The need for companies to address and improve diversity, equity and inclusion has long been a priority, and the events of 2020 have intensified the urgency of this imperative. In addition to prioritizing diversity in hiring, companies must cultivate inclusive and equitable cultures. What role should the sustainability professional play in creating inclusive workplace cultures? How should sustainability leaders collaborate with their colleagues in diversity and inclusion? What is the relationship between sustainability and D&I, and how should these be integrated? What will it take to achieve meaningful progress? Join this session to learn why this must be part of your work and the approaches companies and organizations are taking to drive transformative change.

How are organizations leveraging sustainability as a lens for business growth and consumer engagement? ​This session will discuss the evolution and future of the CSO role from architect of mitigation strategy to advocate for consumer interest and steward of responsible natural resource management. Participants will share their experiences distinguishing their ESG strategies, lessons on the role of marketing as a driver of change, expanding definitions of successful impact, as well as insights on the role of the private industry in responsibly tackling shared global challenges.

Hear from global sustainable business icon Paul Polman, former Unilever CEO and now Imagine Co-Founder and Chair, on how companies can up their game on the climate crisis, social justice and other pressing issues — and the implications if they don’t. While CEOs and business leaders can't move industries and markets alone, collective action can yield tectonic impacts and unleash business towards achieving our Global Goals.

Many companies inadvertently create competition among their innovation and transformation efforts, but some are seeing the value in teaming up to drive better scaleable outcomes. Join this session to learn how company leaders are finding ways to connect diversity, equity and inclusion, corporate responsibility, sustainability and other transformation efforts to greater effect.

From responding to the deluge of “rating and ranking” surveys, to setting increasingly aggressive and wide-ranging goals and targets, the expectations placed on sustainability leaders have always been high — especially when compared to departmental budgets. Then COVID-19 happened. And a racial justice reckoning. And climate-induced wildfires. And a wildly polarizing election. Over the past year, many sustainability leaders — particularly those with terms like "Health and Safety" or “Diversity and Inclusion” incorporated into their titles — have taken on an entire new job’s worth of responsibilities. Meanwhile, many are attempting to balance remote work with staying healthy, managing childcare, and all the other responsibilities of a “new normal.” The result has been a slew of early retirements, career pivots, extended leaves of absence, and resignations from sustainability experts across sectors. The risks to companies from these departures are enormous – institutional memory and relationships are lost. Team morale erodes. New program champions have to be cultivated. Issue expertise has to be outsourced or re-hired. In this session, we’ll ask the question — are we losing our movement's greatest leaders by asking too much of them? And if so, what can be done about “sustaina-burnout”? Participants will be invited to engage in a dynamic discussion, sharing experiences, best practices, and new ideas for improving workplace mental health, work-life balance, and employee well-being within the sustainability community.

There is no question that ESG reporting is on the rise. Sustainability, at the intersection of environmental and social issues, is driving a tectonic shift in investing. Once seen as a strategy that sacrifices returns, investors are now using this lens to mitigate risk and ensure resilience. Hear from  Martina L. Cheung, President of S&P Global Market Intelligence, on why financial analysis is incomplete if it ignores material ESG factors, and the implications, and opportunities, for sustainability professionals in this transformation.

Youth leaders have become strong voices in the climate movement, advocating for climate action, justice and equity for all. Youth leaders are playing an important role, not only in making their voices heard and demanding change from governments and corporations, but also in educating and empowering new leaders and growing the next generation of engaged, informed and active advocates. Danielle Boyer is an indigenous teen entrepreneur, author, educator, and inventor working to increase STEAM education accessibility and affordability through innovative programs that promote technical competency and develop a tangible love for our Earth. Diego Arreola Fernández is on a mission to cultivate more environmental leaders prepared to raise their voices for the planet and inspire people towards a truly sustainable future. Hear from these inspiring young leaders about their stories and vision for the future.

The role of the corporate sustainability professional is constantly shifting and adapting as the world we live in changes. Companies need sustainability professionals who can see what's on the horizon and devise strategies that position their companies as leaders on today's important issues. What existing skills should you continue to grow, and what new skills do you need to build in order to thrive? How can you continue to adapt, evolve and advance in your career as your role, work, and company change? What is the future of the sustainability profession? Join this session to hear from a group of leading sustainability professionals for their guidance and vision on what's next for corporate sustainability practitioners and how you can position yourself to succeed.

What type of change management is required to integrate sustainability in business operations? How can we best communicate the value of sustainability in the workplace? And what are the performance indicators that show we have created a culture of sustainability? Join this roundtable discussion to share ideas with fellow participants on what it takes to create long-term value and a culture for sustainability at companies, including strategies for innovative thinking and engaging internal sustainability advocates throughout your company.