Networking Breakfast and Registration

Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs

Matthew Cullinen
Vice President, Sustainability
HSBC

Nicole Karlebach
Director, ESG & Global Head, Business and Human Rights
Verizon

SEC Watch: Preparing for the Future of Mandatory ESG Disclosures

David Carlin
Head of Climate Risk and TCFD
United Nations Environmental Program, Financial Institutions (UNEP FI)

Frank G. Zarb, Jr.
Partner
Proskauer Rose LLP

Moderator:

Conor T. Chell
Head of ESG Practice Group: Sustainability
MLT Aikins LLP

ESG factors have gained significant importance among investors and stakeholders, and there has been a growing demand for standardized and consistent ESG reporting to support informed decision-making. During this critical panel on the future of mandatory ESG disclosures, we will discuss:

• The SEC’s current and forward focus on ESG and its impact on financial markets in the U.S. and abroad
• Proposed legislation and guidance on improving the consistency, comparability, and usefulness of such disclosures
• Navigating a framework for materiality considerations in ESG reporting
• Aligning ESG reporting requirements with internationally recognized standards, such as those developed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

Navigating the ESG Whistleblower Landscape: What Companies Need to Know About ESG Whistleblower Rights and Corporate Obligations

Holly Carr, CPA
Managing Director, Forensics
BDO USA, P.A.

Howard A. Fischer
Partner
Moses & Singer LLP

Navigating the ESG whistleblower landscape is crucial for companies to ensure compliance, ethical practices, and mitigate potential risks. Understanding whistleblower rights, corporate obligations, and taking appropriate next steps is essential in today’s sustainability focused climate. During this panel, we will discuss some key points for companies to consider, including:

• Understanding the current landscape of whistleblower rights
• Guidance on corporate obligations, including robust reporting mechanisms, internal reporting procedures, and training and awareness
• Creating a roadmap to critical next steps, including prompt investigation, maintaining confidentiality, taking appropriate remedial actions, and continual improvements

Networking Break
Coffee Sponsor

Establishing and Maintaining the Global Supplier Diversity Strategy: Promoting Utilization of Diverse Suppliers Globally to Stakeholders

Kevin Kwok
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer
OMAO Brands

Moderator:

Egwu Nwankpah
Vice President, Head of Supplier Diversity
Cushman & Wakefield

Developing and maintaining a global supplier diversity strategy requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing commitment. During this panel, we will explore steps to establish and maintain a strategy that promotes the utilization of diverse suppliers globally to stakeholders, including:

• How to conduct a supplier diversity assessment
• Establishing specific and measurable targets for supplier diversity, including the percentage of diverse suppliers you aim to engage globally, the amount of spend allocated to diverse suppliers, and the number of diverse suppliers integrated into your supply chain
• Developing a global supplier diversity policy, including a comprehensive policy that outlines your organization’s commitment to global supplier diversity and communicating the policy to all stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, and customers
• Emphasizing the importance of diversity, defining supplier eligibility criteria, and outlining steps your organization will take to promote diversity globally

Networking Luncheon

Aligning the ESG Function in Your Organizational Strategy and Partnering with Business Units to Strengthen ESG Opportunities

Chad Breckinridge
VP and Deputy General Counsel
Cisco

Hervé P. Duteil
Chief Sustainability Officer
BNP Paribas

Nicole Karlebach
Director, ESG & Global Head, Business and Human Rights
Verizon

Joanna Rice
Vice President, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
Match Group

Moderator:

Joe Rozza
Chief Sustainability Officer
Ryan Companies

Identifying ways to strengthen ESG opportunities requires a collaborative effort between sustainability professionals and business units within an organization. During this panel, we will explore steps to consider when partnering with business units to identify and strengthen opportunities that will ultimately drive overall business value. During this panel discussion, we will explore:

• Clearly understanding the objectives and goals of the business units you are working with to identify areas where ESG can have the most impact
• Identifying relevant sources to achieve goals across business units
• Establishing clear communication channels with all stakeholders that are involved in the overall business objectives
• Using sustainability data to drive decisions across the organization and empowering your teams to make decisions that support overall business

Leveraging ESG and DEI Strategies that Shape Long-Term Sustainability and Deliver Value Creation

Kelly Fisher
SVP and Head of Corporate Sustainability, US
HSBC

Angela Jhanji
Managing Director
EQT Group

Tequila Smith
Executive Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer
Covanta

Moderator:

