DQS Sustainability Leadership Summit


Sustainability Leadership
Summit 2025



February 27, 2025
HYATT REGENCY, ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


Register now!

ABOUT THE SUMMIT



The DQS Sustainability Leadership Summit is designed to bring together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to foster dialogue, share innovative strategies, and collaborate on solutions to pressing sustainability challenges.



Goals





  • Knowledge Sharing
  • Networking & Collaboration
  • Inspiration & Leadership
  • Actionable Outcomes


Themes & Topics





  • SDGs & ESG
  • Climate Change & Circular Economy
  • Green finance
  • Sustainable Supply Chains
  • Innovation and Technology


Session Formats





  • Keynote Speeches
  • Panel Discussions
  • Networking
  • Awarding


topics



Beyond the Culture Wars: The Economic Logic of ESG



  • ESG Is a Market Correction, Not an Ideological Battle
  • The Data and Technology Disruption Driving ESG
  • Follow the Money: Capital Markets Are Already Moving


The Future of Corporate Sustainability



  • What is the Role of Federal and State Regulations in Shaping Sustainability
  • Leveraging Technology and Innovation: the transformative role of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT
  • Corporate Sustainability in the Age of Stakeholder Capitalism


Sustainability trends and the emerging requirements for organizations



  • Current Global Sustainability Trends: how the sustainability trends are shaping industries
  • Navigating the Evolving Regulatory Landscape in Sustainability: Overview of current and upcoming sustainability regulations affecting industries
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency: how to engage customers, employees, and partners in sustainability initiatives


The Importance of ESG Reporting and Assurance: Building Trust and Driving Sustainable Value



  • What is ESG and its factors?
  • How do ESG factors impact companies’ decisions making?
  • What are the benefits of Forster in sustainability in the organization?


Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transformation



  • Revolutionizing the grid with energy storage and virtual power plants.
  • Ensuring equitable access to clean, affordable energy for all.
  • Unlocking innovation through new business models and market structures.


Driving ESG in a global organization



  • The process of determining material topics and goal setting
  • Transforming material issues into meaningful action
  • The journey to global compliance with emerging legal requirement.


Sustainable Finance: Why Sustainability is now an Investment Imperative



  • Sustainable Finance as a tool to support climate transition and the economy
  • Trends in a dynamic sustainable finance market
  • The role of financial institutions in advancing corporate sustainability


The ESG Mindset: Business resilience and sustainable growth ​



  • Understand the difference between ESG and impact.
  • Address interconnected risks and opportunities.
  • Mainstream ESG throughout your company and leverage scale across your industry


Sustainability for All: Creating a more equitable future
(Panel Discussion)



  • How can we ensure that the transition to a sustainable future benefits everyone, not just the privileged?
  • What are the key barriers to achieving a truly equitable and sustainable society?
  • How can we measure and track progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future?
  • What role do governments, businesses, and civil society play in creating a more equitable future?


Speakers



Georg Kell



Chairman of Arabesque Group & The founder and former Executive Director of the UN Global Compact



Georg Kell, is a leading figure in sustainability and corporate responsibility. He is founding director of the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Principles for Responsible Investment and Sustainable Stock Exchanges. Kell advises businesses on sustainability and transformation, and co-edited several books, including "Sustainable Investing: A Path to a New Horizon." His influential work has earned him recognition as one of the Most Influential People in Business Ethics.




Mona Naqvi



Global Head of Sustainable Capital Markers at S&P Global & Independent Thought Leader



Mona Naqvi is a leading voice in sustainable finance, known for distilling complex market dynamics at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and financial innovation.

A former central bank economist and advisor to the Obama Administration, she currently serves as Global Head of Sustainable Capital Markets & Investment Research at S&P Global, where she spearheads the commercialization of ESG solutions and previously launched the influential S&P 500® ESG Index. Mona is a frequent commentator on global financial markets and sustainable investment trends across major media outlets.




Matthew Sekol



ESG & Sustainability Advocate @Microsoft
Author of ESG Mindset and Benevolent Troublemaker



Matthew Sekol is a Sustainability Global Black Belt at Microsoft, he is a driving force in the company's sustainability and ESG initiatives. Matthew brings over 20 years of experience improving technology and operations by translating market needs into leading-edge products across industries. He also serves on the LP Advisory Committee of Morgan Stanley’s Next Level Fund. Matthew guides companies across industries by unpacking their ESG and sustainability challenges along the intersection with technology. His book, "ESG Mindset," aims to guide businesses in integrating ESG considerations into their strategies. In 2023, Onalytica named him to its "Who's Who in ESG" list




