Professional Certificate in ESG, Anti-Greenwashing & Alternative Dispute Resolutions

In today’s landscape, where sustainability claims abound, combating greenwashing—misleading or false sustainability marketing—is paramount. This course explores the importance of Antigreenwashing from the legal perspective on various related law regulations in HK and PRC. Participants in the Anti-Greenwashing module delve into the nuances of identifying, addressing, and preventing greenwashing practices in finance industries. Through interactive learning experiences and expert-led instruction, students gain a deep understanding of greenwashing from legal and regulatory perspectives, and the actions that could be taken when facing greenwashing challenges.

Senior executives, government officials, lawyers, accountants, existing compliance and ESG practitioners of various industries with ESG business in HK & PRC, and professionals who are interested in ESG.

1. ESG Foundation
   • Introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability
   • Latest ESG Trends
   • Impact of sustainable development on business
   • Importance of “Social” in ESG
   • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
   • Case sharing on DEI
2. Regulations on Green Financial Products and Climate Risk Management and Prevention of Greenwashing
   • Global Regulatory Landscape
   • Introduction of Green Financial Products
   • Development and Regulations on Green Financial Products
   • Challenges and Responses to Greenwashing
   • Regulators Responses in Preventing Greenwashing
   • Cases Sharing on Greenwashing
3. Hong Kong and PRC Legislation Related to Anti-Greenwashing
   • Hong Kong Regulations
   • PRC Regulations
   • Identifying and Mitigating Greenwashing
   • Case Studies
   • Hong Kong Case Studies
   • PRC Case Studies
4. Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods for Greenwashing Cases (Mediation)
   • Basic Concepts of Mediation
   • Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods
   • Advantages, Applications, Core Functions, and Procedures of Mediation
   • Benefits of Mediation in ESG Disputes
   • Application to ESG and Greenwashing Disputes
   • Identifying Disputes Suitable for Mediation
   • Types of ESG-related Disputes
   • Assessing Eligibility for Mediation vs. Arbitration
   • Case Studies
5. Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods for Greenwashing Cases (Arbitration)
   • Basic Concepts and Legal Framework of Arbitration
   • Overview of Arbitration Institutions (e.g., HKMAAC, ICC, LCIA)
   • Advantages and Disadvantages of Arbitration
   • Introduction to Arbitration Procedures
   • Procedural Laws and Rules
   • Future Trends and Challenges
   • Evolving Landscape of ESG Disputes
   • Legal Technology and Innovations in Dispute Resolution

Upon completed the course, 15 hours CPD points can be claimed by members of

i. Hong Kong Mediation and Arbitration Centre
ii. Law Society of One Belt One Road
iii. Law Society of Guangdong Hong Kong Macau Greater Bay Area
iv. Certified Trust Planner

1. Prof. Albert So
   • Co-founder of IGESG
   • Senior Partner, AC Lawyer LLP & 宏安信陈 ( 广州) 联营律师事务所
   • Chairman, Hong Kong Mediation & Arbitration Centre
   • President, Law Society of One Belt One Road
   • Professor in Law, California University School of Business Law and Technology
   • Guest Lecturer of CUHK, PolyU, HKUST
   • Court Prosecutor (Fiat), Department of Justice (Criminal Prosecution Unit)
   • Honorary Legal Advisor of Schools and NGOS
   • Accredited Mediator & Arbitrator
   • Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
   • Former Team Head of Enforcement, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
2. Dr. Melissa Poon
   • Co-founder of IGESG
   • Associate Green Finance Professional (Climate Risk Management)
   • Associate Green Finance Professional (Sustainability Disclosures and Reporting)
   • Associate Green Finance Professional (Sustainability Strategy, Compliance and Control)
   • Accredited Mediator & Arbitrator
   • Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
   • Fellow CPA, DBA & LL.M. Holder
   • Honorary Lecturer and researcher of Institute of ESG & Sustainable Development at California University,
     School of Business Law and Technology
   • Chairwoman of Hong Kong Mediation & Arbitration Centre Training Committee in Hong Kong
3. Dr. Stanley Fok
   • Co-founder of IGESG
   • Certified ESG Analyst
   • Fellow CPA, DBA & LL.M. Holder
   • Accredited Mediator & Arbitrator
   • Honorary Lecturer and researcher of Institute of ESG & Sustainable Development at California University,
     School of Business Law and Technology
   • Chairman of United Kingdom branches of Hong Kong Mediation & Arbitration Centre and IGESG