Global headwinds, regulatory shifts and a new chapter for ESG – what does it all mean for the future of sustainable business? David unpacks what’s changing, why it matters and what your organisation should be doing now
November 2025 Agenda
The future of Sustainability Reporting in the EU
9:20am
Partner & Sustainability Services Lead, EY
9:35am
We answer your questions on how to navigate the latest ESG regulations and compliance challenges. Bring your questions to our panel of practitioners and experts for practical insights implementing genuine, effective sustainability practices
Head of Sustainability, John Paul Construction
Vice-Chair of Sustainability Working Group, Compliance Institute
Sustainability and Profitability
10:10am
Although a significant number of Irish CEOs recognise climate change as a factor impacting their business, there’s a gap between awareness and concrete action, particularly regarding adaptation measures. The best businesses aren’t just adapting to the changing landscape; they’re leveraging sustainability to drive innovation, reduce costs, and build stronger relationships with their customers and stakeholders. Our panel will discuss how business leaders are turning sustainability into a growth driver rather than a cost centre by adopting the right practices
Managing Director Head of Sustainable Finance Europe @ HSBC, Chair of Chapter Zero Ireland
Sustainability Director, Encirc and Climate Champion, Business in the Community NI
Founder & Director, The Kind Brand Company
Deep Dive Sesssions
11:20am
How the VSME is supporting a sustainability strategy, action plan and reporting
Plus how SMEs can finance the transition/finance for implementing ESG
How sustainable SMEs can get funding/getting investment
Advisory Services and Public Affairs Manager, ACCA Ireland
11:20am
- Getting internal management on board
- Building a board led governance structure to integrate finance and sustainability reporting
- The role of governance in ESG strategy and implementation
- Key governance structures for managing ESG performance
- AI for sustainability – ensuring responsible use of AI for sustainability
- Successful ESG governance models and stories
Business Working Responsibly Mark Manager, BITCI
11:20am
- Regulations and standards for nature investments: how is the reporting landscape evolving, and what are the data challenges? Â How can nature-related data be used by the investment industry? Integrating climate and nature risk and the associated data challenges
- Tools and metrics for measuring nature-positive outcomes
- What does the future look like for biodiversity and natural capital data?
- Nature Tech:Â how are corporates using AI and technology to understand, quantify and tackle their nature risks and opportunities?
- Setting nature-based targets: data collection and best practices
- Data tools for integrating nature risk with climate risk
Business Programme Lead, Business for Biodiversity Ireland
12:15pm
New private wires policy – how will it accelerate energy efficiency and decarbonisation of Irish businesses?
Real life examples on how businesses are decarbonising
Business advisor & non-exec director | Energy, sustainability & strategy
12:15pm
Scope 3 emissions reduction, pathways to achieving Science-Based Targets (SBTs), and integrating nature into sustainable supply chains
The role of supply chains in accelerating progress on Scope 3 emissions reduction, biodiversity conservation and sustainable land-use
How supply chains that are deforestation-free, nature-positive with science-based targets can serve as a cornerstone of climate action
How companies are engaging suppliers, aligning with regulations and integrating circular economy principles into their operations.
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Fyffes
12:15pm
Circular Economy | Climate/ESG and Digital Innovation expert | INED
Founder & CEO, ShareClub
Business and human rights
2:05pm
Policy Coordinator at Irish Coalition for Business & Human Rights
The climate transition
2:30pm
As global scrutiny on corporate climate action intensifies, the transition plan has moved from a reporting formality to a strategic imperative. But what does it take to build a robust, actionable climate transition plan—and why are leading companies treating it as a business-critical blueprint, not just a disclosure requirement?
2:55pm
- The state of play: Mobilising climate finance in a world of changing priorities
- Adapting to climate-related risks: How prepared are Irish firms? What barriers are they facing?
- What investors want to see from corporates and their climate data. Is their trust in corporate sustainability reporting declining?
- Nature investment standards programme: Addressing the barriers to investing in nature
Sustainable Product Innovation Lead, Bank of Ireland Group
Head of Climate Change, Central Bank of Ireland
The role of the CSO
3:30pm
Corporate leadership is facing profound challenges driven by economic, political, and regulatory pressures. Changing European Union regulations, trade wars, and escalating geopolitical uncertainties are reshaping global business. Amid these headwinds, strong sustainability leadership is emerging as a key driver of business growth and resilience. That’s why the role of the chief sustainability officer (CSO) is evolving to become a driver of long-term value.
Our panel of seasoned CSOs discuss the key shifts in the CSO role and how to buil an effective strategy and collaborating with senior corporate leaders.
Sustainability & Biobased Products| Founder Innovator | Academic | Enterprise Champion|
Chief Sustainability Officer, Smurfit Kappa
Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, PTSB