2024 ESG Summit

08:45 AM - 09:30 AM ET

Embracing a New Era of Collaboration in Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship

No single company or entity can act alone in building a more sustainable, civil, and inclusive future. During our opening panel, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering effective partnerships across public, private, and non-profit sectors that are fit for purpose in today’s environment amidst geopolitical unrest, regulatory shifts, and ESG and DEI backlash.

09:35 AM - 10:20 AM ET

Competitive Collaboration: Joint Efforts in Driving Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship

In the realm of sustainability and corporate citizenship, competition among companies is increasingly giving way to collaboration for the greater good. This session will explore how organizations are coming together to drive impactful initiatives, sharing resources and innovations to tackle global and local challenges. Learn about successful partnerships that balance competitive advantage with collective progress, fostering a more sustainable and socially responsible business landscape.

10:35 AM - 11:20 AM ET

Legal and Regulatory Considerations in a New Era of Collaborations

In this session, we will explore the legal principles and regulations that govern effective partnerships in today's dynamic landscape. Our panel will delve into anticipated changes in privacy regulations, procurement laws, and international trade agreements that could impact future collaborations. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal risks in ESG partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that initiatives are both compliant and impactful.

11:25 AM - 11:50 AM ET

Fireside Chat: Local Roots, Global Reach: Balancing Hyper-local Initiatives with Multinational Programs

This fireside chat will delve into the interplay between hyper-local initiatives and multinational programs. Corporate and non-profit representatives will discuss how to maintain local relevance while achieving a global impact. The session will address the challenges in aligning local initiatives with overarching global goals, provide insights into successful strategies, and share valuable lessons learned in navigating these complexities to drive meaningful change.

11:55 AM - 12:20 PM ET

Fireside Chat: The Non-Profit Perspective on Enhancing Partnerships

Non-profits bring a unique and essential perspective, often rooted in deep community connections and an intimate understanding of local needs. Their voice is vital in ensuring that partnerships are not only effective but also equitable and inclusive. We’ll address how non-profits can influence and shape these collaborations to address community needs more effectively while aligning with governmental and corporate objectives. Speakers will share insights on the unique contributions of non-profits, strategies for fostering stronger partnerships, and examples of successful initiatives that demonstrate the power of these alliances in driving social impact.

01:20 PM - 02:00 PM ET

Essential Leadership Traits for Successful Partnerships

This session will explore the critical leadership traits required to build and sustain successful partnerships. It will examine how to identify and nurture these traits within teams and among stakeholders to enhance collaboration, trust, and mutual success. Additionally, we’ll address the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness and its role in driving successful partnerships.

02:00 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Afternoon Roundtables / Breakouts

Engage in small peer-led discussions focused on areas where companies are commonly joining forces with other companies, government, community groups, and non-profits. Each roundtable will address specific collaboration themes, sharing insights and strategies for effective partnerships. Topics include:

• Health Equity / Healthcare: Involves health service providers, insurance companies, and local governments creating programs that improve access to quality healthcare.
• Disaster Relief: Leverage the resources, expertise, and networks of both private sector entities and public agencies to improve preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience against natural and man-made disasters.
• Education: Explore how private companies design and maintain school buildings, supply digital learning tools, and offer management services, while public entities focus on curriculum development and educational standards.
• Energy: Discuss how private companies bring in expertise and capital to develop energy projects, while public agencies provide subsidies, regulatory support, and long-term purchasing agreements.
• Racial Equality: Examine collaborative efforts aimed at promoting racial equality, including initiatives led by private corporations and non-profits to address systemic inequities and foster inclusive environments.

03:25 PM - 03:55 PM ET

The Governance of External Collaboration: Shaping the Future of Strategic Alliances

This session will explore the importance of governance structures in establishing and maintaining successful partnerships. We’ll address the critical role of the Board in navigating external collaborations and how visionary board oversight can align partnership goals with organizational strategy, manage emerging risks, and uphold ethical compliance and accountability. Additionally, the discussion will delve into the evolving role of ESG Steering Committees or similar Steering Committees in this process. These committees are increasingly pivotal in driving sustainability and social responsibility initiatives, providing strategic direction, and ensuring that partnerships adhere to high ethical and environmental standards.

04:00 PM - 04:45 PM ET

Enhancing Partnership Outcomes through AI, Emerging Technologies, and Real-Time Data

Discover how artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and real-time data are revolutionizing partnership outcomes. This session will explore the capabilities of these cutting-edge tools to analyze vast amounts of shared data, uncover actionable insights, predict trends, and optimize operations. Panelists will delve into the latest technological advancements, the challenges of implementation, and the exciting future possibilities. Learn how leveraging AI, innovative technologies, and real-time data access can drive innovation, efficiency, and success in partnerships across various sectors.