Leaders in Sustainability Special Report 2023: Insight from businesses in sustainable development

The impacts of climate change have become undeniable for many, pushing people to realize that “business as usual” needs to change. With this, people are becoming increasingly more aware of sustainability and the urgency for massive overhauls and structural changes in all parts of life. Green Network Asia recently published Leaders in Sustainability Special Report 2023, focusing on the role and responsibility of businesses in sustainable development.

Businesses in Sustainable Development

While all governments, businesses, and civil society have their own roles in sustainability, the shares of responsibility are not equal. Green Network Asia Founder & CEO Marlis Afridah said, “As businesses have been the biggest culprits of harmful practices for people and the planet, we decided to focus our first Special Report on businesses to highlight their responsibility and role in sustainable development.”

Leaders in Sustainability Special Report 2023 is a series of interviews with 18 Chief Sustainability Officers—or equivalent roles—across the business landscape worldwide. The Special Report aims to showcase insight from corporate leaders on their organizations’ sustainability efforts.

“Despite the exponential growth of CSO—or equivalent—roles globally in the past years, not many organizations are ready to communicate openly to the public about their sustainability commitments, journeys, and initiatives. Through the Special Report, we encourage openness, transparency, and bravery about showing vulnerability, including what has worked and what has not worked, in your organization’s efforts towards sustainability,” said Marlis.

Leaders in Sustainability Special Report 2023

The interviews offer real-world experience from sustainability practitioners across industries. They also share insight and advice for other business actors on their sustainability journeys. Some of them are:

You can’t do it alone. A network of internal and external collaborators is essential, along with an open mind that allows you to continuously learn more about the progress that can be made. And, of course, sustainability is a marathon and not a sprint, so persistence and resilience are key. So, look after yourself and keep your energy. – Ulrike Sapiro, Chief Sustainability Officer at Henkel
I would emphasize the fundamental importance of commitment. [. . .] For those embarking on this path, particularly companies in the early stages of sustainability, creating a clear sustainability roadmap is crucial. This roadmap serves as a guiding beacon, providing direction and structure after defining sustainability goals. – Ingrid C.W. Aurelia, Head of Corporate Communication and Sustainability at Meratus
Each context is unique, and successful sustainability initiatives often require tailored approaches that consider local cultures, ecosystems, and socio-economic conditions. Flexibility and adaptability are key in navigating the complexities of sustainable development. – Paula Casares, Head of ESG at TK Elevator
Do it right the first time – especially for developing countries; they do not have to make the same mistakes as the global north. – Manoj Kumar Rustagi, Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer at JSW Cement
Honestly, the key lessons I have learned in this role have more to do with the challenges that any start-up faces. [. . .] I would say that it is important to find the right partners to work with and that they are committed to making the program a success without merely seeing it as a marketing tool. – Jonathan Tostevin, Chief Executive Officer at Muuse
Importantly, in the realm of sustainability, there’s no competition; we’re all aiming toward the same goal of creating a better and more livable planet for future generations. This perspective encourages open sharing of best practices, fostering a collaborative global community working collectively towards a sustainable and responsible future. – Tanah Sullivan, Head of Sustainability at GoTo

Join Green Network Asia – An Ecosystem of Shared Value for Sustainable Development.

Learn, share, network, and get involved in our movement to create positive impact for people and the planet through our public education and multi-stakeholder advocacy on sustainability-related issues and sustainable development.