Sustainability in Business: Weaving Strategy with Purpose | LIS24 Event

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Sustainability: Challenges, Innovations, and a Call for Collective Action

In a compelling panel discussion at the LIS24 event, moderator Ms. Alisa Cohn, Executive Coach and Forbes contributor, led a conversation on the pressing issue of sustainability in the corporate world. Joining her were Ms. Menaka Gopinath, Chief Marketing Officer at the Project Management Institute, Ms. Rika Nakazawa, Chief Commercial Innovation Officer at NTT, and Mr. Steve Maloney, CEO of Belkin International.

The discussion began with the importance of a unified understanding of sustainability. Ms. Gopinath emphasized the need to view it as ensuring a net positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy, leaving ample resources for future generations. She highlighted the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a comprehensive framework for businesses.

Ms. Nakazawa stressed the crucial role of technology in measuring and improving sustainability efforts. She highlighted NTT’s work in developing innovative optical wireless networks to reduce energy consumption in data centers and their ‘Marble Vision’ platform, which utilizes Earth observation data to monitor the planet’s health.

Mr. Maloney shared Belkin’s approach to embedding sustainability throughout their processes, from using post-consumer recycled plastics to aiming for carbon neutrality. He emphasized the importance of consumer education and industry-wide collaboration to drive meaningful change.

The panel agreed that integrating sustainability into project management is crucial for scalability. Ms. Gopinath advocated for incorporating sustainability considerations into every project, using the UN SDGs as a guide. She highlighted the project manager’s role in flagging potential issues and ensuring projects align with sustainability goals.

The conversation also explored the potential of AI in driving sustainability solutions. Ms. Nakazawa expressed optimism about AI’s ability to optimize system design and material science, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future. Ms. Gopinath cautioned against rushing into AI implementation without a clear understanding of desired outcomes and emphasized the importance of responsible AI design.

The panelists concluded by emphasizing the urgency of the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, urging businesses to prioritize sustainability and collaborate to achieve these goals. They highlighted the need for partnerships, consumer education, and a shift in business models to prioritize people, planet, prosperity, and purpose.

The discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainability in business. The panelists’ insights serve as a call to action for companies to embrace sustainable practices, collaborate, and leverage technology to create a more sustainable future.