Business leaders canvass climate resilience to create shared value
By Felicia Nwosu
The International Sustainability Conference (ISC) 2023 has been held with a call on global businesses to pay holistic attention to issues relating to environmental, social, governance (ESG) and economy, in a manner that builds business resilience to climate change impacts and creates shared value for shareholders.
The annual dialogue-to-action forum was organised virtually by Lagos Business School (LBS) and IHS Towers Nigeria, and also delivered by the LBS Sustainability Centre (LBSSC). Over five hundred (500) participants from fifty-two (52) countries around the world participated online.
Relating her opening remarks with focus on the theme: “The Leadership Imperative for Sustainable Development,” the Vice Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Prof Enase Okonedo, noted how apt the theme was, adding that sustainable development is no longer a mere aspiration, but a reality demands prompt and concrete action, which only leadership can inspire.
The VC maintained that the urgency to transition to a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future is underscored by a growing body of scientific evidence, environmental crises, and social disparities that have become existential reality.
“Climate change, loss of biodiversity, resource depletion, and social injustices are challenges that no nation, organisation, or individual can address in isolation,” she said.
She went further to add that it is the duty of leadership to provide answers to the questions individuals desire to experience from businesses and communities.
“The first is, of course, to determine the trajectory of Africa and the world we want. In doing so, I think it is best to identify the challenges and burdens we must discharge, the innovation we must leverage and the learnings we must employ to arrive at the type of world that we want. We could then ask the question, “how can leadership galvanise men and resources to arrive at the destination we all seek, an Africa and a world that attain the SDGs 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063.”
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Comment
No comments found.