Clarence Mingo
Vice President, Corporate Affairs & ESG
T. Marzetti Company

ESG and DEI strategies have gained significant importance in the business world as they contribute to long-term sustainability and value creation. By incorporating these strategies into their operations, organizations can enhance their performance, mitigate risks, attract investors, and build strong relationships with stakeholders. During this panel, we will review ways to leverage ESG and DEI strategies for long-term sustainability and value, including:

• Integrating DEI considerations into your business strategy, decision-making processes, and performance metrics
• Engaging with stakeholders, including investors, employees, customers, suppliers, and local communities, to understand their expectations and concerns very clearly
• Assessing DEI in the supply chain
• Fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace by implementing policies and practices that promote diversity at all levels of the organization
• Ensuring strong governance practices that promote ethical behavior, accountability, and transparency

Networking Break
Coffee Sponsor

Tackling the Climate Crisis: Rapid Decarbonization, Risk Management, and Investment Opportunities

Thomas Abdallah
Vice President Design Services and Chief Environmental Engineer
MTA Construction and Development New York City

Kirby Brendsel
Vice President, ESG & Sustainability Director
Flagstar Bank
 

Sarah Kapnick, PhD
Chief Scientist
NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Subhagata Mukherjee
Head of Sustainability
Nokia

Rishi Shah
Senior Director, Sustainability
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Tackling the climate crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, but energy efficiency and rapid decarbonization are crucial components of any comprehensive strategy. During this panel, we will explore how these two factors can contribute to mitigating climate change. We will explore:

• Understanding the various categories and sources of emissions relevant to your industry and operations
• Navigating reporting guidelines, methodologies, and emission factors prescribed by regulatory bodies or standards organizations like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol
• Identifying your emissions sources that are most material to your organization and best practices for conducting a materiality assessment
• Seeking input from key suppliers, customers, industry associations, and experts to better understand the Scope 3 emissions associated with your value chain to gather valuable data and insights

Keynote Presentation

Rohit T. “Rit” Aggarwala
Chief Climate Officer of New York City
Commissioner of NYC Environmental Protection

Day 1 Adjourns

Networking Breakfast and Registration

Opening Remarks from the Co-Chairs

Matthew Cullinen
Vice President, Sustainability
HSBC

Nicole Karlebach
Director, ESG & Global Head, Business and Human Rights
Verizon

Keynote Presentation

Lee A. Greenwood
Assistant Regional Director – Asset Management Unit Division of Enforcement
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will kick off Day 2 of our conference with an insightful keynote presentation focused on the landscape of ESG in the U.S. — what’s new today and where are we headed for tomorrow.

Navigating the Landscape of Pro- and Anti-ESG Regulatory Action in the U.S.

Demian Newman
CEO
GreenWorks ESG

Matt Toohey
Vice President, ESG and Sustainable Business Practice
Modern West

ESG factors have become increasingly important for investors and companies alike. While there has been a growing interest in ESG investing and corporate sustainability, the regulatory landscape surrounding ESG in the U.S. has been somewhat fragmented and subject to change. During this panel, we will review the landscape of both Pro- and Anti-ESG Regulatory Action, with topics including:

• The SEC’s steps to enhance ESG disclosure requirements and improve transparency through rulemaking to mandate standardized ESG disclosures, providing investors with consistent and reliable information
• State-level initiatives that promote ESG practices and reporting
• Best practices for navigating shareholder activism
• Attempts to roll back or limit ESG-related regulations
• The current landscape of industry opposition with the goal of limiting ESG-related mandates

Networking Break
Coffee Sponsor

Sustainable Finance and ESG Investments: Risks and Opportunities

Allen Cheng
Associate Partner, Hedge Fund Research - New York Practice Lead
AON

Marie Clara Buellingen
Director, Responsible Finance/ESG
Société Générale

Irina Markina
Managing Director, Head of Impact and Sustainability
Ara Partners

Nelson A. Switzer
Managing Partner
Climate Innovation Capital

Moderator:

Divya Bendre
Head of Sustainable Fixed Income, Americas
Bank of America

Sustainable finance and ESG investments have gained significant prominence in recent years as more investors recognize the importance of integrating ESG factors into their decision-making processes. Navigating the risks and opportunities in sustainable finance and ESG investments requires understanding the key concepts and considerations involved. During this panel, we will explore:

• Assessing your company’s impact on the environment, such as its carbon emissions or resource usage
• Addressing social factors such as how your organization interacts with its employees, customers, communities, and other stakeholders
• Considerations for governance factors, including assessing the company’s leadership, executive compensation, shareholder rights, and board diversity
• Best practices for the integration of ESG factors into investment analysis and decision-making processes

