Economic Development

Brazilian Amazon: Breaking Myths

November 5, 2:00 - 3:30

Development and conservation of the Brazilian Amazon means different things to different peoples. The news portrayed internationally often paints a picture of destruction and lawlessness, yet the most bio-diverse place on Earth is more than just a home to diverse populations. It is a wealth of minerals, timber, oils, livestock and grain for world markets, and it brings a source of economic development to Brazil and its neighbors. It is also an important source of economic development for Brazil and a place that evokes strong reactions by the international development and environmental communities. Polarizing the debate as "conservation vs. development" has not created a clear road ahead and has resulted in stark trade-offs with broad environmental, social and financial implications. Hear how a diverse group of Brazilians have been leading change in the region. Join us for a discussion that will impart valuable lessons and inspiration for how we can tackle seemingly intractable problems through systems thinking and cross-sector collaboration.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Cibele de Macedo Salviatto Alejandra Martin Fabio Abdala Joao Paulo Ribeiro Capobianco

Lions to Lambs: Trade Unions, Environmentalists, and MNCs Collaborate to Tackle Problems

November 6, 10:00 - 11:30

Previously considered more adversarial than collaborative, trade unions, environmental organizations and companies are increasingly coming together to form alliances around their mutual goals of providing good jobs, a clean environment and a safer world. Is it really so easy to turn foe into friend for the common good? Based on a case study of Gamesa, this frank dialogue will feature all three sectors discussing what has worked and what hasn't through this partnership approach. The shared lessons are applicable to all forms of cross-sector partnerships.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Nikki Daruwala Michael Peck David Foster

Global Health Trends: Managing the Impact of Disease on Business

November 6, 10:00 - 11:30

Global human health trends are shifting quickly, and too often, companies are unaware of the current and future threats. The causes are manifold, including demographic, socio-economic and environmental changes. In this session, health experts map out current and five-year forecasts of global trends, which will help companies identify potential danger zones for their staff and key suppliers. Learn from successful global programs how to best protect your employees and those of your suppliers from the increased likelihood of communicable disease.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Kristie Ebi Steven Phillips Roberto Bertollini

In My Backyard: How to Help Build Sustainable Communities

November 5, 10:00 - 11:30

What is the company's role in ensuring that its local community can economically and socially sustain itself? Does this ability change if operations reside in a country that has very little infrastructure? Based on detailed case studies, this session looks at how to apply systemic solutions for community development that include land use, energy efficiency, transportation, water and long-term job creation.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Kurt Culbertson Deborah Louison Bob McElfresh

Whose Business is Alleviating Poverty?

November 7, 10:30 - 12:00

With the global Millennium Development Goals set for the year 2015, we are now at the halfway mark. How are we doing to meet these important goals, and why does it matter to your business? This session explores the link between business activities, poverty alleviation and expanding markets. Executives from leading companies talk frankly about their forays into the next generation of "BOP" and local procurement approaches, and why poverty matters to us all.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Lindsay F. Tucker Surita Sandosham Dennis Flemming Al Gallegos

Environment

Carbon Offsetting: Fact or Fiction?

November 6, 10:00 - 11:30

Carbon offsetting is all the rage, but is it really making a difference in abating climate change? Experts explain how and under what circumstances carbon offsetting can contribute as a solution to climate change, and when other strategies are more effective. This session will delve into the legitimacy of these programs and highlight the five questions companies should ask when using offsetting programs. In addition, communication experts will provide tips about how to discuss this complex matter with employees and customers.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Ron Luhur Mark Newton Jonathan Shopley Chris Tuite

Water Neutrality: Contradiction in Terms?

