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June 20, 2025 – New York, NY
To mark its 20th anniversary, the Center for Sustainability & Excellence (CSE) hosted the World Sustainability Leadership Forum 2025 on June 12–13 at the iconic One World Trade Center in New York City, making a bold statement about its global impact and continued leadership in the field. This prestigious international event brought together a dynamic group of global sustainability leaders and changemakers to celebrate two decades of CSE’s pioneering work in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), corporate responsibility, and sustainable development.
A Celebration of Sustainability Leadership
The Forum served as a hallmark gathering in the world of sustainability, drawing participation from:
- 25 influential speakers from Fortune 500 companies,
- City of New York leadership, and
- Top international organizations committed to a more sustainable future.
Featured Keynote Speakers
Among the distinguished voices shaping the Forum’s conversations:
- Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner for International Affairs, City of New York
- Elijah Hutchinson, Executive Director for Climate & Environmental Justice, City of New York
- Hakan Yilmaz, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer, Carrier
- Kara Fulcher, Director of Sustainability, North America, Michelin
- David Marshall, VP of Sustainability Governance & Reporting, Domtar
- Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)
Opening Remarks from CSE President, Nikos Avlonas
In his welcome address, Nikos Avlonas, CSE’s Founder and President, stated:
“We are especially proud that, in our 20 years of international presence, we’ve had a direct impact on organizations and companies representing over 15% of global GDP through our training and advisory services. At this pivotal moment for the planet and the global economy, sustainability leadership is not a choice—it is a collective responsibility.”
Forum Highlights & Strategic Themes
The Forum explored forward-thinking solutions and challenges that define the ESG landscape for the years ahead, with a strong focus on:
- Sustainable Cities & Environmental Justice
Showcasing New York City’s leadership in sustainable mobility and inclusive urban policy. - Energy Transition & Renewable Energy
- ESG Strategy & Regulatory Compliance
- Infrastructure Resilience & Risk Management
- Climate Risk in Transportation & Shipping
CSE’s Lasting Legacy
With operations across five continents, CSE has:
- Trained and certified over 10,000 professionals in sustainable development
- Served clients in more than 90 countries
- Partnered with 250+ leading organizations on ESG integration and strategy
As CSE enters its third decade, it remains steadfast in its mission: empowering a new era of responsible, sustainable global leadership.
Upcoming certification opportunities with CSE and the globally awarded Sustainability Academy:
USA | Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program, Advanced Edition 2025, September 25-26 & 29, 2025
CANADA | Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program, Leadership Edition 2025, October 23-24 & 27, 2025
Sustainability Academy certified programs in corporate sustainability
📩 Media Contact & More Information
For inquiries or event images, please reach out to:
📧 [email protected]
