The durability, cost and efficiency of plastics have caused their use to proliferate across sectors and value chains of our global economy. However, the use of fossil-fuels for their production, their often “single-use” nature, and the way we typically dispose of plastics present significant challenges to accelerating a clean economy. Join this session to discuss the complexity of our relationship with plastics, the actions industry and consumers must take to reduce their negative impact on our planet, and how plastics fit in a sustainable, zero-waste future. 

As one of the newest additions to the boardroom, Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) are just getting settled into their seats. However, tasked with tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges in an ever-evolving ESG landscape, these executives have had to hit the ground running and “build the plane as it is flying”. At this interactive roundtable, CSOs and sustainability executives will dive into the question of how they can play a key role in maximizing positive impact across their company and the world beyond. 

Critical infrastructure is designed to meet our essential service needs. Today, that not only means ensuring our utilities, power grids and transportation systems are reliable – they must also be sustainable. In this armchair dialogue we’ll unpack the role of infrastructure in enhancing water security and reducing emissions, as we transition to a more resilient, net-zero energy future.

Join environmentalist and drag queen, Pattie Gonia, as they share profound ways in which nature can inspire and guide us to take meaningful actions for both people and the planet. We will discover the connections between social and environmental justice and how we can harness our uniqueness and diversity to build the most regenerative future.  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents an opportunity to drastically accelerate change in this decade of action. This rapidly evolving technology can be used to analyze complex datasets, advance the development of sustainable solutions, empower the green workforce, and more. Join Microsoft and other industry experts to get an inside look at some of the latest ways AI is driving forward sustainability progress and learn how your organization can responsibly implement artificial intelligence to create real progress towards your ESG goals. 

Scaling circularity is not only about growing new technologies or starting new businesses; it’s also about rethinking how existing business models and operations can adapt and innovate. There are opportunities to implement circular initiatives within existing businesses, but scaling them requires investment, stakeholder buy-in, and collaboration. Join us to discuss how to overcome the barriers of scaling circularity and stay ahead of the curve. 

Though often viewed as “free,” nature has intrinsic value that is frequently underestimated. The “intangible” benefits derived from our natural capital drive significant economic value across numerous sectors, yet standard valuation practices habitually ignore this value. This session will explore how to use natural asset inventories as a starting point to understand the value of nature’s services, and how the value of natural assets can be incorporated into your organization.

While the urgency for climate action has never been greater, the topic often triggers debate and division. Advancing climate solutions must acknowledge that understanding the need to act is the easy part; the “how” is much harder. We need to consider all perspectives – from realistic to idealistic, from pragmatic to visionary. In this debate, we will explore why building a durable political and economic coalition for action is difficult. Join this dynamic debate to understand how leaders think about climate and learn how to connect skeptical or disinterested parties to drive transformative action. 

The ISSB has released its first set of international sustainability standards, radically altering the reporting landscape. At the same time, the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB), which will support the adoption of these standards, has become fully operational. These initiatives represent significant advancements for sustainable business practices – ones that will require building capacity and understanding to help businesses feel confident in their reporting. In this workshop, experts will demystify the sustainability reporting landscape and explore the array of tools and resources available to empower businesses to embark on their disclosure journeys. 

Sustainability executives are key to aligning sustainability and corporate strategy in the face of shifting global financial, political and regulatory conditions. Despite their critical role, these leaders face significant challenges, from the ability to define and deliver on objectives, to managing stakeholder expectations, and overcoming role ambiguity. Join this unplugged session to hear from experienced leaders on how to foster dynamic collaboration, drive practical innovation, and deliver impact through this dynamic positive executive leadership role.