The UN Global Compact brought together top sustainability executives, policymakers and company representatives at the European Parliament for the European Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Platform meeting, uniting leading firms across Europe to examine how sustainability drives competitiveness, resilience and lasting value.

Convened at a critical juncture for Europe's sustainability roadmap, the session offered Chief Sustainability Officers, EU policymakers and UN Global Compact members a chance to share hands-on insights, review new regulatory trends and pinpoint areas for joint efforts on corporate responsibility.

Conversations centered on a core challenge for European enterprises: how leaders, firms and partners can build supportive conditions via clear policy direction and rewards for progress, enabling continued investment in high-impact sustainability work while boosting enduring market strength.

Attendees considered how organizations can steer through fast-changing conditions marked by global tensions, tech shifts, market swings and rising demands from investors, authorities and other groups. They also reviewed the part sustainability heads play in weaving environmental, social and governance factors into everyday strategy and choices.

"Europe's market strength and sustainability goals are not at odds; they are growing more connected," noted Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. "Firms stand ready to fund the shift, yet they need partners. Achieving sustained expansion and stability calls for coherent policies, steady rules and supports that spur new ideas and capital. It also needs tighter ties among business, government and society so sustainability fuels economic gains. The organizations set to shape tomorrow's markets require systems that back bold steps, speed innovation and ensure fair conditions for responsible growth."

A central topic was the need to include responsible business perspectives in EU policy formation. Attendees explored how firms can offer reliable, broad and practical input to shape rules that advance both sustainability aims and economic progress.

As the largest global corporate sustainability effort, the UN Global Compact stressed its position as a reliable bridge among business, policymakers and the UN system. Via efforts like the European CSO Platform, it helps sustainability leaders exchange lessons, spot shared issues and craft joint paths to better practices.

The session drew on insights from the UN Global Compact's recent paper, Strategic Dilemmas Shaping the Future of Corporate Sustainability, which looks at the changing duties of Chief Sustainability Officers and key questions for firms as sustainability weaves deeper into strategy, oversight and risk handling.

The European CSO Platform supports the UN Global Compact's wider work to build the case for sustainability, prepare firms for real steps and spark shared solutions to common issues in Europe and elsewhere.

Notes to Editors

About the United Nations Global Compact

As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact calls on firms worldwide to match operations and plans with Ten Principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Its aim is clear: to rally business to turn sustainability goals into action at the scale needed. With over 25,000 participants and reach in more than 100 countries via 5 Regional Hubs and over 70 Country Networks plus expansion areas, the UN Global Compact stands as the largest corporate sustainability initiative.

For updates, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit unglobalcompact.org.

Q and A

What is the European Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Platform?

The European Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Platform is a UN Global Compact Regional Hub Europe effort that gathers sustainability leaders to review strategic issues and chances in corporate sustainability. It backs the UN Global Compact 2026-2030 Strategy by promoting shared learning and joint input on European policy talks tied to sustainable business.

Why was the European CSO Platform created?

The Platform mirrors the rising strategic weight of sustainability inside firms and the shifting duties of Chief Sustainability Officers. As sustainability merges further into business plans, resilience, risk control and long-term value, the Platform gives leaders space to consider common hurdles and new trends in the market.

Why hold the meeting at the European Parliament?

The gathering occurs amid key talks on Europe's sustainability and competitiveness plans. It opens dialogue among sustainability leaders, policymakers and the UN Global Compact community on how corporate action and public policy can align to support lasting strength, stability and sustainable progress.

What part does the UN Global Compact play?

The UN Global Compact unites companies, the UN, civil society and others around its Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through steps like the European CSO Platform, it aids firms in advancing responsible practices, sharing knowledge and joining collective work on sustainability issues.

Why focus on the link between sustainability and competitiveness?

The Platform's discussion paper holds that sustainability and competitiveness reinforce each other rather than conflict. It shows how sustainability aids resilience, innovation, supply chain security, talent retention and long-term value, and it explores better ways to fold sustainability into core business decisions.

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact