From October 30 to November 1, 2025, the 2025 Integral Conversation, organized by the Integral Institute, took place in Guilin, China. The event, themed “Universe, Earth & Humanity in Harmony: Designing Systems for a Balanced Future,” united nearly 300 leaders and experts from various sectors, including government, business, academia, and culture, to discuss the potential for collaboration between nature and industry.
The gathering featured four thematic forums focused on Agriculture, Technology, Industry, and Education, each contributing unique perspectives on the future of sustainability. The venue, Integral, which serves as a sustainable development garden operated by the Esquel Group, provided a fitting backdrop for the discussions.
During the opening remarks on October 30, Mr. Edgar Tung, a Council Member of the Integral Institute and CEO of Tessellation Group, emphasized the need to redefine progress through balance and interconnection. He called for collective actions that drive innovation while safeguarding nature, stating, “True sustainability is about restoring ecosystems, supporting human well-being, and transforming industries to be resilient for the long haul.”
A Fireside Chat moderated by Professor Wang Tianyi, another Council Member, featured Mr. Daniel Zhang, Managing Partner of Firstlight Capital. Zhang drew parallels between natural ecosystems and business environments, highlighting the importance of principles such as diversity and adaptability in successful business practices. He noted that exceptional leaders are those who help their teams remain stable amid uncertainty.
On October 31, Ms. Teresa Yang, Vice Chairman of the Esquel Group and a Council Member of the Integral Institute, illustrated how the concept of “Integral” manifests in everyday operations through scientific planning and technological advances. She pointed out that the site has been recognized as one of China”s first certified Zero-Carbon Parks. “Sustainability is not a goal we set for the future, but a commitment we live every day,” she remarked, stressing the necessity of consistent action for achieving harmony between industry and nature.
Mr. Sun Huan Zhi, Vice Mayor of the Guilin Municipal People”s Government, praised the Integral Institute for fostering sustainability dialogues and collaboration, asserting that the event”s theme aligns with Guilin”s objectives of becoming a premier tourism destination while pursuing green industrial growth.
During the opening ceremony, Ms. Irene Lee, Chairman of Hysan Development Company Limited, delivered a keynote address moderated by Professor Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Lee shared insights from Hysan”s history, emphasizing the importance of balancing heritage with innovation in urban design for a sustainable future.
The “CEO Plenary” session gathered influential business figures from technology, finance, and cultural sectors to discuss how harmony can facilitate sustainable transformations in a fast-evolving world. The dialogue underscored that true progress requires aligning commercial success with social and environmental values.
Each thematic forum continued to reflect this year”s overarching theme. In “Regenerative Land: Where Vineyards Meet Verse,” Mr. Dan Fishman of The Donum Estate discussed how vineyard management can promote harmony with nature. Meanwhile, Ms. Christiane Dolva from the H&M Foundation highlighted the role of the fashion industry in achieving sustainability through systems thinking, stating, “Achieving a climate-neutral industry requires finding balance between innovation and reality.”
In the forum titled “Technology with Purpose: Innovation Rooted in Humanity,” Ms. Heng Li Lang from the Temasek Foundation elaborated on their approach to climate innovation through a “triple bottom line” framework, which seeks to balance ecological integrity, social well-being, and economic viability.
Lastly, Ms. Lillian Kiang, CEO of the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, emphasized the significance of emotional health in education, asserting that prioritizing emotional well-being fosters resilience among students in complex environments.
In closing, Professor Hau Lee, Council Chair of the Integral Institute, reflected on the Integral Conversation as both a platform for intellectual exchange and a community mobilizing ideas into action. He urged participants to continue seeking harmony and inclusiveness as they collaborate towards sustainability.
Having convened over 3,000 representatives from more than 100 industries since its inception in 2014, the Integral Conversation aims to foster ongoing dialogue and action towards sustainable development.
About Integral Conversation – This initiative provides a platform for thought leaders to exchange insights on sustainable development across various fields, including culture, education, and urban planning.
About Integral Institute – A non-profit organization, the Integral Institute connects experts and stakeholders to explore sustainability at multiple levels, promoting transformative practices and addressing complex global challenges through collaborative efforts.
