A Defining Moment for Business Transformation
This year’s Liaison Delegate meeting marked a milestone for WBCSD as we celebrate our 30th year. With more than 700 participants – including representatives from 187 member companies, the biggest-ever representation from the US and over 50 participants from China – this was our largest and most significant LD meeting to date. It served not only as a moment to reflect on our collective achievements, but also to recognize the critical work that lies ahead.
A New Era of Obstacles and Opportunity
Over the past three decades, WBCSD has helped reshape the role of business in tackling the world’s biggest issues. From bringing business to the table, to acknowledging its dual role in both the problem and the solution, to now focusing on system-level transformation, the journey has evolved.
But today, the landscape is shifting. Climate science is clear, and its effects are accelerating faster than anticipated – even in regions previously untouched by extreme weather. Every one of the last ten years has been the warmest on record. Businesses must now navigate sustainability amid geopolitical instability, trade tensions, rising nationalism, culture wars and the disruptive potential of AI. These forces are reshaping global supply chains.
From Ambition to Execution
The time for talk is over – now is the time for action. We must move from high-level ambition to tangible execution. While many companies have set bold targets, the next five years must be about implementation and measurable impact.
Inaction is prohibitively expensive – and not an option. Climate change is already impacting business operations and their value chains. Sustainability is becoming strategic and a boardroom priority, recognized as fundamental to long-term business success. Businesses must act now, not only to meet sustainability goals, but also to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.
Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
Sustainability is no longer about compliance – it is a core driver of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term value. The business case goes beyond traditional ROI; it includes faster growth, supply chain resilience, and better talent retention. It’s time to move from “green talk” to “green-do.”
To support this shift, we must focus on four critical levers of transformation:
- Accelerated Emission Reduction
By prioritizing verifiable, near-term decarbonization efforts.
- Corporate Performance & Accountability
By advancing transparent, decision-useful sustainability metrics that are recognized by financial markets.
- Innovative Value Chain Transformation
By redesigning business models and supply chains for sustainable impact.
- Mindset Shift
By encouraging new approaches to leadership, unlearning outdated norms, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
The Power Is in the Numbers
The path to 2030 and beyond demands collaboration at scale. Whether it’s partnering with investors, policymakers or civil society, business is at the forefront of implementation. New technologies – particularly AI-driven innovations – present powerful opportunities to reimagine systems in energy, transport and the built environment.
But more than tools, it’s our collective action that will drive transformation. The power is in our global community of members, and together we can make sustainability performance a true driver of competitiveness.
Let’s get it done.
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