November 5, 2:00 - 3:30

The rise of water scarcity has focused global attention on water usage. As companies develop water strategies, difficult questions arise. What is considered reasonable when it comes to reducing an operation's water footprint? Can a company truly go water neutral? What counts as an offset -- projects, payments or both? How is an economic value to water and access assigned? How do spatial constraints add complexity to the issue? Hear from leading experts in water resources worldwide, and discuss some of the answers to these tough questions.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Linda Hwang Peter McCornick Arjen Hoekstra Jonathan Kaledin

Regulating Climate Change

November 6, 2:00 - 5:00

The 2009 UN Climate negotiations in Copenhagen is one of the most important global negotiation processes in modern history. This is because of the diminishing window of opportunity to act before climate change becomes 'abrupt and irreversible'. This interactive session will examine the possible pathways to an agreement and how companies can contribute individually and collectively to a successful outcome. We will also explore the potential tradeoffs and consequences of climate-change-related regulation on different industries, in addition to how companies can navigate the flood of market solutions that are developing worldwide.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Chris Tuppen Raymond Wynn Leslie Black Cordes Bob Corcoran Eric Olson Joseph Aldy

Is IT So Green?

November 5, 10:00 - 11:30

The information technology (or IT) sector is much hailed as the solution to many environmental problems. Proponents say that it accounts for 2 percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions and can help reduce the other 98 percent. Critics say IT solutions are only displacing the problems rather than solving them. Information is only now beginning to emerge that quantifies the benefits of IT versus its negative impacts. How can the IT sector ensure that its products and services help address environmental problems such as climate change? How can they avoid unintended negative consequences? This session frankly addresses these questions from the perspectives of both the IT provider and solutions customer.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Dunstan Hope Rick Hutley Dennis Pamlin Steve Lippman

Community-Based Environmental Activism in China: Tackling Water Issues with Success

November 7, 10:30 - 12:00

China suffers from significant pollution, and both water availability and quality are considered growth constraints. In other regions of the world facing similar challenges, environmentalism has grown from grassroots movements to tackle problems that governments have not addressed. Will this occur in China? In the last few years, the Chinese government has permitted the growth of "green" NGOs. Will these organizations be able to gain enough traction to improve the country's water quality issues in time to save the river ecosystems? Hear from grassroots organizers and environmental experts on China about what is developing, and why it matters to every company sourcing from China.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Tom Cooper Wei Dong Zhou Daniela Salaverry

Governance & Accountability

Do Forms of Ownership Matter?

November 5, 10:00 - 11:30

Do private, state-held and publicly traded companies interpret their corporate responsibility differently? We often assume that privately held companies, particularly family businesses, have it easier when it comes to CSR. But is this true? This session will examine all three sides of the experience.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Rajiv Ranjan Susan Mac Cormac Allen White Rob Frederick

A Global Approach to Internal CSR Communications

November 6, 10:00 - 11:30

Are CSR communications strategies best implemented top down? Or do they need to differ across regions? If so, how does a company maintain a united vision of a purpose? Discover different strategies and how to get it right for you company.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Heidi Glunz William Swope Kellie A. McElhaney Sean Gilbert

Reporting as a Conversation Starter

November 5, 2:00 - 3:30

Discover emerging best practices defining the next chapter in reporting. Learn how the decentralization and democratization of new media are influencing corporate accountability and transparency and how leadership companies are responding. This session will explore current trends and examine examples of new media platforms and new forms of assurance that enable companies to connect with their stakeholders in bold and innovative ways. This session will draw on the lessons of some brave pioneers and stimulate debate about the challenges ahead.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Beth Ginsberg Holzman Mark Heintz James Farrar

Shell Energy Scenarios

November 6, 10:00 - 11:30

Shell's renowned scenarios team produced its most recent energy scenarios by looking at possible pathways to a more stable climate. These scenarios provide two alternative routes, "Blueprint" and "Scramble," which illustrate how the world may seek to balance the need for growing energy with an increasingly urgent need to mitigate climate change. Join the Chief Economist of Royal Dutch Shell for a look ahead at competing visions of our shared future.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Michael Oxman Anupam Khanna Steven M. Fries

Human Rights

Forced Labor and Human Trafficking

November 5, 2:00 - 3:30

Slave labor and human trafficking are not things of the past. What is the face of slavery today? Is its ugly handprint in your company's supply chain? Find out which industries and geographies are hot spots and hear what can be done. This session will feature inspirational trailblazers from the business and civil society sectors aiming to stamp out this most egregious practice.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Branka Minic Benjamin Skinner Margaret Ellen Roggensack

Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights

November 5, 10:00 - 11:30

The corporation’s responsibility to respect all human rights is affirmed by the recent report of the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for business and human rights, John Ruggie. This responsibility requires companies to conduct due diligence on the potential and actual human rights impacts of their operations, and to incorporate human rights into company policies and practices. Join this session to discuss how to put into practice the corporate responsibility to respect human rights.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Soraya Ramouyl Marlova Jovchelovitch Noleto Aidan Davy Christine Bader Faris Natour

In Conversation with...

