17th Climate Change & Business Conference: Where Ambition Meets Action
The conference is taking place on 8-9 September at the Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This year's theme Ambition. Accountability. Action. promises to inspire and challenge business to take meaningful steps toward addressing the impacts of climate change.
Chief Executive of the Sustainable Business Council (SBC), Mike Burrell, says this year's conference theme is timely and critical, given the increasingly complex geopolitical environment businesses are navigating.
"Forward thinking businesses recognise the focus on climate action must remain. The science has never been more urgent or clear - we must continue to pursue better business for a better world, and this year's conference reflects the need for that ambition to now meet action."
The two day-event will offer a unique opportunity to learn from global and domestic leaders and changemakers across business, government, iwi, media and civil society, who are turning climate strategies into solutions and real-world impact.
The 2025 international speaking line-up includes:
- Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, MP: Vanuatu's Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards and Disaster Management.
- Prof. Elizabeth Robinson: Acting Dean of the London School of Economics' Global School of Sustainability.
- Lord Adair Turner: Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission (a global coalition of companies, NGOs and experts working to achieve a net zero economy by 2040).
Environmental Defence Society (EDS) Chief Executive Gary Taylor says, "The conference brings together visionaries and leaders in the climate space at a time when serious engagement is needed more urgently than ever, given the profound changes taking place globally."
"This event is about having challenging conversations, tackling the gnarliest of climate issues facing our country, and driving real and meaningful change."
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in more than 30 different plenary, workshops and breakout sessions, all designed to equip business leaders with the tools and insights needed to lead out on climate.
Genesis CEO and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) Steering Group Convenor Malcolm Johns says, "As business leaders we are facing a variety of pressures and shifting geopolitical dynamics, but it is imperative that we stay the course, remain focused and maintain our momentum on climate action."
"This conference underscores the continuing role business has to play in this journey, and provides a critical platform for leaders to connect, innovate and lead the charge toward securing a resilient net-zero economy."
Delivered in partnership between the Environmental Defence Society (EDS), the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC), the Climate Change and Business Conference is Aotearoa New Zealand's leading and longest running climate and business event.
More than 650 people attended the 2024 event in person and online.
The 2025 event is supported by Foundation Sponsors Westpac NZ and Beca.
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