Building Trust and Financial Resilience: Leading Sustainability Transformation in a Disrupted Global Landscape

• Lee White,
  CEO, IFAC
• Jennifer Lopez,
  Chief Executive, CAPA
• Ardan Adiperdana,
  Deputy President, AFA
• Ashfaq Tola,
  President, SAFA

A dialogue between IFAC CEO Lee White and leaders of CAPA, AFA, and SAFA on shared priorities, regional perspectives, and opportunities to strengthen the profession’s relevance and impact.

• Claire Grayston*,
  Principal, Non-financial Information Assurance, IAASB
• Representative from the Investor Community*
• Representative from the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA)*
• Amir Ghandar*,
  Reporting and Assurance Leader, CAANZ

This session will move beyond theory to highlight insights emerging from the first wave of sustainability reporting implementation around the world.
Panelists will explore what early adoption has revealed — successes, challenges, evolving timelines, and unexpected lessons — and discuss how these experiences can inform Asia-Pacific’s own journey as ISSB standards take effect in 2026. Perspectives from assurance, professional bodies, and investors will provide a practical view of how global standards are being translated into practice.

Why reimagining the profession matters now, and what’s at stake. This introduction will highlight how regions are reshaping the profession through new pathways and sustainability-driven approaches.

Pakistan is reimagining the profession by modernizing its Chartered Accountancy qualification through the ICAP Education Scheme 2025. By updating entry routes, embedding data, systems, and technology skills, and strengthening practical training, Pakistan is reshaping pathways to ensure the next generation of accountants is prepared for strategic, tech-enabled, and sustainability-aware roles.

Global firms are reimagining the profession by reshaping career pathways to meet shifting market demands. Through the GPPC, the largest networks are highlighting how technology, sustainability, and evolving business models are redefining the skills accountants need — and how firms are responding to attract, retain, and develop the next generation of talent.

An open exchange with the audience, drawing reflections and questions on the regional and firm perspectives just presented, before moving into a broader discussion on the profession’s pipeline.

• Bony Nean*,
  Deputy Director General, Accounting and Auditing Regulator Cambodia, Deputy Director General
• Lucy Cohen,
  President, Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
• Andrew Conway,
  Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

This panel will explore how new pathways and qualifications are widening access to the profession and strengthening the pipeline. Panelists will share practical approaches to attracting, developing, and retaining talent that meets the needs of a changing marketplace.

• Representiatve from the Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants*
• Sophia Wattimena*,
  Chair of Audit Board/
  Member of the Board of Commissioner,
  OJK
• Representiatve from the Philippines Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)*
• Esther An,
  Chief Sustainability Officer, CDL

This session will spotlight women leaders shaping the accountancy profession, regulation, and business in Asia-Pacific. Panelists will share experiences advancing gender inclusion, driving innovation, and leading on sustainability and technology. The discussion will highlight how diverse leadership strengthens the profession’s resilience and relevance in the region.

• CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda,
  President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
• Representative of Professional Accountancy Organisation (PAO)
• Representative of IESBA*
• Johnny Yong,
  Executive Director, CAPA

This session will focus on the profession’s emerging role in providing assurance and ethical oversight of artificial intelligence. Panelists will explore how regulations are evolving, where assurance gaps exist, and how accountants can position themselves at the center of building trust in AI. Perspectives will highlight ethics, talent readiness, regulatory engagement, and market expectations as AI assurance becomes a new frontier for the profession.

• Lucia Real-Martin*,
  Executive Director Relationships, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Geraldine Magarey*,
  Group Executive, Advocacy and International, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)
• Melinda Brown*,
  Senior Tax Advisor, The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

This fireside chat will explore how accountants can reinforce public trust through tax transparency and accountability. Anchored in insights from IFAC, OECD, CAANZ and ACCA’s recent publications on tax and trust, the discussion will highlight evolving expectations from regulators, businesses, and society and how the profession can lead in shaping fair, transparent tax systems.

• Prof. Sidharta Utama,
  IFAC Board Member and Council Member, IAI
• Julia Tay,
  Asia-Pacific Public Policy Leader, EY
• Jennifer Lopez,
  Chief Executive, CAPA

This session will bring the event to a close by drawing together the themes, insights, and forward-looking actions discussed throughout the day. Panelists will share reflections on how global, regional, and professional leadership can work in concert to shape the future of the accountancy profession.