Networking Luncheon

Corporate Strategies for ESG Data Management to Drive Positive Impact, Informed Decision-making, and Long-term Value Creation

Jayme Colosimo
ESG Investment Director
Capital Group

John Anthony Hodges
Director of ESG, Climate and CSR
Burlington Stores

Punita Patel
Head of Supplier Diversity, Sustainable Procurement - ESG
Guardian Life

Moderator:

Brian Matt
Director, Head of ESG Advisory
New York Stock Exchange

Mitigating the risks of greenwashing requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and accurate communication. During this panel, we will explore strategies that businesses can use to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, avoid greenwashing, and demonstrate an authentic commitment to environmental responsibility, including:

• Providing clear information about your sustainability efforts and keys to avoiding exaggerated claims through the use of third-party certifications or labels to provide independent verification of your green credentials
• Using accurate and understandable language that avoids greenwashing clichés and generalizations
• Evaluating the environmental impact of your product or service from raw material extraction to disposal, and implementing a holistic view of your environmental footprint to identify areas for improvement
• Investing in educating your employees about greenwashing and the importance of accurate environmental claims
• Collaborate with environmental organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to gain insights and feedback on your sustainability initiatives

Designing an ESG Strategy that Mitigates the Risks of Greenwashing, Greenhushing, and Green Claims

Padma Chukka
Executive Director, Customer Strategy
EasyPark Group

Candice Dial
SVP and Director of ESG Investments
Rockefeller Capital Management

Ekaterina Grigoryeva
Global Lead, Environment and Social Development - Financial Sector
The World Bank

Ann Lee-Jeffs
Global Head of ESG & Sustainability
Modern Meadow

Mitigating the risks of greenwashing requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and accurate communication. During this panel, we will explore strategies that businesses can use to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, avoid greenwashing, and demonstrate an authentic commitment to environmental responsibility, including:

• Providing clear information about your sustainability efforts and keys to avoiding exaggerated claims through the use of third-party certifications or labels to provide independent verification of your green credentials
• Using accurate and understandable language that avoids greenwashing clichés and generalizations
• Evaluating the environmental impact of your product or service from raw material extraction to disposal, and implementing a holistic view of your environmental footprint to identify areas for improvement
• Investing in educating your employees about greenwashing and the importance of accurate environmental claims
• Collaborating with environmental organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to gain insights and feedback on your sustainability initiatives

Networking Break
Coffee Sponsor

ESG and the BOD: Strategies for Getting the Board’s Engagement and Buy-In by Connecting ESG to Business Value

Brian Werner
Head of Sustainability Sales, S&P Global Market Intelligence
S&P Global

Engaging the Board of Directors (BOD) and gaining their buy-in for ESM matters should be a strategic process. During this panel, we will explore best practices and strategies to help you get the Board’s engagement and buy-in for ESG, with a special focus on:

• Understanding the Board’s perspectives, values, and goals
• Ensuring that ESG is treated as a fundamental part of decision-making and risk management, rather than an isolated initiative
• Providing comprehensive educational sessions or workshops to help the BOD understand the materiality of ESG issues, emerging trends, and their potential business implications
• Framing ESG discussions in terms of business value and long-term sustainability – demonstrating how ESG practices can enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, improve reputation, attract investors, and drive innovation
• Establishing measurable ESG goals and targets aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives, and demonstrating how achieving these goals can create value for shareholders and stakeholders alike

Advancing Gender Equity through ESG Imperatives

Byron Austin
Head of Corporate Responsibility & ESG Management
Organon

Alyse Mauro Mason
Associate Director, ESG, Business Performance Improvement
Protiviti

During this panel, we will address the myriad ways that integrating gender equity into ESG imperatives can be a powerful catalyst for advancing social progress. We will explore best pathways to embracing diverse perspectives, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering inclusive cultures, so that the business can create a more equitable and sustainable future. Speaking points will include:

• Promoting equal representation and creating an inclusive environment to ensure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement and leadership positions
• Addressing gender pay gaps and ensuring that women receive equal benefits, such as paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, etc
• Implementing policies that allow for flexible working hours, remote work options, and family-friendly benefits to create an environment that supports women’s career progression and reduces the burden of work-life conflicts
• Promoting gender equity by partnering with suppliers that uphold fair labor practices, including gender equality and women’s empowerment throughout their value chains
• Ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered while promoting a culture of accountability and transparency

Closing Remarks from the Co-Chairs and Conference Adjourns