Eurasia and Suntory's Third Sustainability Leaders Council to Focus on Nature Loss

Apr 21, 2023

Global political risk company Eurasia Group and Japan’s Suntory Holdings announced the launch of the third year of the Sustainability Leaders Council (SLC), an initiative created in 2021 with a mission to drive sustainability efforts in the private sector and help foster more resilient societies, with an emphasis on the Asia region.

Each year, the SLC has put a spotlight on a vital topic, with sustainable plastics and biodiversity serving as the first two focal points; this year's work will highlight the broader themes and challenges of “nature positive,” with a particular focus on water.

To kick off the year ahead, the first of four roundtables will be held on 26 April, with the aim of spurring progress on the climate-biodiversity-water nexus.

The discussion will explore how to holistically integrate all environmental issues into one unified strategy, looking at the potential risks if approaches are not aligned and how nature-related tipping points, policies and environmental, social, and governance trends will affect corporations.

Additional roundtables throughout 2023 will examine solutions to tackle water stress and biodiversity loss, the evolution of water emergency policies, and the growing problem of greenwashing in business advocacy.

New this year is a dedicated website where more information about the SLC's work can be found. Building on the key takeaways from the roundtable series, a live digital event will kick off a campaign culminating in the early 2024 publication of a comprehensive and ambitious report on nature strategies for business.

Members of the public will be able to view this livestream event via the website later this year, as well as read previous SLC publications, such as the Addressing Nature Loss in Asia report produced during year two.

“Over the past two years, we've focused on establishing an initiative that not only brings together some of the brightest minds in the field but also drives the agenda in terms of corporate sustainability practices in Asia,” said Suntory CEO Tak Niinami.

“Now it's time to expand into even more ambitious programming as we grow the council's footprint—and continue to prove that business can be a force for good in the natural world.”

Working groups on biodiversity and plastic pollution are another addition to the council this year. Made up of experts and SLC members engaged on these topics, the groups will meet throughout the year and their work will help inform and advance the council's overarching mission of illuminating Asia as a leading force for lasting, impactful change within the climate and sustainability spheres.