HONG KONG — Governor Gwen Garcia has been invited to serve as a keynote speaker at the 2024 APIC World Pension, Social Security, and Sovereign Wealth Funds Summit in Hong Kong, slated on November 13-14.
The invitation, extended by the Asia Pacific Investors Cooperation (APIC), comes as a recognition of Gov. Garcia’s leadership and Cebu’s role in fostering a healthy climate of investment and trade in the Philippines.
The summit brings together over 400 senior policy and regulatory leaders, CEOs, investment professionals; as well as leaders from institutional asset management, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds from more than 100 countries in what is the first in-person gathering of its kind post-pandemic.
It aims to address urgent global issues such as climate change, decarbonisation, and sustainable development, with a focus on the role of institutional asset owners in mobilising resources for these causes.
In a letter to Governor Garcia, Ms. Ana Sharp, founder and CEO of APIC, highlighted the significance of the Governor’s participation in the summit.
“As the long-standing Governor of a progressive Province in the Philippines, your insights into Cebu’s priority investment and trade sectors would be invaluable to our investor audience,” said Sharp.
Sharp adds, “Your leadership and the province’s growing economic influence make you a key figure in driving global collaboration on sustainable investment practices.”
The summit’s theme, “Strengthening Alliances for Humanity,” will train the spotlight on the collective efforts needed to tackle pressing issues, such as mitigating climate change and ensuring sustainable funding for the future. In this context, Gov. Garcia is expected to underscore Cebu’s strategic importance as an investment hub in the Philippines.
Ms. Sharp emphasized the significance of the summit as a unique opportunity for governments and asset owners to align on solutions for sustainability and global economic stability.
“The summit will deliver actionable insights and strategies that can directly influence investment decisions and policy frameworks worldwide,” Sharp said. “We are thrilled to have Governor Garcia as part of this prestigious gathering.”
In addition, Governor Garcia is also invited to lead a senior delegation of asset owners and business leaders to the summit. This delegation represents Cebu’s interests in attracting foreign institutional investors and reinforcing the province’s commitment to sustainable economic development.
Private meetings will be arranged for Gov. Garcia and other delegates for them to engage directly with key stakeholders, creating valuable opportunities for Cebu to strengthen its ties with the global investment community.
The APIC World Pension, Social Security, and Sovereign Wealth Funds Summit is considered one of the premier events for institutional investors. The last summit, held in Tokyo during the G20 meetings, was a resounding success, with discussions that shaped global investment strategies.
This year’s summit is poised to build on that momentum, providing a platform for critical dialogue on the future of pension funds, social security systems, and sovereign wealth funds.
Governor Gwen’s participation will undoubtedly bring valuable perspectives to these conversations, strengthening global alliances for Cebu and the Cebuanoanos. | Jude Torres