Amanda in Paris - Evite Panel ESG discussion

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the 3rd Annual Global ESG and Sustainability Summit in Paris, where I participated in a panel discussion on ESG reporting and data governance. The event was a great opportunity to engage with industry leaders such as Marie d'Argentré from BNP Paribas, Stacey van Hooven from Essity, Mahima Sukhdev from GIST Impact and Anustup Roy from ABN AMRO Bank NV Together we explored the evolving ESG landscape and how companies can leverage data governance to transform compliance into opportunities for innovation and growth.

Good panel discussions about ESG being more than a compliance exercise

Our panel addressed various topics such as integrating social impact into the innovation process, transforming CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) requirements into business value and the use of ESG data to drive strategic decisions. We also discussed the challenges of measuring and managing ESG metrics and explored solutions to align with global standards such as ISSB, ESRS and SEC. Through the discussion it became clear that collaboration across sectors is essential to promote sustainability initiatives.

During the session, I shared insights on the interoperability between different reporting standards, while Marie d'Argentré highlighted how BNP Paribas leverages GHG emissions data models to support ESRS compliance. Anustup Roy added an IT perspective, while Stacey van Hooven shared compelling examples from Essity, such as the Libresse Periodsomnia campaign, showing how social impact can align with business goals. Mahima Sukhdev emphasized the importance of quantifying human capital and integrating ESG social factors into strategic planning.

The session confirmed my belief that effective ESG data management is more than just a compliance exercise, it is a strategic tool for creating value, innovation and positive change. The broader summit also included discussions on regulatory changes following the EU Trilogy (SFDR, CSRD, CSDDD), AI in due diligence and the future of ESG data-driven decisions.

Amanda Koefoed Simonsen on stage in Paris

I am grateful to my fellow panelists for sharing their expertise and to Evintel for organizing such an insightful event. The experience left me inspired and optimistic about the future of sustainability and the role of data in shaping it.