11:00 – 11:15 am (ET)

Day 1, Welcome: Environmental Sustainability Expectations

The pandemic, social justice crises, and the changing climate have formed a “perfect storm” driving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues into the mainstream. Sustainability/ESG is an urgent priority. Companies are more challenged than ever to integrate and align ESG into the business. This is the core theme of the 2021 Sustainability Conference.

Paul Washington, Executive Director, ESG Center, The Conference Board

Steve Rochlin, Program Director, The Conference Board, and CEO, IMPACT ROI

11:15 – 11:45 am (ET)

What's ahead in Environmental Disclosure: Regulation, Reporting Frameworks, and Rating Agencies

After a hiatus, the United States government is back in the ESG policy-making game. The European Union is advancing major ESG legislation. These are aligned with major developments among ESG rating and reporting frameworks. This session will identify how ESG frameworks will set the agenda for the field.

11:45 – 11:50 am (ET)  Break

11:50 am – 12:20 pm (ET)

Taking an Integrated Approach to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Targets

Influential stakeholders from institutional investors to activist NGOs are calling for companies to set net-zero carbon commitments. What’s involved in doing so in a way that achieves results in a timely way without overpromising and under-delivering?

Cynthia Cummis, Director of Private Sector Climate Mitigation, World Resources Institute

12:20 – 12:25 pm (ET)   Break 

12:25 – 12:40 pm (ET)   Breakout Discussion

12:40-12:50 pm (ET)     Break

12:50 – 1:20 pm (ET)

Figuring out Internal Carbon Pricing

Should companies proactively set carbon prices in advance of governments setting a rate? If so, what price makes sense? Should companies consider the “social cost of carbon”
or use a different approach for calculation?

Michelle Lancaster, Director, Sustainability, Microsoft

Elizabeth Sturcken, Managing Director of EDF+Business, Environmental Defense Fund

1:20 – 1:25 pm  (ET)     Break

1:25 – 1:55 pm (ET)

Understanding how Capital Markets Expect Your Company to Integrate, Organize, and Communicate Environmental Sustainability

Capital markets are beginning to incorporate ESG considerations as a core part of their investment theses and models. Panelists will discuss their expectations and how major corporations need to respond.

1:55 – 2:05 pm (ET)

Closing Thoughts, Day 1

Steve Rochlin, Program Director, The Conference Board

Paul Washington, Executive Director, ESG Center, The Conference Board

DAY TWO | Friday, July 16, 2021

11:00 – 11:15 am (ET)

Day 2, Welcome: Social Sustainability Expectations

Paul Washington, Executive Director, ESG Center, The Conference Board

Steve Rochlin, Program Director, The Conference Board

11:15 – 11:45 am (ET)

Taking a Holistic Approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

It is not enough for companies to value diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Companies are expected to set bold targets and integrate DEI into strategy.

Eloiza Domingo, Global Head and Executive Director Engagement, Diversity, & Inclusion, Astellas

John Gibson, Vice President, External and Multicultural Affairs, Motion Picture Association

11:45 – 11:50 am (ET)   Break 

11:50 am – 12:20 pm (ET)

Addressing the Intersection of Environmental and Human Health

The changing climate is one of the biggest threats to global public health. The worst pandemic the world has seen in 100 years is rooted in the interaction of natural ecosystems and the built environment. Companies must understand the risks and the expectations for the actions they must take.

Margaret O’Gorman, President, World Habitat Council

Lea Rankinen, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Paulig

12:20 – 12:25 pm (ET)   Break

12:25 – 12:40 pm (ET)   Breakout Discussion

12:40 - 12:50 pm (ET)   Break

12:50 – 1:15 pm (ET)

Assuring Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability

The global pandemic showed how vulnerable global supply chains are to ESG risks, and how vulnerable workers are as well. Panelists will identify risks and share good practices on how to develop sustainable and resilient supply chains.

Kim Almedia, Director, Worker Well-being, Levi Strauss Foundation, Levi Strauss & Co.

1:15 – 1:20 pm (ET)       Break

1:20 – 1:50 pm (ET)

Bringing your Corporate Purpose to Life

Purpose has become one of the most important management models of the 21st Century. How to turn the hype of Purpose into reality? Panelists will share their experiences and good practices.

James Gowen, Senior Vice President Global Supply Chain and Chief Sustainability Officer, Verizon and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative

Luis Neves, Managing Director and CEO, Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative

Sheldon Scott, Head of Purpose, Eaton Hotel

1:50 - 1:55 pm (ET)       Break

1:55 – 2:25 pm (ET)

Telling Your Sustainability Story

How can companies convey their sustainability efforts to multiple audiences in the face of rising expectations? This session will feature insights from research to help companies think through how best to tell their sustainability story authentically, reliably, and effectively.

Thomas Singer, Principal Researcher, The Conference Board

2:25 - 2:30 pm (ET)

Closing Observations

Steve Rochlin, Program Director, The Conference Board

Paul Washington, Executive Director, ESG Center, The Conference Board