High-Level Plenary: Day 2
The Competitive Power of Diversity & Inclusion
10:10 - 11:40AM | 25 June 2025
Context
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is no longer just about corporate ethics—it is a strategic business driver, attracting top talent, fostering innovation and creativity, and improving market reach.
It is demonstrated that organisations prioritising diverse perspectives make better decisions, build stronger teams, and improve financial performance. Yet, despite clear business advantages, progress is stalling. Since early 2025, policy rollbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), particularly in the United States, have raised concerns about the future of corporate commitments to inclusion.
The question is: Will Europe take the lead in ensuring D&I remains a pillar of business success?
This plenary will explore how companies can unlock the full business potential of D&I, turning inclusive policies into measurable competitive advantages. Through real-world insights, speakers will highlight how diversity fuels innovation, enhances stakeholder trust, and contributes to overall business growth.
Who should attend
CEOs/C-Suite Level Representatives
Sustainability Officers
EU Policymakers
Civil Society Organizations
Agenda
10:00 - 10:10 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:10 - 10:40 | Key-Note Speech
10:40 - 11:15 | Panel Discussion I: How to go beyond Human Resources with D&I policies for added business value
11:15 - 11:45 | Panel Discussion II: The hidden assets of diversity
11:45 - 12:00 | Closing Remarks
About the High-Level Plenary
On the second morning of the Summit, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts will discuss how to make a business case for Diversity & Inclusion, encompassing all its dimensions, from gender and racial diversity to disability.
While companies usually focus their diversity efforts on human resources, it is imperative to redirect them towards all other business departments, such as purchasing, product
development, marketing and sales.
At the same time, D&I policies should have a broader focus, covering aspects that are generally less addressed. In this context, for example, neurodiversity offers a valuable opportunity for creativity, innovation, and problem-solving in ways that can unlock previously untapped potential for companies.
This session will hence explore how D&I can drive tangible business value. Attendees will gain practical insights for embedding diversity into all their business processes, ultimately contributing to the full inclusion of underrepresented people into society.
Why Attend
Make Diversity Your Competitive Advantage – Learn how inclusive companies are outperforming the market.
Gain Executive-Level Insights – Hear first-hand from industry leaders and policymakers on best practices and key challenges.
Expand Your Network – Connect with decision-makers, corporate leaders, and civil society organisations driving meaningful change.
Move Beyond Compliance – Discover how to implement D&I in ways that drive innovation and growth.
Why this matters
Sustainability isn’t optional—it’s a business necessity.
Collaboration between companies, policymakers, and civil society is key to driving real impact.
This is the ONLY CSR Europe event open to non-members this year—don’t miss it.
A rare opportunity to engage with Europe’s sustainability decision-makers, gain exclusive insights, and help shape the future of sustainable industry in Europe.
About the Summit
The European Sustainable Industry Summit 2025 is the premier gathering for business leaders and policymakers driving the next era of sustainable and competitive markets. This is where strategy meets action, equipping companies with the insights, connections, and tools to turn sustainability into a core business advantage.
Europe’s industries stand at a critical crossroads—as global competition intensifies and regulations tighten, sustainability is no longer optional; it is a financial and strategic imperative. Companies that successfully integrate ESG, circular economy models, and diversity-driven leadership will gain a decisive market edge.
Over two days, C-suite executives, investors, EU policymakers, and industry experts will exchange knowledge, tackle challenges, and explore market-driven solutions that fuel business growth while advancing Europe’s leadership in sustainability.
This is the only open CSR Europe event of the year—a rare opportunity to engage with top sustainability leaders, gain exclusive insights, and position your company at the forefront of Europe’s sustainable transformation.