Keynote Panel - Why We Need Climate Leadership in 2026

24 Jun 2026
Main Stage Keynote
Keynote

Climate leadership is at a crossroads. As sustainability becomes increasingly embedded across business, finance, technology and public policy, organisations face growing pressure to lead through an era defined by climate risk, regulation, geopolitical uncertainty, AI-driven transformation and rising stakeholder expectations.

In a world where environmental responsibility must be balanced with economic growth, resilience, competitiveness and shareholder returns, what does effective leadership actually look like? And who should be driving it?

Bringing together leaders from across the C-suite alongside political and policy leaders, this panel will explore how organisations and governments are navigating the realities of transformation. Drawing on personal experience and strategic decision-making, speakers will discuss what it takes to drive meaningful change, build resilience and shape the future of climate leadership in 2026 and beyond.

Moderator
Rachel Solomon Williams
Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director - Aldersgate Group
Speakers
Marian D’Auria
Marian D’Auria, Chief Sustainability Officer - M&G Plc
Susan Aitken
Susan Aitken, Leader - Glasgow City Council
Adele Cheli
Adele Cheli, Global Vice President, Sustainability - GSK
Erin Meezan
Erin Meezan, CSO - JLL / Executive Director - JLL Foundation - JLL
Hacina Py
Hacina Py, CSO - Societe Generale Group