?? The planet will win when the CSR Officers at COMEX levels disappear! ChangeNOW 2024: Innovation and Impactful Conversations

A quick word from the ChangeNOW summit in Paris, an event that really stands, I personally believe, at the forefront of driving meaningful change. For the slight negatives: little coffee on the show, no water dispenser and muddy outdoors, it felt a bit like Glastonbury ! You can do better on that one ChangeNOW organizers !

Just next to the Eiffel Tower, the event gathered again visionaries, innovators, and leaders passionate about forging a sustainable future. Here are some positive highlights I gathered:

?? Embracing Transparency and Traceability

The conference kicked off the Tuesday session with a compelling dialogue on transparency and traceability in global supply chains. Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP Sherry Madera , highlighted the critical role of data in achieving CSRD compliance, emphasizing that financial communities are now pivotal in protecting our planet. The innovative QR code system presented by Sandra Uwera Murasa of Fairtrade International was a real standout, offering a glimpse into the future of product flow tracking . Great moderation by James Bidwell of Springwise, the session was a deep dive into the necessity of impact disclosure for business resilience

?? From Individual Action to Collective Power

Boaz Paldi from the United Nations Development Programme shared an inspiring initiative, Weather Kids, a campaign that underscores the power of collective action in addressing climate change. Launching just before World Meteorological Day, it calls for global participation to secure a better future for the coming generations.

?? Sustainable Industrialization: A Call for Transformation

The conversation on sustainable industrialization, led by industry leaders like Benoit BAZIN of Saint-Gobain and Joana Freitas of EDP Generation, was really enlightening. Bazin's insights into Saint-Gobain Gyproc’s transformation in Norway shows the radical shifts needed in manufacturing to combat climate change. Freitas's commentary on the misallocation of funds in coal subsidies versus green transition support was particularly interesting.

??? Building with Tomorrow in Mind

Addressing urbanization's challenges, the "Building with Tomorrow in Mind" panel shed light on innovations for a sustainable construction industry. Speakers like Camille Mommer of Natura Mater and Pascal EVEILLARD of Saint-Gobain discussed the integration of circular materials and efficiencies in building processes. I thought the session was a testament to the industry's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, a critical factor given the building industry's significant impact on CO2 emissions. The building industry has not a good reputation as leading the environmental changes needed, but things are changing. Slowly but surely.

?? Reflecting on the Day

ChangeNOW 2024 has not only been a gathering of minds but a confluence of action, innovation, and dedication towards a sustainable future. It's clear that the path to sustainability is a collective journey, requiring the involvement of all stakeholders from individual contributors to global corporations. There was a lot of talk this year about the need to build partnerships across industries.

As I reflect on the day's discussions, it's evident that the transformation is accelerating. My personal belief is that we still need to infuse the subject all across the organization. Don't "gettho-ize" CSR in your organization. Yes, you do need a conductor, but the music must play all across your company or organization. The planet will have won when the CSR Officers at Board or COMEX levels will disappear!

Let's continue to drive change, together.

#ChangeNOW2024 #Sustainability #Innovation #CorporateResponsibility