ASEAN-UK Race to Zero Dialogues

24-25 May 2021

2021 is a decisive year for climate action – and businesses play a critical role in reducing emissions and building our resilience to climate change.  The ASEAN-UK Race to Zero Dialogues will bring together UK and ASEAN businesses in advance of COP26 to discuss the need for private sector climate action – and the business case for net zero emissions by 2050. 

 

Join the ASEAN-UK Race to Zero Dialogues, 24-25 May to:

  • Understand why setting targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 is imperative, and the pivotal role that businesses have to play in a net-zero, low-carbon future 
  • Learn more about the Race to Zero, and how your company can join and contribute to combatting climate change, and the opportunities committing to net-zero emissions offers in terms of corporate image, competitive advantage and innovation
  • Hear stories of climate action progress from ASEAN and UK companies who have joined the Race to Zero 
  • Discover more ways for your company to support COP26, through initiatives like RE100, EV100, the Powering Past Coal Alliance, and the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 
  • Highlight opportunities for businesses to build resilience to climate shocks and stresses in SE Asia through Race to Resilience Campaign

 

The global low-carbon transition is inevitable and accelerating. Now is the time for companies to ensure they are part of the race. 

 

If you have questions about the Race to Zero and how it is involved with COP26, read our Race To Zero FAQs section.

    VIP Speakers include:

     

    The ASEAN-UK Race to Zero Dialogues begin on 24 May with an overview session.

    There are a number of sessions happening over the two days; each is listed below.

    Please note that some sessions run in paralell. You are welcome to register for all events and decide which to attend on the day itself.

     

    How do I register?

    • Find the sessions that most interest you below
    • Click the blue register button 
    • You will be directed to our virtual event platform where you need to register your details for that specific session
    • Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a calendar reminder for the session
    • Repeat the same process for all sessions on this list that you wish to attend

    DAY 1

    ASEAN-UK Race to Zero Dialogues Launch

    24 May (15:00 – 15:30 - Singapore time)

    Welcoming remarks from Nigel Topping (COP26 High Level Champion on Climate Action) and Dato Dr Amin Liew (Minister of Finance and Economy II).

    The Pivotal Role of Businesses in a Net-Zero Future

    24 May (15:30 – 16:15 - Singapore time)

    Learn about the business case for a net-zero transition, and the opportunities in corporate net-zero commitments across sectors. 

    Why 1.5°C? The importance of companies setting ambitious science-based emissions reduction targets. 
    Presentation by Olwen Smith, Business Ambition 1.5°C Regional Engagement Lead, CDP.

    The business case for ASEAN – what is the value of setting net-zero corporate targets, and how can companies achieve their net-zero aspirations? Presentation by Chris Stephens (Asia Director, Carbon Trust).

    The path for SMEs – becoming climate-resilient and climate-ambitious. 
    Presentation by Johan Falk (Co-Founder and Head of Exponential Roadmap Initiative) 

    Powering a Net Zero Future: Implementing Net Zero Strategies in the Energy Sector

    24 May (16:15 – 17:15 - Singapore time)

    Energy transformation will progress as renewables outcompete alternatives, policy frameworks further strengthen, more companies demand renewable energy. This session will explore the actions needed within the energy sector to accelerate progress on net zero emission, business strategies.

    Mohamad Irwan Aman (Head of Sustainability, Sarawak Energy Berhad) 

    Mark Shorrock (CEO, Shire Oak Energy) 

    Sam Kimmins (Head of RE100, The Climate Group)  

    Victoria Burrows (Director of Advancing Net Zero, World Green Building Council) 

    Please note that this session and the session below occur at the same time.

    Transforming Agriculture and Land Use to Win the Race to Zero

    24 May (16:15 – 17:15 - Singapore time)

    There has been massive investment in ecosystems of innovation to promote ‘climate-smart’ ways of producing, distributing and consuming food.

    This session will explore opportunities around scaling regenerative agriculture, what setting net-zero targets for agriculture means in practice, and catalysing investment in climate resilient food systems, and new approaches to scale up the impact of new investment.

    Christopher Stewart (Global Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Olam International) 

    Noppadol Dej-Udom (Chief Sustainability Officer, Charoen Pokphand Group) 

    Dhanush Dinesh (Head of Partnerships and Outreach - CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security and Co-Chair of 'Transforming Agricultural Innovation for People, Climate and Nature') 

    Imelda (Dada) Bacudo (Advisor, ASEAN Climate Resilience Network) 

    Alexander Giles (Chief Commercial Officer, Liberty Produce)

    Please note that this session and the session above occur at the same time.

