Global Leaders Engage in Dialogue for Sustainable Future in Guilin

The 2025 Integral Conversation concluded successfully in Guilin, China, from October 30 to November 1, bringing together nearly 300 leaders and experts across multiple sectors. Hosted by the Integral Institute, the event focused on the theme “Universe, Earth & Humanity in Harmony: Designing Systems for a Balanced Future.” Participants explored ways for nature and industry to coexist and collaborate effectively.

The event featured four thematic forums addressing key areas: Agriculture, Technology, Industry, and Education. These discussions aimed to foster sustainability through diverse perspectives and cross-sector collaboration. The venue, Integral, is a sustainable development garden operated by the Esquel Group, which has earned recognition as one of China’s first certified Zero-Carbon Parks.

During the opening remarks on October 30, Edgar Tung, Council Member of the Integral Institute and CEO of Tessellation Group, emphasized the necessity of redefining progress through balance and interconnection. He stated, “True sustainability is about restoring ecosystems, supporting human well-being, and transforming industries to be resilient for the long haul.”

In a Fireside Chat moderated by Professor Wang Tianyi, Council Member of the Integral Institute, Daniel Zhang, Managing Partner of Firstlight Capital, discussed the parallels between natural ecosystems and business environments. He highlighted that successful business ecosystems mirror nature’s principles, including diversity and adaptability. Zhang noted, “Exceptional leaders guide teams to remain steady and confident amid uncertainty.”

On October 31, Teresa Yang, Council Member of the Integral Institute and Vice Chairman of Esquel Group, shared insights on how Integral exemplifies sustainability integration in its operations. She remarked, “Sustainability is not a goal we set for the future, but a commitment we live every day.”

The opening ceremony included remarks from Sun Huan Zhi, Vice Mayor of the Guilin Municipal People’s Government, who praised the Integral Institute’s efforts in promoting sustainability. He stated, “Integral has set a strong example for Guilin’s green transformation,” aligning with the city’s aspirations to become a leading tourism destination while pursuing green industrial growth.

A keynote address by Irene Lee, Chairman of Hysan Development Company Limited, further explored the balance between heritage and innovation in urban development. Lee expressed, “True urban development lies in respecting the past while shaping a connected, sustainable future.”

The “CEO Plenary” session gathered leaders from various sectors, including technology and finance, to discuss how harmony can drive sustainable transformation. The discussions underscored that aligning innovation with social and environmental value can result in meaningful progress.

Each thematic forum reinforced the event’s core theme through discussions on systems thinking and coexistence between humanity and nature. In the “Regenerative Land: Where Vineyards Meet Verse” forum, Dan Fishman, Vice President of Winemaking and Vineyards at The Donum Estate, illustrated how vineyard management can harmonize agriculture and nature.

The forum “Fashioning Harmony: From Growth to Balance” featured Christiane Dolva, Head of Innovation at the H&M Foundation, who emphasized the need for balance between innovation and reality within the fashion industry. She stated, “Achieving a climate-neutral industry requires finding balance… this is the key to long-term sustainability.”

In the “Technology with Purpose: Innovation Rooted in Humanity” forum, Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate & Liveability at Temasek Foundation, shared how the organization applies its “triple bottom line” framework to advance climate innovation. She noted, “A truly sustainable solution must be environmentally sound, socially meaningful, and economically effective.”

The final forum, “Laying the Groundwork: Educating the Next Global Generation,” was led by Lillian Kiang, CEO of Bei Shan Tang Foundation. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing emotional health in education, asserting that it helps students remain balanced and resilient.

In closing, Professor Hau Lee, Council Chair of the Integral Institute, reiterated the event’s mission: “The Integral Conversation is not only a platform for intellectual exchange but also a community that turns ideas into action.” He stressed the need for continued reflection and collaboration on the journey toward sustainability.

Now in its twelfth year, the Integral Conversation has convened over 3,000 representatives from more than 100 industries globally, fostering ongoing dialogue on sustainable development. Looking ahead, the Integral Conversation will persist in uniting global minds and practitioners to advance action-driven dialogues and collaborations.

The Integral Institute, which organizes this event, aims to explore sustainability at personal, institutional, and social levels. By cultivating innovative models and best practices, the organization empowers individuals and groups to work towards a sustainable future through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and collective action.