Peter M. Senge

November 6, 10:00 - 11:30

Peter Senge, a Senior Lecturer at MIT and the founding chair of the Society for Organizational Learning, has received international acclaim for his “systems theory”—a framework that promotes positive economic and organizational change by enhancing the capacity of all people to work productively toward common goals. The Harvard Business Review described his groundbreaking book, The Fifth Discipline, as one of the seminal management books of the past 75 years, and his most recent book, The Necessary Revolution, offers an inspiring and pragmatic toolkit for how multinationals, government, and nongovernmental organizations can bring about real, sustainable change. At this session, Senge will discuss the challenges we face to create a sustainable, regenerative economy and what type of leadership is required to get there. Join us for an inspiring conversation to gain practical insights and tools to be a more impactful leader.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Peter Senge Stacey Smith

Peter Blom

November 5, 10:00 - 11:30

The financial crisis sharply draws our attention to the need for new banking and business models. Join our conversation with Peter Blom, CEO of Triodos Bank, an award-winning, successful pioneer in sustainable business models. Founded in 1980, Triodos Bank now operates in five European countries. The bank has challenged the “business as usual” relationship with shareholders and customers, and in doing so, has created value for culture, people and the environment. Join us to hear Blom talk candidly about our need for new forms of business models that will lead our society toward sustainability. Blom will talk about the steps Triodos Bank has taken to shape its relationship with shareholders, and how this has helped his bank weather the economic downturn. The session includes a Q&A and dialogue with the audience.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Peter Blom Diane Osgood

John Ruggie

November 5, 2:00 - 3:30

John Ruggie is the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Business and Human Rights. In his latest report to the UN Human Rights Council, Ruggie proposes a new conceptual and policy framework for corporate responsibility as it relates to human rights. The framework, “Protect, Respect and Remedy,” is organized around three foundational principles: the state duty to protect against human rights abuses by third parties, including business; the corporate responsibility to respect human rights; and the need for more effective access to remedies. In this session, led by BSR President and CEO, Aron Cramer, Ruggie will discuss the leadership required from both the public and private sectors to implement this framework and will share insights on how the framework was developed. This session also features a Q&A and dialogue with the audience.

Scheduled Speaker(s): John Ruggie Aron Cramer

Market Forces

Greenwashing: Hung Out to Dry

November 6, 2:00 - 5:00

With the upsurge in green advertising, companies now face complaints of false environmental claims. What is "green enough" to warrant claims, and which claims will drive the required consumer behavior to create more demand? This interactive session starts with a debate on the merits and disadvantages of advertising green and includes a hands-on workshop on the boundaries and guidelines for companies in this turbulent area of "green noise."

Scheduled Speaker(s): Colleen Chapman Jeffrey Hollender Peter Madden Joel Makower Solitaire Townsend Erin Carlson

Role of Mainstream Financial Markets: The Other 92 Percent

November 5, 2:00 - 3:30

Specialized social and environmental funds comprise about 16 percent of the U.S. financial markets and 7.8 percent of the total world's financial markets. This session will focus on the other 92.2 percent of the world’s financial markets. Will mainstream investors ever significantly adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria? Are these issues effective indicators of risk, good management or new business opportunities? How does the current financial turmoil impact the use of ESG criteria in investments? Do investors have sufficient data or capacity to integrate these issues into their mainstream investment analyses? Hear examples of investors who are working to make ESG mainstream and listen to critics who believe it is still a niche market.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Rita Soni Melissa Epperly Laura Commike Gitman Heather Langsner

CSR's ROI: Does It Matter?

