2025 ESG Summit

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM ET

Breakfast and Registration

09:05 AM - 09:20 AM ET

Opening Remarks

09:25 AM - 09:55 AM ET

The Role of Business in Addressing and Humanizing Environmental Issues

Our opening discussion will explore how companies can craft compelling narratives that make environmental and social challenges—such as clean water access, extreme weather, and climate displacement—more personal and relatable. We will also examine the importance of engaging employees as sustainability ambassadors, integrating climate action into brand identity, and leveraging influencers and partnerships to amplify the message and drive meaningful change.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Innovation-Driven Sustainability: Unlocking New Paths to Growth

In this panel, we'll explore specific strategies businesses are using to align sustainability with innovation, enhancing profitability, competitiveness, and market relevance. We’ll dive into approaches such as developing eco-friendly products, adopting circular economy models, leveraging green technologies, and embedding sustainability into the core of business operations.

10:35 AM - 10:45 AM ET

Morning Break

10:50 AM - 11:20 AM ET

The ROI of Sustainability

Our panel will explore key questions such as: How can businesses effectively measure the financial return on investment (ROI) from sustainability initiatives like energy savings, waste reduction, or increased resource efficiency? How do companies balance short-term operational costs with the long-term financial benefits of these efforts? What strategies can businesses implement to ensure that long-term advantages—such as improved brand loyalty, reduced risk, and regulatory compliance—are included in their ROI calculations?

11:25 AM - 11:55 AM ET

Corporate Transparency and Accountability: Building Trust Through Ethical Environmental Reporting

This session will explore how companies can manage the potential risks of full transparency, such as revealing shortcomings or underperformance, while maintaining ethical standards in their environmental reporting. We will also discuss strategies businesses can adopt to address gaps or areas of concern in their sustainability performance without compromising trust.

12:35 PM - 01:35 PM ET

Lunch

01:40 PM - 02:10 PM ET

Empowering Communities: The Role of Corporate Philanthropy in Sustainable Development

This session will explore how corporate philanthropy can go beyond financial donations to empower communities through capacity building, skills development, and infrastructure support. We will showcase examples of companies that have successfully leveraged philanthropy to create self-sustaining, resilient communities capable of driving their own sustainable development.

01:40 PM - 02:10 PM ET

The Future of Responsible Sourcing: Reimagining Global Supply Chains for a Sustainable and Equitable Tomorrow

This session will explore how companies can reimagine their supply chains to prioritize sustainability at every stage, from sourcing to production and distribution. We will also examine how businesses can ensure that their sourcing practices uphold human rights, promote fair wages, and provide safe working conditions for all stakeholders, particularly in developing economies.

02:15 PM - 02:45 PM ET

Climate Risk Management: How Governance Drives Resilience and Adaptation

This session will address key questions such as: What governance practices can help companies proactively adapt to emerging climate risks, ensuring long-term business continuity and resilience? How can companies integrate climate-related risks into existing risk management processes, such as enterprise risk management (ERM), to ensure they are considered alongside financial, operational, and strategic risks?

02:15 PM - 02:45 PM ET

Employee Engagement in Social Impact: Leveraging Volunteering and Giving Programs to Accelerate Impact

This session will explore strategies businesses can adopt to ensure their volunteer initiatives create measurable, sustainable outcomes for communities. It will also examine the metrics and frameworks companies can use to track the success of their volunteering and giving programs, ensuring they create long-term impact for both the community and the organization.

02:50 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Afternoon Break

03:05 PM - 03:35 PM ET

Boardroom Leadership and Corporate Governance: Steering Sustainability and Ethical Responsibility

This session will examine the responsibilities of the board in overseeing and integrating ESG metrics into corporate performance evaluation and reporting. It will also explore how boards can take a leadership role in managing climate risks and identifying opportunities for business growth through sustainability innovations.

03:40 PM - 04:10 PM ET

The Rise of ESG Activism: Navigating Investor Demands and Corporate Accountability

This session will delve into the key factors driving the rise of ESG activism among investors and how this trend has reshaped corporate accountability. It will also discuss how companies should respond to shareholder resolutions and campaigns led by ESG activists.

04:15 PM - 04:45 PM ET

Environmental Justice: Past, Present, and Future – Reflecting on Progress and Shaping the Road Ahead

In our closing session, we will reflect on the origins of the environmental justice movement and the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable communities, including pollution, poor air and water quality, and hazardous waste. We’ll also review current policies, such as the "Justice40 Initiative" and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Finally, we will discuss how corporations can evolve their ESG strategies to better address environmental justice, particularly in global supply chains and carbon reduction efforts.

04:50 PM - 05:00 PM ET

Closing Remarks

05:05 PM - 06:05 PM ET

Reception