On 25 November, the forum on "Achieving Sustainable Futures: Innovation, Collaboration, and Action," along with the Unveiling Ceremony of the Center for Responsible Business and Innovation (CRBI) & Donation Ceremony, was successfully held at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC). The establishment of the CRBI is a significant response by UNNC to global environmental challenges and the promotion of a sustainable future. The Center will be dedicated to fostering research, teaching and dialogue in the field of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Mr Thomas Murphy, UNNC's Chief Financial and Planning Officer, delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the university: "It is my privilege to witness and be a part of such an important milestone in our institution's journey towards sustainability and responsible business practices. The idea for the CRBI was born from a shared vision of a world where private enterprises are the drivers of sustainable development. This dream is now becoming a reality thanks to the unwavering efforts of everyone involved, especially NUBS China which has led this initiative from the front."

Mr Yuan Yu, the Deputy Director and Party Member of the Ningbo Development and Reform Commission, took to the stage as a special guest to deliver a speech. He expressed his hope that the Center would "empower local enterprises, cultivate green management talent, enhance the green competitiveness of Ningbo's local businesses and make contributions to the comprehensive green transformation of Ningbo's economic and social development."

Professor Kok Wei Khong, the Dean of NUBS China further added, "We strive to be a global leader in business education and research. We aim to deliver unparalleled learning experiences that transform our students into visionary leaders and change-makers, capable of navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving business landscape. The launch of the CRBI is a testament to our steadfast commitment to this vision. This Center will be a beacon of innovation and responsibility. With its focus on promoting sustainable and ethical business practices, the CRBI is perfectly aligned with our mission to inspire and empower our students to become global citizens who make a positive impact on society."

To support the sustainable development of education, Mr Juewen Hu, on behalf of OHFI Capital, donated one million yuan to the Center at the ceremony.

"From the company's perspective, we hope this collaboration will be different, not only in cultivating outstanding students to achieve success in the business field but also in nurturing students who truly care about sustainable development，" Mr Hu said.

Professor Sam Shen, the Party Secretary of UNNC and the Chairman of UNNC Education Foundation, expressed his sincere gratitude for the generous donation made by OHFI Capital: "Founded in 2014, OHFI Capital is one of the first three private asset allocation foundations approved by the Asset Management Association of China. I am convinced that with the backing of friends from various sectors of society, we can turn a new page in the field of research and teaching in sustainable development."

In the following two keynote speeches, Professor Yongyi Shou from the Zhejiang University School of Management and Ms Yufei Jiang, the Director, Advocacy and Service B Corps China, discussed cutting-edge research and the latest practices of sustainable development in business from the perspectives of academia and industry, respectively. Professor Shou's speech was on the topic of "Green as a Strategy for What?" where he articulated the importance of green innovation in a mellow yet powerful tone. Ms Jiang, on the other hand, focused on "B Impact Assessment under an ESG Framework," introducing the world's most recent successful cases of sustainable development in business.

After the tea break, Professor Jing Dai, Director of CRBI, invited the guests from academia and business to a forum panel discussion themed "Enabling Factors for Responsible Business and Innovation." Scholars and business representatives exchanged views on future sustainable development trends and how enterprises can achieve win-win outcomes. Students present at the event also eagerly posed questions to the guests, actively participating in the on-site discussions.

Professor Dai stated in her closing remarks: "The CRBI stands not just as a symbol of our aspirations, but as a concrete embodiment of our dedication to fostering a new era of business that is ethical, sustainable and transformative. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you for your presence and support today. Your engagement and enthusiasm are the driving forces that will propel the CRBI and NUBS China towards our shared goals. Let us leave here today not as passive participants, but as active contributors to the journey that begins with this launch."