São Paulo, 13 September 2017: The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) celebrated its 20th anniversary by hosting a seminar on "The Role of Business in the New Economy". The event, attended by business leaders, governmental authorities and CEBDS partners, deepened discussions on the present and future challenges of sustainable development, including around themes such as the low-carbon economy, Fourth Industrial Revolution, collaborative systems, and gender diversity.
Peter Bakker, WBCSD President & CEO, extended a warm welcome to participants through a video message. He underscored that “while the past year has undoubtedly provided challenges for Brazilian and global business, CEBDS can look back with pride on its two decades of existence. CEBDS has engaged business leaders across many initiatives that are strengthening companies’ license to operate, innovate, and grow in Brazil. Congratulations to the Chairman, President Marina Grossi and all of their staff on this important and impactful work. At this time of political and economic uncertainty, strong and visionary CEO leadership is essential if we are to take full advantage of the SDGs.”
CEBDS also leveraged the event to feature the winners of its first edition of the Women’s Leaders Award, which was set up to recognize women’s efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their companies. The winners were
- Bruna da Silva, CSR Coordinator at Votorantim Metais,
- Patrícia Molino, Partner and Leader of People & Change at KPMG
- Tânia Cosentino, CEO, South America at Schneider Electric
CEBDS launched the Leading Women Awards as a contribution to the goals of SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women. CEBDS’ prize was inspired by WBCSD’s Leading Women Awards, which earlier this year provided a way of showcasing the outstanding business leadership of women in WBCSD member companies who are working to contribute to the SDGs.
Watch this video outlining CEBDS’ approach to catalyzing sustainable development in Brazil.
For a lively report highlighting the actions and approach of CEBDS along its 20-year trajectory, please visit this interactive website.
