What the G20 Sustainability Agenda Means for Businesses in the Americas

Speakers: 

• Adalberto Maluf, Chair of the G20 Sustainability Working Group & National Secretary Urban Environment and Environmental Quality, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil 
• Rodrigo Suarez, Climate and Sustainability Leader for Latin America and the Caribbean, Marsh McLennan 
• Pedro Pereira, Regional Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, SAP Latin America & Caribbean (moderator)

“Brazil really wants to try to play this role in getting a more equitable transition, ensuring that all sides of society can benefit, that we leave no one behind,” said Adalberto Maluf of the G20 Sustainability Working Group in a virtual panel, which focused the key priorities for the global climate agenda and the role of businesses protecting the environment.

As part of the 2024 COA Symposium and BRAVO hybrid series, speakers explored strategies to build resilience to climate-related risks, implement sustainable insurance, manage waste, and promote adaptability to climate change. 

Why is advancing this agenda so urgent? Rodrigo Suarez of Marsh McLennan noted that “environmental risks are turning into social risks and also to geopolitical risks." To mitigate these concerns, he highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic approach to sustainability practices, involving both the public and private sectors. 

Maluf emphasized the need for "the private sector [to lead] the way because, as we all know, the private sector is the one that has the resources and can mobilize the investment in governments, especially in the case of developing countries." They can follow the blueprint set by Brazil's government through its G20 agenda and its current sustainability priorities. “We are raising the bar dramatically,” he explained.