Paul Polman
Former CEO, Unilever; Sustainable & Responsible Business Leader
COP29 and Beyond: Influential ESG and Sustainability Speakers Pushing the Agenda
When it came time to write my second JLA article, I was uncertain about which topic to choose. Aside from the upcoming U.S. election (for top geopolitical speakers, read my wonderful colleague Brogan’s article), another major event this November is COP29.
Scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, this will be the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference. COP29 is arriving at a crucial moment as the climate crisis intensifies, with 2024 on track to be one of the hottest years on record. In addition, climate-related disasters have caused hundreds of billions of dollars in damages this year; for example, the U.S. has been hit by devastating hurricanes, while island nations face existential threats from rising sea levels.
Now, I realise I’ve painted a rather bleak picture, but events like COP29 are helping keep climate change at the forefront of people’s minds so it’s not all doom and gloom. While world leaders and negotiators meet in Baku this month, you too can make an impact by having these critical conversations through inviting expert speakers on sustainability and ESG to your next event. Below is a list of conference speakers I highly recommend, each of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past year:
Paul Polman
Former CEO of Unilever
Paul is deeply committed to addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and resource depletion. He argues that those who fail to adopt net zero targets risk not only environmental catastrophe but also economic failure, as future markets will increasingly reward sustainable business models and penalise high-carbon companies. In his speeches, Paul offers not only practical leadership advice but also encourages businesses to become a force for good.
View Paul Polman’s full speaker profile.
Desiree Fixler
Advocate For Change in ESG investing and Sustainability
Desiree is a prominent figure in the sustainability and financial sectors, best known for her work in promoting transparency and accountability in ESG practices. Her whistleblowing experience at DWS also gives her a unique perspective on greenwashing. As a speaker, Desiree shares her firsthand insights into how companies may distort or misrepresent their sustainability initiatives, lending authenticity to her presentations while addressing the workplace challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainability into business practices.
View Desiree Fixler’s full speaker profile.
Michael Pawlyn
Architect & Innovator
Michael is an internationally renowned architect and a pioneer in the field of biomimicry, which involves drawing inspiration from nature to create sustainable solutions in architecture and design. His work is not only highly innovative and forward-thinking, but he also emphasises the importance of considering the bigger picture, urging companies to adopt systemic changes to contribute effectively to addressing the climate crisis.
View Michael Pawlyn’s full speaker profile.
Sally Uren
Chief Executive, Forum for the Future
Sally is the former CEO of Forum for the Future, where she spearheaded transformational projects with major organisations across various sectors, including food, energy, and apparel. This experience provides her with a deep understanding of how to address sustainability challenges on a large scale. She encourages businesses to adopt holistic approaches that tackle the root causes of environmental and social issues, aiming for long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. Additionally, Sally will be attending COP29 so she can offer unique insights into how world leaders think and the strategies they are prioritising.
View Sally Uren’s full speaker profile.
Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma KCMG PC
Former COP26 President
Lord Sharma was instrumental in securing key agreements and commitments to combat climate change. Under his leadership, the Glasgow Climate Pact was achieved, marking a significant step forward as it urged countries to reduce coal use and enhance transparency in emissions reporting. At your event, Alok will not only emphasise the urgent need to tackle climate change, he can provide tangible actions on how to do so. Additionally, he offers unique insights from his first-hand experience negotiating with global leaders, giving audiences a glimpse into what it’s like to be in (to quote my favourite musical!) “the room where it happens.”
For more information on Lord Alok Sharma or for insight into what any of the above speakers can bring to your next ESG event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!
