Media Invitation - International Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change Hong Kong Signatories Press Conference

23rd Sept (Wed), 3.30- 6.00pm at Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Client Centre, Garden Road, Central

With only 80 days until the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen, over 500 companies from the global business community have united, urging world leaders to agree "an ambitious, robust and equitable global deal on climate change". As part of the global media launch on 22nd September, the Communiqué will be presented to UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-Moon and distributed to more than 100 Heads of State and Governments attending the summit. As a supporting partner, the Climate Change Business Forum will be holding the Hong Kong Signatories Press Conference on 23rd September and included among the signatories will be CCBF members Cathay Pacific, CLP, Hang Lung Properties, Hang Seng Bank, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Swire Pacific and The Bank of East Asia.

Led by the Prince of Wales Corporate Leaders Group, the Communiqué is a short and punchy statement from business community setting out the business case for a strong and effective United Nations (UN) climate framework and offers a progressive global consensus on the shape of an agreement. As said by the event's opening speaker, Mr JB Rae-Smith, Executive Director, Trading & Industrial Division, Swire Pacific Ltd says, "We endorse the Communiqué as a strong international framework for reducing carbon emissions is vital to the long-term development of our businesses". This press conference will be an important part in driving momentum towards Copenhagen and ensuring that the voice of the Hong Kong Business community is heard.

You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend this press conference hosted by Climate Change Business Forum (CCBF), an initiative of Business Environment Council (BEC). Mr JB Rae-Smith, Executive Director, Swire Pacific Ltd will give an opening speech explaining why it is important for business to take part in this Communiqué. Dr Jeanne Ng, Director of Environmental Affairs, CLP Holdings Ltd will then give an overview of the Copenhagen Communiqué. This press conference will follow ASrIA’s press briefing for the Carbon Disclosure Report 2009 for Asia ex Japan.

For press enquiry and registration, please contact:

Ms Georgina Macdonald, CCBF Communications Officer
T. (+852) 2784 3956; E. georgina@bec.org.hk

3.30 - 3.45pm	Entrance point for Copenhagen Communiqué Press Conference
3.45 - 4.50pm	ASrIA’s Carbon Disclosure Report 2009 for Asia ex Japan
4.50 - 4.55pm	Open by Dr. Andrew Thomson, CEO, Business Environment Council
4.55 - 5.00pm	Remarks by Mr. JB Rae-Smith, Executive Director, Swire Pacific
5.00 - 5.05pm	Group photo for all signatories
5.05 - 5.20 pm	Overview of the Communiqué, Dr Jeanne Ng, Director of Environmental Affairs, CLP
5.20 - 5.25 pm	Q & A
5.25 - 5.30 pm	Close
5.30 - 6.00 pm	Networking & Drinks
With special thanks to:

About Climate Change Business Forum (CCBF, www.climatechangebusinessforum.com)

The Climate Change Business Forum, an initiative of Business Environment Council, provides a unique leadership platform for business to understand and respond to the opportunities and risks of climate change and the inevitable policies and regulations that will address it. CCBF funds research on how business should be adapting and reducing their emissions and facilitates sharing of best practices.