Spring CEO Summit 

Over 100 of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s CEO members joined it at St. James’s Palace in London in March for the annual Spring CEO Summit.  

Reflecting on the two-day Summit our CEO, Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, said: “The CEOs in the room are delivering private sector leadership and innovation to help drive this important transition that is underway.”  

“With trillions in Assets Under Management, the private sector is playing an outsized role to shift the global economy onto a more sustainable trajectory. Our CEOs continue to work at pace across industries and borders to deliver on the Terra Carta’s 10 areas of action.  

“As outlined in our 2023 Impact Report, the SMI believes that achieving a Sustainable Future is the Growth Story of Our time. In 2024, we will continue to amplify the positive examples of progress being advanced by the private sector as a way to encourage and accelerate action globally.”

2024 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting

At the 2024 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the Sustainable Markets Initiative demonstrated the Coalition of the Willing by convening more than 100 CEO members and hosted key philanthropic stakeholders and government leaders from across the Commonwealth at five events. We shared the importance of creating sustainable markets, scaling projects, accelerating investment, and building momentum for a sustainable economy and future. The dialogue focused on driving impact and how the private sector can be the catalyst for change. Members discussed, through the creation of industry, financial and country road maps, we can set a path forward to a more sustainable economy, and can activate sustainable change across the private sector value and supply chain.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative at COP28

The Sustainable Markets Initiative was the Strategic Partner of the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum (BPCF), a two-day forum held alongside the World Leaders Summit. Building on the success of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Terra Carta Action Forums at COP26 and COP27, the Sustainable Markets Initiative helped convene more than a 1,000 CEOs, global leaders, and philanthropists from over 80 countries to the Forum, and showcased the crucial role the private sector has to play in driving forward a sustainable transition.

On 30 November, the Sustainable Markets Initiative and COP28 Presidency hosted a high-level reception to open the Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum, in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III. The event highlighted the mission of the Sustainable Markets Initiative and echoed The King’s vision for Nature, People and Planet on a global stage.

Spring CEO Summit

On Tuesday 14 March, the Sustainable Markets Initiative convened more than 50 Global CEOs for its bi-annual CEO Summit, to discuss its strategic objectives, deliverables, and actions for 2023 to deliver against its mandate of the Terra Carta.

During the event, there was a deep dive into three sustainability challenges that affect all industries. Participants explored innovative solutions that will support the transition towards a more sustainable future for Nature, People, and Planet.