November 7, 10:30 - 12:00

Every company struggles with CSR's return on investment. This session explores three different approaches to the ROI of CSR. The first is that ROI doesn't matter; it's the principle that does. The second is that ROI does matter, and the payback period to the company either renders CSR worthwhile or not. The third assesses the intangible benefits of a CSR policy in terms of indirect returns such reputation, employee engagement and other brand perceptions.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Eric Olsen Charlene Lake Kelly Parker Farron W. Levy

Long-Term Value Creation vs. Quarterly Earnings

November 7, 10:30 - 12:00

Are there ways companies can avoid some of the pressures created by quarterly earnings reports? Can long-term value creation be fostered by substituting higher-quality corporate-investor communications? This panel discussion will address how companies have deemphasized short-term financial metrics, including earnings guidance, and have emphasized forward-looking metrics that boards determine are necessary for the long-term strategic goals of the firm and are consistent with the core principles of long-term value creation for investors and the public good.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Nancy McGaw Lara Warner Peter Knight Gene A. Capello

Practicing CSR in Tough Economic Times

November 5, 2:00 - 3:30

With the global financial crisis at the top of the minds of most Conference attendees, this session will examine how the current economy may impact company's commitments to corporate social responsibility (CSR). When the economy is slowing down and stock prices are volatile, how do we keep our commitments to CSR, maintain our budgets and do more with less in tough, uncertain times? You will hear from senior practitioners at key companies on how to practice this increasingly important strategy while weathering our current economic storm.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Tod Arbogast Marcela Manubens Stanley S. Litow Doug Cahn

Our Changing World

The Spirit of CSR

November 6, 10:00 - 11:30

For many, the call for sustainability is also a call for an increased conscious connection to all living things and the divine, no matter how it is named, considered or worshipped. Religious traditions have long shaped business practices and societies’ expectations of companies. In this session, we explore how spirituality and religious practices of all shapes and forms can influence CSR and our journey toward sustainability. Join us for a pragmatic and philosophical discussion with leaders from around the world.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Michael Thomas Yu Tanabe David Begay

Commons Sense: A New Sustainable and Digital Culture?

November 5, 10:00 - 11:30

If you're not familiar with the "commons" and what it means today, join this session to get an update on an emerging social paradigm that combines concepts from environmental sustainability and online collaboration. Traditionally, the commons referred to shared resources, such as the ocean, parks and clean air; now the internet is enabling new kinds of commons, including online spaces where people can share information. These commons are fostering a culture based on the notion of sharing. What does this mean for traditional expectations of control and influence for business, and how does this impact relationships with stakeholders? Understanding the new commons will be a critical success factor for any business, organization or individual looking into the future.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Charlotte Hess Kathi Vian Guillermo Wechsler

Innovating CSR Online

November 6, 2:00 - 5:00

Over the past decade, the internet has redefined the norms of business, social interaction and education, which has made online collaboration, social networking, ecommerce and open information commonplace. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices also have been evolving as a result of these technologies. How can businesses use the internet in innovative ways to drive their CSR objectives? This session will take a look at examples of companies who are using online tools to create a new generation of CSR practices, enabling new forms of dialogue, transparency and collaboration.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Steve Rochlin Kara Hartnett Hurst Erin Meezan Amy Skoczlas Cole

Peak Coverage: The Trajectory and Impact of Media Covering All That's Green

November 7, 10:30 - 12:00

Green is headline news, gracing the cover of major international weekly and monthly publications. Is the media bubble going to burst? And if so, what are the implications? With all the attention on "green," are other equally important aspects of CSR, such as human rights and fair labor, being squeezed out of the spotlight? Hear from media leaders about the drivers behind the green trend, what may change over time and how to communicate a comprehensive view of the issues.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Mike Lawrence Sarah Murray Dave Burdick Dorinda Elliott

