A Caucus to Forge Alliances for Just Transition: The CSR Europe Conference Paves the Way for a Social Green Deal
PRESS RELEASE
On 20 June, +100 business and EU leaders are expected in Brussels for a full day dedicated to building multi-stakeholder alliances for an inclusive Just Transition.
Stakeholders' valuable contributions during the event will play a significant role in shaping CSR Europe's policy paper, "Towards A Social Green Deal 2024-2029”, which will be presented to the new European leadership in 2024.
Brussels, 20 June 2023 – The CSR Europe Conference 2023, themed "A Caucus to Forge Alliances for Just Transition," is poised to bring together European policymakers, business leaders, and key stakeholders to foster alliances that drive an inclusive approach to the green and digital transition.
Scheduled for 20th June 2023, in Brussels, from 09:30 to 17:00 CEST, this event presents a unique opportunity for businesses and regulators across Europe to gather in person and take action to address the global dependencies that have arisen from the war in Ukraine and the energy and purchasing power crisis.
Building upon the recent launch of the European Business Roadmap and Toolbox for Just Transition, CSR Europe welcomes participating stakeholders to collaborate on the EU Just Transition agenda. Attendees will also gain insights into corporate actions and advocacy opportunities for an EU policy approach that leverages frontrunning companies as allies. Throughout the day, stakeholders will engage in face-to-face dialogues with EU leaders who, in addition to proposing new EU sustainability regulations, can help advance the transition by making substantial investments in awareness-raising and capacity-building activities for companies and fostering collaborations for resilient workforces, customers, communities, and supply chains.
The ideas, expectations, and concerns expressed by participating stakeholders will be thoroughly considered in the development of CSR Europe's policy position, "Towards A Social Green Deal", which will be presented to the new EU leadership in 2024
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Organized in collaboration with CSR Europe's network of 100+ organizations, the CSR Europe Conference features the following:
Opening plenary “Sustainability Compliance and Innovation for a More Inclusive Growth” - featuring c-level representatives from the European Commission.
Panel Discussion on Companies' Approaches to Just Transition and the Challenges Posed by a New Generation of Employees, with participation from Leonardo, The Coca-Cola Company, and BNP Paribas.
Eight Roundtables on Just Transition addressing the challenges posed by supply chain due diligence, sustainable finance & reporting, diversity & inclusion, and skills amongst others.
Wouter Vermeulen, Senior Director for Sustainability & Public Policy Europe at The Coca-Cola Company said:
Our strategy is centred around people—our consumers and employees—and driving sustainable solutions that build resilience into our business to respond to current and future challenges, while creating positive change for the planet. In line with our contribution to CSR Europe’s Materials Leadership Hub, at the upcoming CSR Europe Conference, we will seek to engage stakeholders in support of a just and inclusive transition towards the decarbonised and digital economy of the future, so that all can thrive.
Renata Mele, Senior Vice President Sustainability at Leonardo, said:
“Green and digital transition demand strong partnerships. Dialogue opportunities such as the CSR Europe Conference are key moments for building a common vision across different sectors, accelerating business transformation in line with the EU institutions’ and policymakers’ goals on ESG topics. For Leonardo, the Conference will be the opportunity to share the achievements and the ambitions of its sustainability path. It will be also the occasion to discuss what are the future challenges companies and regulators shall address to foster a sustainable and just future for Europe in technology-driven sectors.”
Étienne Davignon, President of CSR Europe, Belgian Minister of State and former European Commission Vice-President, said:
In the pursuit of thriving societies, robust democracies, and prosperous economies, we advocate for a Social Green Deal that drives environmental stewardship while fostering inclusive social progress and heralding new opportunities for Europe's business landscape. Our success relies on forging strategic partnerships, which is why the CSR Europe Conference 2023 is bringing together European policymakers, businesses, and their key stakeholders. Only by uniting collective expertise and resources Europe can lead the way, producing meaningful change and driving the sustainable transformation of our societies and economies.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
MEDIA CONTACT
For media inquiries and further information, please contact Daria Delnevo, Communications & Network Manager, dd@csreurope.org.
ABOUT CSR EUROPE
CSR Europe is the leading European business network for corporate sustainability and responsibility. With our corporate members, national partner organisations (NPOs), and associated partners, we unite, inspire & support over 10,000 enterprises at local, European, and global levels. We support businesses & industry sectors in their transformation and collaboration towards practical solutions and sustainable growth. We are for systemic change. Following the SDGs, we want to co-build with the European leaders and stakeholders an overarching strategy for a sustainable Europe 2030.