On May 13–14, 2025, I had the honor of participating in the 2nd Annual World ESG and Climate Summit 2025, held in Amsterdam. The event brought together ESG professionals, regulators, investors, and business leaders from all over the world. Their shared goal was clear: to redefine how ESG and climate strategy are integrated into the future of corporate responsibility.
Keynote at the ESG and Climate Summit: From Frameworks to Impact
Representing the Center for Sustainability & Excellence (CSE), I delivered a keynote presentation titled:
“Sustainability Reporting in Focus: Navigating Frameworks, Compliance, and Impact.”
In my talk, I emphasized that sustainability reporting today must evolve. It needs to be both strategic and practical. I introduced a simple three-step roadmap for organizations seeking to navigate the demands of CSRD and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS):
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Clarify your alignment – Know which reporting frameworks matter to your business.
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Elevate materiality – Use double materiality to prioritize what truly matters.
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Report with purpose – Create disclosures that are honest, consistent, and aligned with long-term goals.
Strategic Lessons from the ESG Summit 2025
The World ESG and Climate Summit 2025 confirmed a major shift: ESG is now strategic. No longer a compliance exercise, it’s embedded in decision-making at the highest level.
Moreover, companies are building stronger ESG governance, with boards and executives taking active responsibility. These actions are shaping a new era of accountability.
ESG in Action: Insights Beyond the Summit
You can also explore our recent contribution to the Oman ESG Index 2025, where we helped drive ESG innovation in the Gulf region.
Additionally, our World Sustainability Leadership Forum in NYC highlights how CSE continues to shape global ESG dialogue across continents.
Final Reflections from the World ESG and Climate Summit 2025
Participating in the summit reaffirmed my belief:
ESG must be authentic, strategic, and deeply embedded.
Sustainability is not just an obligation — it’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, impact, and long-term vision.
— Nikos Avlonas
English 
Greek