFW and Honorary Chairperson of the Women Power Forum; Dr. Annie Wu, Supervising Advisor of the HKFW and Honorary Chairperson of the Women Power Forum; Vice Chairperson of the Women Power Forum; Dr. Rita Fan, Supervising Advisor of the HKFW and Honorary Advisor of the Women Power Forum; Dr. Elsie Leung, Supervising Advisor of the HKFW and Honorary Advisor of Women Power Forum; Mrs. Laura May-Lung Cha, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Mr. Timothy Fok, Chairman of Fok Ying Tung Group and Honorary Advisor of Women Power Forum; Prof. Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Secretary for Food and Health; Mr. Siu Chak-yee, Commissioner of Police; Dr. Ronald Lam, Director of Health; Mr. Ricky Chu, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission; Ms. Katherine Cheung, President of Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Association; Mrs. Janice Choi, Vice Chairperson of the HKFW and Vice Chairperson of the Women Power Forum; Mrs. Shirley Chan, Vice Chairperson of the HKFW.
Mme. Huang Xiaowei, Vice-President and First Member of the Secretariat of the All-China Women's Federation sent her sincere greetings to fellow women from all walks of life in Hong Kong with a video, and spoke highly of the HKFW, “HKFW have organised and mobilised resources to firmly support the law-based administration of the SAR government and actively participate in the development of the SAR as well as various undertakings in China, to make a contribution to the transition of Hong Kong.”
Mrs. Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of HKSAR and Honorary Patron of the the HKFW delivered an opening keynote speech via video: “I am equally pleased to see that our efforts in promoting women's participation in public affairs in my term of office are gradually bearing fruit. The percentage of female members in government advisory and statutory bodies has reached 35 per cent in June this year, meeting the target set in earlier years.”
Ms. Lu Xinning, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong SAR said that “Hong Kong is a bridge between civilisations from the West and the East, and our city has made great achievements in advancing women in power in the recent years. If Hong Kong can make good use of the advantages of Eastern and Western cultures and librate women to speak for themselves and play an integral role in building a harmonious society, Hong Kong will serve as a valuable example of success for women in the world.”
Mr. Liu Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong SAR said, “At a time when Hong Kong is embarking on a new chapter of long-term stability, I hope that Hong Kong women will continue to give full play to their strengths; actively participate in the construction in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with a sense of ownership; integrate into the overall development of China's reform and opening up, and tell the stories of China, Hong Kong and the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" in the international arena, so as to bring their talents to bear and build their careers in the process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson of the HKFW, Chairperson of the Women Power Forum said, “Led by our Chief Executive and many female leaders, Hong Kong has made pivotal progress and is quick in its rebound. Implementation of the National Security Law and Reformation of our electoral system brought about a new basis of stability, upon which, we can now turn a new page and herald a new chapter for our home. Whether in politics, business, finance, health, sports, education, arts, culture or philanthropy, we are “Problem-Tacklers”, as well as “Go-Getters”. I look forward to the continuous support and guidance from our friendly partners, and constituting a new wave of vitality and energy together in the solidification of the Greater Bay Area vision.”
Dr. Margaret Chan, Founding Dean, Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Emeritus Director-General, World Health Organization said, “We need to encourage female talents to be decision makers. The empowerment of women enhances the productivity and sustainable development of a society.”
Mrs. Laura May-Lung Cha, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited said that “HKEX is committed to drive change in the community and has raised HK$100 million for promoting initiatives in favor of women equality in Hong Kong.”
Under the theme, the Forum invited leaders from various fields to explore how women can play a more comprehensive role in building a harmonious, united and cohesive society, whilst highlighting Hong Kong's status as a world city in four discussion sessions.
The Forum kicked off with the panel session, “Business and Finance: The challenges and opportunities – Hong Kong's status as the world's premier international financial centre”, moderated by Ms. Carol Yau, Organizing Committee Member of the Women Power Forum. Ms. Marjorie Yang, Chairwoman of Esquel Group, Ms. Amy Lo, Chairman, Executive Committee, Private Wealth Management Association and Head and Chief Executive, UBS Hong Kong Branch, Ms. Angellah Kairuki, Chairperson of the Tanzania National Coordinating Committee, and Ms. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, discussed how Hong Kong can work closely with the Mainland to seize the unique opportunities from the 14th Five-Year Plan and the integration of the Greater Bay Area by demonstrating their entrepreneurial spirit and giving full play to Hong Kong's unique role as a bridge to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial centre.
The session about “Health and Sports: A New Model of Health in the Post-Epidemic Era” was moderated by Ms. Idy Wong, Organizing Committee Member of the Women Power Forum. The speakers included: Prof. Nancy Ip, Vice President for Research and Development, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Ms. Guo Jingjing, Hon Technical Advisor of the Hong Kong China Swimming Association, Prof. Ava Kwong, Daniel C K Yu Professor in Breast Cancer Research, Clinical Professor and Chief of Division of Breast Surgery, The University of Hong Kong and Ms. Nisa Leung, Managing Partner of Qiming Venture Partners. They discussed how Hong Kong, with its advantages of being a world city and the hub in Greater Bay Area, can build up its strengths and connect with the world in the post-pandemic era whilst promoting technological innovation, health and sports development for the benefit of the public.