Planetary Boundaries: Living within Earth's Capacity to Support Us

November 5, 10:00 - 11:30

Like business systems, our planet’s ecosystem is complex, comprised of numerous biochemical systems that keep the Earth functioning properly and provide us with the things we need to live comfortably. However, recent works by the world’s leading scientists prove that the Earth is approaching ecological and climate-related thresholds for many of its most vital systems. Among these signals are the melting of polar ice caps, the shifting of the Gulf Stream and the El Nino weather patterns. Recently, renowned scientists from the Stockholm Environment Institute, NASA and other institutions gathered to identify the key boundaries to avoid these and other ”ecological tipping points.” Join us to hear from these scientists, as they explain the Earth’s boundary conditions and share their conclusions about what actions business leaders need to take to keep our planet’s complex systems running smoothly.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Tariq Banuri Robert Corell Carl Mossfeldt

Sustainable Business Leadership: What's Required

November 6, 2:00 - 5:00

Corporations are managed by smart business executives with impressive abilities to build effective global structures and boost return on capital. However, the sustainability challenge we collectively face requires additional skills and sources of leadership. Leadership is required of all of us, regardless of title or position, education or passions. Tom Cummings, international leadership in sustainability expert, leads this hands-on, practical and inspiring session to grow your leadership skills and better understand how to unblock obstacles in our path to a more sustainable world.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Tom Cummings

Growing Demand: A Systemic Look at the Food Crisis

November 7, 10:30 - 12:00

We have entered a new era for food — one in which our agricultural raw materials are finding new outlets for use, from biofuels, to advanced polymers, to ingredients for medicines, and inputs for manufacturing processes. At the same time, our rapidly growing — and increasingly wealthy — global population is demanding more resource-intensive food products such as meat and convenient, processed foods. Together, these trends have converged, placing unprecedented pressure on the global agricultural production system — and the environmental systems upon which the agricultural sector relies. Already, we have had a glimpse of the high prices that follow. In this session, we explore these dynamics and ask, what is the role of the private sector in addressing global agricultural demand?

Scheduled Speaker(s): Rajul Pandya-Lorch Marshall Burke William Martin

Supply Chain

Driving Change in Global Supply Chains: New Models for Ensuring Impact

November 5, 2:00 - 3:30

How can companies drive real, sustainable change in working conditions in their global supply chains? Compliance efforts rarely ensure that suppliers meet local laws and international expectations. This session takes an honest look at what companies are doing to revamp their approaches to responsible supply chain management. Hear about internal realignments that can boost the impact of your efforts. Learn what has been done to shift ownership of compliance to suppliers. Understand what stakeholders expect of companies today and what they suggest companies should do to get there.

Scheduled Speaker(s): David M. Schilling Rajan Kamalanathan Thomas (Tony) K. Brown Tara Rangarajan

Migrant Workers in Your Supply Chain: Risks and Opportunities

November 6, 2:00 - 5:00

How can you proactively address the rights of labor migrants before abuses turn into front-page headlines? What steps can you take to understand and engage in the difficult issues of migrant workers’ rights, especially when the migration is south-south and often not covered by local labor laws? The movement of workers within the developing world is accelerating rapidly. These workers often lack vital information, arrive indebted and in many instances have no legal recourse with employers. For example, many workers in Malaysia, Egypt and the Gulf States are migrants — and have limited rights under national law. How can multinational companies impact the treatment and status of these workers? This working session examines the growing nature of south-south labor migration, how to assess if workers’ rights are being protected, industry best practices and risk mitigation along your supply chain.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Tasneem Siddiqui Tammy Rodriguez James J. Higgins Manolo Abella Jeremy Prepscius Charlie Kernaghan

How to be Lean and Green

November 7, 10:30 - 12:00

With growing pressure to reduce costs and increase speed to market, companies are looking to implement lean manufacturing, and some have argued that becoming leaner is consistent with becoming greener. At the same time, research shows that while lean can be green, it is not a guarantee — and watchdogs are concerned that the drive to decrease costs and increase speed will erode working conditions and fail to address environmental concerns. Experts will speak about their experiences implementing both lean and green practices, explore their interrelationships and offer a path forward.

Scheduled Speaker(s): Sheri Phillips Yun Zhou Wayne Wakeland