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Reimagining the Agenda

Unlocking the Global Pathways to Resilience, Growth, and Sustainability for 2030.

Overview

The latest United Nations Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study on Sustainability provides perspectives and a resolute call to action from a record 2,600+ CEOs across 128 countries and 18 industries.

CEOs say they see integrated sustainability as the foundation to protect against instability. Strategies and business models with sustainability at the core are not only a climate imperative, but also the foundation of security, growth, and resilience.

With clear urgency, this report explores the myriad of challenges business leaders face today, and the opportunity surrounding sustainability as the path forward.

Key Findings

  • CEOs report the dramatic rise in intersecting global challenges is forcing them to navigate new levels of uncertainty.
  • While CEOs remain committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they’re sounding the alarm that more action is needed to rescue the goals.
  • CEOs are building resilience by embedding sustainability across their business, strengthening leadership and increasing ecosystem collaboration.
  • To remove barriers on taking action, CEOs are calling for a new roadmap to achieve the SDGs and asking government to accelerate the green transition.

“Not meeting the SDGs is a real concern. It’s also an enormous opportunity for companies that reinvent their enterprises and harness sustainability as one of the key forces of change in the next decade—using technology and innovation to drive growth.”

— PETER LACY, Global Sustainability Services Lead and Chief Responsibility Officer – Accenture

Global sustainability agenda is off track

CEOs are dealing with a slate of global challenges, many of which are not traditionally business related.

Geopolitical instability and the climate crisis are compounding the effects of these global challenges.

Biodiversity protection remains low on the private sector agenda, yet consequences could be drastic. 

CEOs feel this may risk efforts to achieve the SDGs.

83% of CEOs feel that current levels of geopolitical instability limit the world’s ability to achieve the SDGs.

Sustainability is the core of resilience

The business case for sustainability is clear – and CEOs are ready to act. They are embracing sustainability as the foundation to build resilience and identify new opportunities for growth.

Embedding Sustainability

CEOs are reimagining their supply chain, looking to increase visibility and decarbonize, to build resilience in the face of global uncertainty.

CEOs recognize their workforce as a crucial lever of resilience. They are looking to attract diverse talent while upskilling and reskilling their workforce to support the just transition.

As CEOs take on more responsibility and lead the charge for a sustainability future, they look to stakeholders such as governments to assist them on this journey.

Resilience ingredients for CEOs

Companies that embrace sustainability at their core can chart the course for a more resilient, competitive future. This includes pursuing 15 key actions highlighted, driven by technology, with sustainability at heart.

Adopt sustainable business models

Establish ambitious, science-based climate targets

Adopt a nature-positive business strategy

Include ESG impacts in investment decisions

Invest in the mental and physical health of employees

Build and engage a representative workforce

Upskill and/or reskill your workforce for the green transition

Align leadership incentives to sustainability—based on values and outcomes

Advance the collection of standardized, high-quality data

Enhance supply chain visibility and engagement

Apply analytics-driven scenario planning in business processes

Embed sustainability criteria into Research & Development

Accelerate adoption of renewable energy to secure your energy supply

Engage in strategic partnerships

Advocate for strong sustainability and resilience policy

CEOs' asks of policymakers

To maximize impact by 2030, businesses are calling on governments to provide clear direction, and support and enable the private sector to achieve ambitious sustainability targets. This includes 10 critical policy actions:

Align NDCs at 1.5°c

Cooperate on carbon pricing

Realize a biodiversity framework

Action on adaptation financing

Align regulatory systems to foster innovation

Standardize ESG reporting frameworks

Enable the circular economy

Invest in sustainable basic infrastructure

Support policy for a just transition

Provide education and financing for SMEs

Meet the team

Peter Lacy

Global Sustainability Services Lead & Chief Responsibility Officer
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Michael D. Hughes

Senior Manager – Sustainability Services & UN Programs Lead
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Emilia Hull

Manager – Sustainability Services & CEO Study Lead
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Prior UNGC-Accenture CEO Study reports

To explore how CEOs mindsets have changed when it comes to sustainability, read our past reports: