Charlie Tan

Charlie is Chief Executive Officer at the Global Impact Coalition, a unique spin-off from the World Economic Forum founded by some of the leading petrochemical companies, focusing on the delivery of net-zero business models and unlocking the technologies and finance that will enable them. Charlie was previously at the Forum, leading the incubation and development of this Coalition. Prior to the Forum, Charlie spent the last several years building successful start-ups within the energy space, focusing on structuring partnerships, strategic funding and corporate venturing activities. Charlie has a BSc in Business from Imperial College London and a CFA Certificate in Investment Management.

Session Overview

Tuesday, 4 November

12:55

Downstream & Chemical Conference Room A 12:55 - 13:35

Downstream and chemical resilience: the role of strategic mergers and joint ventures

The race to secure market position, enhance supply chains and future-proof operations is driving a wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and joint ventures (JVs) across the downstream, petrochemical and refining sectors. Companies are repositioning their portfolios to strengthen resilience and unlock new revenue streams, but with rising pressure on standalone assets, how critical is site integration to long-term viability? These deals present opportunities for cost efficiency, low-carbon innovation and operational synergies, but also introduce challenges such as regulatory scrutiny, geopolitical risks and market demand fluctuations. Stricter environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies and trade tensions are further complicating cross-border transactions, requiring companies to adapt to shifting regulations and integration hurdles.

Attendee insights:

Learn how M&A and joint ventures are transforming downstream markets, reshaping refining strategies and petrochemical investments, and discover which players are leading the next phase of growth.

Tuesday, 5 November

11:00

Finance & Investment Conference Conference Room A 11:00 - 12:00

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Blended finance: the critical roles of public and private finance in delivering the future energy system

The global energy transition is estimated to require US$5-7 trillion a year in funding through 2050, far beyond the means of public finance capabilities. With challenges that vary from region to region and across economic maturity, natural resources, and socioeconomic differences, questions must be addressed to ensure accelerated and equitable progress. How can governments, lenders, investors, and project developers work together to enact de-risking mechanisms and incentivise the private finance required to increase the bankability of critical new energy projects?

Attendee insights:

Gain insights into how public policy is being shaped to promote investment and how the private sector is looking to mobilise capital on the scale needed to meet ambitious net-zero goals.

Thursday, 7 November

12:45

Voices of Tomorrow ICC Hall 12:45 - 13:30

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Bridging boundaries: accelerating net zero through global collaboration

The chemical industry, a major contributor to global carbon emissions, faces significant challenges in decarbonisation. While technologies like electrification, green hydrogen, and carbon capture, are driving emissions reductions, cross-sector partnerships will be critical to maintain momentum. Achieving net zero in this sector requires strong collaboration between industries, governments, NGOs, and IGOs to scale sustainable practices. By fostering global cooperation, the industry can overcome technical and regulatory barriers, accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future.

Attendee insights:

Join an engaging discussion that highlights how diverse perspectives from the corporate sector and non-profit associations can unite to drive meaningful change in one of the heavy-emitting sectors: the chemical industry.