Sustainability & COP28: What It Means for Boards

In the ever-evolving business landscape, sustainability has transcended its role as a mere corporate social responsibility, evolving into a strategic imperative for organisational resilience. This Report, titled “Sustainability: What it Means for Organisations in 2024,” explores the fabric of sustainable practices, focusing on sub-Saharan Africa and emerging markets. Positioned at the forefront of global sustainability discourse, this special report endeavours to distil key insights and recommendations following the watershed moment of COP28 in Dubai.

As organisations grapple with the urgency to integrate sustainability into their core strategies, the report unravels the historical context that has brought us to this juncture. With a lens finely tuned to sub-Saharan Africa and emerging markets, it navigates the complexities of regional dynamics, dissecting challenges and illuminating opportunities for transformative change. The outcomes of COP28 serve as a guiding compass, shaping the post-2024 sustainability landscape and influencing the proposed recommendations for Boards and CEOs.

The report analyses post-COP28 implications for sustainability initiatives worldwide and provides tailored considerations for organisations operating in these diverse regions. As it highlights the challenges and opportunities unique to sub-Saharan Africa and emerging markets, the report discusses best practices and issues a compelling call to action for Boards and CEOs.

This special report aspires to be a beacon not only for corporate leaders seeking a path to sustainable resilience but also for policymakers crafting the frameworks that will steer nations toward a greener, more equitable future. As we stand on the precipice of a new era, this abstract offers a glimpse into the comprehensive exploration that follows, promising invaluable insights for those committed to navigating the nuanced landscape of sustainable practices in the emerging landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN
Victoria Island, Lagos
21 March, 2024

Dr. Onajite Newton
London
21 March, 2024

In the wake of accelerating environmental challenges and global calls for action, the world finds itself at a critical juncture. Each year, the urgency to address sustainability issues becomes more pressing, echoing through the corridors of power and resonating within corporate boardrooms worldwide.

As we stand on the cusp of COP28, the latest chapter in the long history of international climate negotiations, it is crucial to enunciate the role of corporate boards in shaping our collective future. For boards, COP28 should represent more than just another summit; it is a pivotal moment of reckoning, a call to action, and an opportunity to redefine their purpose in sustainable governance.

In this book, we embark on a journey to explore the intricate interplay between sustainability and corporate boards. We delve into the complex dynamics of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability, examining how these intersecting forces shape boardroom decision-making and corporate strategy.

Through insightful analysis and real-world case studies, we aim to illuminate the path forward for boards grappling with the imperatives of sustainability. From climate resilience and carbon neutrality to stakeholder engagement and ESG integration, we confront the myriad challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The journey towards redefining the purpose of a board in ensuring sustainable governance goes beyond analysing the current situation; it is about determining how to move forward with significant change. It is also about empowering boards to transcend traditional paradigms and embrace a new ethos of sustainable leadership, accelerating a paradigm change in corporate governance so that social and environmental issues are at the centre of decision-making.

As we embark on this quest for sustainable governance, we are invited to heed the lessons of the past, embrace the present challenges, and envision a future where planetary well-being is synonymous with profitability. Together, let us create the route towards a more sustainable society, one boardroom at a time.

Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN
Victoria Island, Lagos
21 March, 2024

Dr. Onajite Newton
London
21 March, 2024