Meg Haggerty



Senior Associate Sustainable Finance @PNC Bank



Meg Haggerty is an original member of the Sustainable Finance team at PNC. The Sustainable Finance practice uses advisory services and debt financing to support PNC’s clients and their decarbonization efforts. In addition to driving sustainability and climate finance initiatives at PNC, Haggerty is an active participant in industry working groups and events that define the role of sustainable finance in banking and emphasize the importance of women’s participation in climate finance. Haggerty is committed to fostering sustainable banking practices and supporting women's leadership in finance and sustainability. Her efforts contribute to PNC's broader climate finance initiatives, including PNC’s $30Bn Environmental Pledge, and promote discussions around sustainable financial solutions



Behzad Sadegh



Director of Sustainability and Consumer Care @DQS



Behzah Sadegh is an experienced sustainability leader with over 20 years of expertise in management system certification and sustainability program development. His skill set encompasses sustainability reporting, assurance, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. Notably, Behzad is the only approved Lead Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner (LCSAP) in North America. As an active member of key industry working groups, such as ISO/PC 343/WG1 and TAG 207, he contributes to the development of global sustainability standards, especially in the area of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) management systems.



D. Evan van Hook



Chief Sustainability Officer @ VIRIDI



D. Evan van Hook is Viridi’s CSO. He has been named one of the Top 15 Social Media Sustainability Influencers, one of the World’s 50 Most Influential ESG Executives and one of the 500 Global Sustainability Thought Leaders. He was previously CSO of Honeywell International, a partner at the law firm Sidley & Austin and an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School. At Viridi he helps customers deploy failsafe battery storage systems for resilience, energy transition and decarbonization.



Nicole Andersen



Global Sustainability Compliance Associate @Jabil



Nicole Andersen is a Global Sustainability Compliance Associate at Jabil, where she plays a key role in advancing global initiatives that align with environmental compliance standards and sustainability objectives. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Nicole combines her academic background with practical experience in cross-functional sustainability efforts to deliver strategic, integrated solutions to complex environmental challenges worldwide.




Daniel Metzger



Director @AccountAbility



Daniel Metzger is a seasoned sustainability expert with over a decade of experience in the field of sustainability. As the Director at AccountAbility, he guides organizations in developing and implementing effective sustainability strategies. His expertise encompasses various aspects of ESG, including strategy design, stakeholder engagement, and materiality assessment.




panelists



Jacqueline Southee



North American Representative @Foundation FSSC



Jacqueline Southee represents the Foundation FSSC 22000 in North America. This foundation oversees the globally recognized FSSC 22000 food safety certification system and the newer FSSC 24000 certification for Social Management Systems. Through her role, Southee significantly contributes to advancing food safety and sustainability standards.




Peter Killeen



Energy & Sustainability Manager @ JLL



Peter Killeen, is a key player in promoting sustainability within the real estate industry. He specializes in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and decarbonization strategies. Committed to decarbonization, Killeen works towards advancing client targets aligned with climate science. He advocates for sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and adaptability to future energy efficiency standards.




Melanie O’Brien



Head of Research & Standards @ AccountAbility



Melanie O'Brien is a seasoned sustainability expert with more than 10+ years in consulting and research. A key member of the AccountAbility senior management team, she is responsible for developing and promoting the AA1000 Series of Standards. Her expertise spans various fields, including CFO research, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. She has worked with numerous organizations to develop and implement effective ESG strategies and has a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement and communication.



Oliver Jung



Founder & President - JRC Global Solutions Inc.



Oliver Jung, is a leading expert in ESG compliance and sustainability strategies. He guides businesses in navigating the complexities of ESG in the U.S. market. Jung emphasizes integrating ESG factors into business strategies to mitigate risks and seize new opportunities. He tailors solutions to each organization's specific needs, whether they're starting their ESG journey or looking to enhance existing strategies.



Zsofia Nagy



ESG Program Director



Zsofia is the ESG Program Director at Cummins, bringing 18 years of experience in sustainability, compliance, and ESG initiatives across global operations. She leads Cummins' ESG strategy, ensuring compliance and meeting stakeholder needs. She is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Zsofia has led numerous employee engagement groups and community initiatives, embedding these values within both the company culture and external efforts. Zsofia is dedicated to creating a world where people respect each other and the planet, making a positive, lasting impact through her work and community involvement



DQS Award: Celebrating Sustainability Excellence




We are thrilled to announce the prestigious Sustainability Leadership Awards at our upcoming Sustainability Leadership Summit!
Recognizing outstanding contributions to a sustainable future, we will be honoring exceptional organizations across five categories:


Sustainable Leadership
Award


The Sustainability Leadership Award is a prestigious recognition given to organizations, leaders, and innovators who demonstrate outstanding commitment, impact, and leadership in sustainability practices. This award honors those who are making a significant difference in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects within their organizations or communities

Apply

Greenhouse Reduction
Award


The Greenhouse Reduction Award is a recognition given to organizations that have made significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and minimize their environmental impact. This award celebrates leaders and innovators who have implemented effective strategies to combat climate change by lowering their carbon footprint, adopting sustainable practices, and promoting environmental stewardship

Apply

Life Cycle Assessment
Award


The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Award recognizes organizations, that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in using LCA methodology to improve sustainability and environmental responsibility. This award honors outstanding efforts to analyze, optimize, and minimize the environmental impact of products, services, or processes throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.

