BIOGRAPHY

Bernard Respaut serves as the Chief Executive of the International Copper Association’s (ICA) European branch, better known as the European Copper Institute (ECI). Working to enable the green transition, he pilots the work of ECI, the principal advocate of the copper industry in the EU, to address issues connected to the European Green Deal. Bernard also leads ICA’s Clean Energy Transition Program and managed the development of a landmark project, “Copper—The Pathway to Net Zero,” to advance pathways for the decarbonization of the copper industry. Bernard holds an Engineering degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Louvain and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

BIOGRAPHY

Alvin Chao serves as a leading advocate at the International Copper Association (ICA) for sustainable development, environment, health and safety matters related to copper in Asia, presenting science-based advocacy materials to key stakeholders. 

Alvin works directly with governments on national legislation, where he employs his background in environmental science and law. He successfully assisted the Korean members with applying ICA’s EU-REACH copper dossier to K-REACH requirements and provided technical support to the Korean Minister of the Environment on the issue of metal risk assessments (e.g., risk assessment approach on iUVCB). Alvin also contributed to the establishment of the Metal Environmental Risk Assessment Guidance in China. His favorite project is providing original research on the issue of copper availability in China as a part of ICA’s global work on the circular economy

More than anything, Alvin loves international collaboration with his colleagues and the ability to impact stakeholders around the globe. On his own time, Alvin embraces his creative side by practicing photography and enjoying science fiction. 

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Ge Honglin is a member of the Standing Committee of the 13 th National Committee and Economic Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC). Now he is the President of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), the convenor of Non-executive Directors of Aviation Industry Corporation of China, LTD. and China Rongtong Asset Management Group Corporation Limited, and a consultant of China Association of Mayors. Mr. Ge Honglin holds a PhD of Engineering and is a Professorate Senior Engineer. He was the Deputy General Manager of Baosteel Group and the President of Baosteel Research Institute in 1998. He has long been engaged in the research on new steel materials, planning and management of large metallurgical projects. Mr. Ge served as Mayor of People’s Government of Chengdu Municipality from 2003 to 2014. During that period of time, he presided over major international conferences such as the 2013 Fortune Global Forum and the China-U.S. Mayors’ Forum. He was honored with the National Model City Leadership Award for Environmental Protection and the China Mayors’ Special Contribution Award. From 2014 to 2019, Mr. Ge took the positions of Board Chairman of Aluminum Corporation of China, Director of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, and Vice-Chairman of International Aluminium Institute. He delivered speeches at international forums such as China-U.S., China-EU business leaders and former senior officials’ dialogues. From 2020 to 2023, he served as convenor of Non-executive Directors of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.