    High-Level Roundtable on Business Action to Deliver Net Zero 

    24 May (17:15 – 18:15 - Singapore time)

    Roundtable will discuss the importance of public and private partnership on climate action and delivering net-zero.

    Nigel Topping (UK Climate Champion)

    Satvinder Singh - Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

    Cherine Fok (Director - Sustainability Services, KPMG) 

    Esther An (Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited)

    Juliette White (VP, Global SHE and Operations Sustainability, AstraZeneca)

    Moderated by Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe (Chair of the UK-ASEAN Business Council)

     

    DAY 2

    Welcoming Remarks

    25 May (15:00 – 15:30 - Singapore time)

    Welcoming remarks by Richard Graham MP, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the ASEAN Economic Community, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

    Welcoming remarks by Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General of ASEAN

    Financing Net Zero: the Role of the Financial Sector in Climate Action 

    25 May (15:30 – 16:30 - Singapore time)

    It is increasingly recognised that getting to net zero emissions is as an important goal by financial institutions – and a driver of growth, innovation and job creation.

    This session will explore the role of the financial sector in reaching net-zero emissions, and the business case and financial opportunity in aligning portfolios to net-zero.

    Rebecca Lewis (Managing Partner, Arisaig Partners) 

    Elson Goh (Head of Investment – Singapore, St. James’s Place)

    Rino Donosepoetro (Vice Chairman, ASEAN & President Commissioner, Indonesia, Standard Chartered)

    Lois Guthrie (Director of Redefining Value and Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures Lead, WBCSD) 

    Alex Michie (Head of Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, COP26 Private Finance Team) 

    Please note that this session and the two sessions directly below occur at the same time.

    Net Zero Fashion: Decarbonising the Garments and Textiles Sector 

    25 May (15:30 – 16:30 - Singapore time)

    The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.

    This session will explore what does setting net-zero targets mean for the garments, textiles and fashion sector in practice. 

    Pete Ford (Environment Programme Specialist – Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, H&M) 

    Bradley Abbott (Project Lead - Promotion of Sustainable Energy Practices in the Garment Sector in Cambodia, GGGI)

    Cherie Tan (VP Sustainability, Asia Pacific Rayon)
     

    Please note that this session, the session above  and the session below occur at the same time.

    The Road to Zero: Decarbonising Transport

    25 May (15:30 – 16:30 - Singapore time)

    Today, the transport sector represents 23% of all energy-related global emissions and it is one of the fastest growing sectors.

    This session will explore driving forward the transition of their fleets in ASEAN to 100% zero emissions and how decarbonising transport keep businesses in ASEAN competitive and more resilient. 

    Veronika Hofmann (EV100 Global Corporate Engagement Manager) 

    Angela Hultberg (Road Transport Lead, COP26 Climate Action Champions)

    Gareth Kerr (Founder and Chief, evRiderz) 

    Seth Townsley (Energy Marketing Manager, Schneider Electric)

    Please note that this session and the two sessions directly above occur at the same time.

    The Race to Resilience: How Can Your Company Help Build Resilience to Climate Change in SE Asia?

    25 May (16:30 – 17:00 - Singapore time)

    How can we build resilience to climate change in SE Asia that will allow the region to thrive in the face of climate shocks? This session will focus on the role of businesses in increasing investment and action on climate resilience and adaptation in the context of the Race to Resilience campaign. The event will identify best practices business can take to protect their operations and the communities they operate in. 
     
    Welcome and overview - Peter Hall (Vice President, Global Director for Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure, Wood PLC & Private Sector Lead, Race to Resilience) 
     
    Panelists: 
    Emma Flaherty (Implementation Lead, Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP))

    Augusto Hidalgo (Head of Climate and Resilience Hub, Southeast Asia, Willis Towers Watson)

    Dr. LU Yinghong (Chief Research Engineer, Kurita R&D Asia Pte. Ltd)

    Closing Remarks

    25 May (17:00 – 17:15 - Singapore time)

    Closing remarks from Sam Myers (Her Majesty's Trade Commission for Asia Pacific), YB Yanty Rahman (Chair, ASEAN Business Advisory Council), Ken O’Flaherty (COP26 Regional Ambassador to Asia Pacific and South Asia) and Jens Radschinski (Head of UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia Pacific).

    ASEAN and the Race to Zero