The Forum was honoured to have Mr. CY Leung, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Honorary Advisor of Women Power Forum, as the keynote speaker in a special session on “Chinese NGOs Going Out.” Together with Ms. Emily Chan, Chief Executive Officer at GX Foundation and Ms. Pamela Ku, Chief Executive Officer of the Belt & Road Hong Kong Centre and the Bay Area Hong Kong Centre, they shared how China's contributions in medical aid and education have helped connect with other countries and the global community. In the Forum, Mr. CY Leung said “Now is the time for Chinese people to go global, and Hong Kong has an integral role to play in promoting Chinese philanthropy on the world stage.”
The session about “Art & Culture, Social & Education: Women uniting for building an inclusive society” was co-moderated by Ms. Patti Wong, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and Sotheby’s Diamonds and Ms. Stephanie Hung, Organizing Committee Member of the Women Power Forum. The speakers included Mr. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Office in Beijing, Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Committee of UNICEF, Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng, Deputy Vice-Chairwoman and Group President of CTF Education Group, Prof. Gillian Choa, Director of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Dr. Trisha Leahy, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, and Ms. Adeline Ooi, Director Asia of Art Basel. They shared their views on how they have made an impact on education and social service aspects to promote inclusion and how youth can find their place in the future development landscape. The discussion also touched on how international metropolises and cities can be enhanced using an abundance of cultural resources from a global, Asian, Hong Kong, and Chinese perspective.
The Second Women Power Forum was held successfully thanks to the support of various sponsors and organizations, such as the co-organiser of the forum, Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneurs Association and supporting units including the Coordination Department of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R., Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong S.A.R., Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Equal Opportunities Commission. The forum was conducted both offline and online, including live broadcasts in various satellite venues and active participation from schools, organizations and women associations in Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Macau.
In the closing remarks, Dr. Annie Wu, Supervising Advisor of the HKFW and Honorary Chairperson of the Women Power Forum expressed her gratitude to the guest speakers who have supported this year’s forum despite the difficulties of current travel restrictions, “Let us all recognise the unwavering backing and contribution from Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the Republic of Tanzania; Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China; Mohammad Naciri, the Regional Director of UN Women for Asia and Pacific; Shahbaz Khan, the Director of the UNESCO Office in Beijing and Angellah Kairuki, the Chairperson of the Tanzania National Coordinating Committee.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ms. Katherine Cheung, President of Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Association, said that GBWA was honoured to join hands with the Hong Kong Federation of Women to organise the second edition of the 'Women Power Forum'. The Forum was held in a combined online and offline format, with simultaneous live broadcast. It involved 28 organisations, institutions and schools, as well as online participation by women's associations, women's socities and alliances in Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Macau.
Picture 1:
Madame Huang Xiaowei, Vice-President and First Member of the Secretariat of the All-China Women's Federation, delivers an opening keynote speech via video.
Picture 2:
Mrs. Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of HKSAR and Honorary Patron of Hong Kong Federation of Women, delivers an opening keynote speech via video.
Picture 3:
Ms. Lu Xinning, Deputy Director of Coordination Department of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, delivers an opening speech.
Picture 4:
Mr. Liu Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR, delivers an opening speech.
Picture 5:
Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson of the HKFW, Chairperson of the Women Power Forum, delivers an opening speech.
Picture 6:
Dr. Margaret Chan, Founding Dean, Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Emeritus Director-General, World Health Organization, delivers an opening speech.
Picture 7:
Mrs. Laura May-Lung Cha, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, delivers an opening speech.
Picture 8:
Panel discussion: “Business and Finance: The challenges and opportunities – Hong Kong's status as the world's premier international financial centre”
From left: Ms. Carol Yau, Organizing Committee Member of the Women Power Forum, Ms. Marjorie Yang, Chairwoman of Esquel Group; Ms. Amy Lo, Chairman, Executive Committee, Private Wealth Management Association and Head and Chief Executive; UBS Hong Kong Branch and Ms. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group (joined via livestream)
Picture 9:
Panel discussion: “Health and Sports: A New Model of Health in the Post-Epidemic Era”
From left: Ms. Nisa Leung, Managing Partner of Qiming Venture Partners, Ms. Guo Jingjing, Hon Technical Advisor of the Hong Kong China Swimming Association, Prof. Nancy Ip, Vice President for Research and Development, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Prof. Ava Kwong, Daniel C K Yu Professor in Breast Cancer Research, Clinical Professor and Chief of Division of Breast Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Ms. Idy Wong, Organizing Committee Member of the Women Power Forum
Picture 10:
Special panel:“Chinese NGOs Going Out”
Mr. CY Leung, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Honorary Advisor of Women Power Forum (Middle), Ms. Pamela Ku, Chief Executive Officer of the Belt & Road Hong Kong Centre and the Bay Area Hong Kong Centre (left), Ms. Emily Chan, Chief Executive Officer at GX Foundation (right)
Picture 11:
Art & Culture, Social & Education: Women uniting for building an inclusive society”
From left: Dr. Trisha Leahy, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Committee of UNICEF, Ms. Patti Wong, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and Sotheby’s Diamonds, Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng, Deputy Vice Chairwoman and Group President of CTF Education Group, Prof. Gillian Choa, Director of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Ms. Stephanie Hung, Organizing Committee Member of the Women Power Forum, Ms. Adeline Ooi, Director Asia of Art Basel (joined via livestream)
Picture 12:
Dr. Annie Wu, Supervising Advisor of the HKFW and Honorary Chairperson of the Women Power Forum, delivers a closing speech.
Picture 13:
Ms. Katherine Cheung, President of Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Association, delivers a closing speech.
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