Apply

Community Engagement
& Social Impact Award


The Community Engagement & Social Impact Award recognizes organizations that have made significant contributions to their community and society. This award honors those who have demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and positive social change

Apply

Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion (DEI) Award


The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award recognizes organizations that have made significant strides in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This award honors those who have demonstrated a commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.

Apply

Why Attend the Sustainability Leadership Summit?



Expand Your Network:



Connect with like-minded professionals, industry leaders, and decision-makers. Build lasting relationships and collaborations. Discover potential partnerships and business opportunities.



Gain In-Depth Knowledge:



Access cutting-edge research and best practices in sustainability. Learn about innovative solutions and emerging trends. Deepen your understanding of the sustainability landscape.



Inspire and Be Inspired:



Hear from renowned experts and thought leaders. Discover inspiring success stories and overcome challenges. Gain fresh perspectives and new ideas.



AGENDA



8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-in and Registration

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM: Opening Remarks

David Tellez DQS Inc. CEO, will kick off the day with a welcome and overview

9:10 AM - 9:30 AM: The Business case for Sustainability: Beyond Politic and Rhetoric

Presented by Mona Naqvi, Global Head of ESG Capital Markets Strategy​ @ S&P Global

9:35 AM - 9:55 AM: The Future of Corporate Sustainability

Presented by Georg Kell, Chairman of Arabesque Group & The founder and former Executive Director of the UN Global Compact

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM: Sustainability trends and the emerging requirements for organizations

Presented by Daniel Metzger, Director @ AccountAbility

10:25 AM - 10:45 AM: The Importance of ESG Reporting and Assurance: Building Trust and Driving Sustainable Value ​

Presented by Behzad Sadegh, Director of Sustainability @DQS

10:50 - 11:05 Coffee Break & Networking ​ ​

11:05 AM - 11:25 AM Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transformation
Presented by D. Evan van Hook, Chief Sustainability Officer @Viridi

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM Driving ESG in a global organization ​

Presented by Nicole Andersen​, Global Sustainability Compliance Associate @JABIL

11:55 AM - 12:15 PM: Sustainable Finance: Why Sustainability is now an Investment Imperative ​

Presented by Meg Haggerty, Senior Associate, Sustainable Finance @PNC Bank

12:20 PM- 1:00 PM: Lunch Break & Networking ​

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM: Sustainability for All: Creating a more equitable future

Panel discussion with our sustainability experts

​2:00 PM - 2:20 PM The ESG Mindset: Business resilience and sustainable growth

​Presented by Matthew Sekol, ESG & Sustainability Advocate @Microsoft

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Award Ceremony ​

Applicant companies are to be recognized in the following categories:

  • Sustainable Leadership Award
  • Greenhouse Reduction Award
  • Life Cycle assessment Award
  • Community Engagement and Social Impact Award
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award

As a token of appreciation for the outstanding contributions to sustainability, each award winner will receive a complimentary copy of "ESG Mindset." This exceptional book will serve as a valuable resource for their continued journey towards a more sustainable future.


​3:00 PM - 3:15 PM Final Wrap & closing remarks ​

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM Drinks & Networking

4:30 PM End of the Event



masters of ceremony



Megan O'Connor



Event Moderator



Ashley Davis



Panel Moderator



Contact us



Ashley Davis
Sales Manager – Sustainability


ashley.davis@dqs.de



DQS Global


Event Location





9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827



We're excited to announce that we've secured a special room rate at the Hyatt Regency, Orlando International Airport for our upcoming DQS Sustainability Leadership Summit on February 27, 2025.

To book your room at the special rate, please click the email link below or call (407) 825-1234 and mention the G-DQS1. Please note: This special rate is contingent upon a minimum number of room bookings.


Book your room at Hyatt

Our Partners



Intrinz Inc. was founded in 2011 with a mission to support our clients in realizing their vision through an unparalleled approach to providing solutions to their global operations. Intrinz Inc. operates three service lines: (1) business and financial consulting (2) language translation and interpretation and (3) technical training development and deployment.


AccountAbility is a global advisory and standards firm that serves business, investors, governments, and multi-lateral organizations. As a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), we aim to innovate and advance the global Sustainability / ESG agenda by improving the practices, performance, and impact of organizations.