On 23 April 2026, the Shanghai Climate Week 2026 opening reception and "Sustainability Night", co-hosted by the Shanghai Climate Week Organising Committee and several partner organisations, was held at PAC, Keppel Jing'an Centre. One of Shanghai Climate Week's core closed-door gatherings, the event took the theme "The Eastern Momentum for the Decisive Decade" and brought together key players in global sustainability: board members, CEOs and CSOs of multinational companies, heads of global asset management firms, senior officials of international organisations, diplomats, and experts from renowned universities and international think tanks.
As one of the core organising partners of the event, WeCarbon was closely involved in planning, inviting key guests and shaping the agenda, and joined representatives from government, business, academia and civil society worldwide in discussing key pathways for climate governance and the green transition, advancing cross-regional collaboration and systemic action.
Photo: Sustainability Night
In the opening remarks, Mr. Zou Rong, Co-Chair of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee, took the stage to speak on "The Eastern Momentum for the Decisive Decade", explaining the Eastern wisdom, action and leadership that China brings to global climate governance. He noted that a true dawn comes from bringing action together, and that China is contributing solutions to global climate issues from a distinctive perspective.
Next, Mr. Stuart Dunn, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai, shared how to build a business ecosystem that "comes together for sustainability", explaining that the Chamber, as a bridge between East and West, is working to support ecosystem building so that business as a force for good can have a ripple effect around the world.
Mr. Peng Zhijian, Executive Vice President of Keppel Urban Development (China), offered a city operator's perspective, reimagining the "sustainable city". Tracing the "life journey" of a building, he showed how upgraded operations and experiences can make cities places that support a good life for people.
Photo: Opening remarks
In the "Voices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" cultural segment, set to music, elements of China's intangible cultural heritage, including Chinese opera, dance, diabolo and vocal mimicry, took the stage one after another, showcasing the depth and beauty of Eastern culture and conveying an "Asian voice" for our times. This was followed by inclusive performances by people with special needs from Junai Charity, whose sincere and powerful artistic expression conveyed the dignity and potential of every life and broke down invisible barriers, reminding guests that true sustainable development must be fair and inclusive, and that every individual life deserves care and support.
The event also featured an exhibition of "Que Yi Qiang Qiang" charity art and creative products. Some of the artists behind the paintings took part in a special presentation and spoke with guests, creating a natural link between artistic expression and public participation. These exchanges helped guests see more directly that sustainable development concerns not only ecological and industrial transformation, but also equal participation, social inclusion and diversity, broadening the public's understanding of the social dimension of sustainability.
Photo: Chinese intangible cultural heritage performances
Photo: Performances and exhibition stand by young people with special needs
After the cultural tribute, the dinner turned to recognising outstanding practice. The finalists of the BritCham Shanghai Sustainability & Innovation Awards were announced, honouring "green changemakers" who have shown measurable, replicable leadership in a complex global environment. At the same time, the "Green Rebirth" Global Initiative was officially launched, focusing on concrete initiatives such as recycling and biodiversity conservation, and inviting the leaders present to light up the action map as founding supporters, advancing cross-sector collaboration and action.
Photo: Announcement of the BritCham Shanghai Sustainability & Innovation Awards finalists
Photo: Launch of the "Green Rebirth" Global Initiative
Shanghai Climate Week upholds its mission of "China's Action, Asia's Voice, Global Standards" and aims to be an engine of collaboration and a catalyst for innovation across sectors and regions. Going forward, Ms. Remoca Shi, Founder of WeCarbon, as Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee and Secretary-General of its Youth Council, will continue to bring her expertise in sustainability and her role as a connector to bear, promoting closer integration between Chinese practice and international dialogue, helping to build an open, collaborative global network for climate action, and contributing practical solutions and Chinese experience to the green transition.
Photo: Sustainability Night
Hosts: Shanghai Climate Week, British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai
Venue support: PAC, Keppel Jing'an Centre
Organising partners:
Jiuduansha Foundation, ERM, University of Nottingham, Xinhuanet, WeCarbon, DC Advertising, Sustainability & Innovation Awards, World Economic Forum Global Shapers Shanghai I Hub
Charity supporters:
NZBRIC (New Zealand China Business Roundtable), Canada China Business Council, Crowne Plaza Shanghai Pujiang (SCG), IHG Hotels & Resorts, Junai Charity, PIGCASSO, StanleyHis ChocoFriends