Trusted by FT 500 Companies and Governments Worldwide
CSE Announces its 2025 World Sustainability Leadership Forum at NYC’s One World Trade Center
The Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) proudly celebrates 20 years of global leadership and innovation in sustainability education and consulting, marking two decades of empowering some of the world’s most influential organizations—from FT 500 corporations to government entities across the US, Canada, Europe, and the GCC region.
As a recognized pioneer in corporate sustainability and ESG strategy, CSE has equipped thousands of executives and institutions with the knowledge and tools to lead impactful, measurable change. From multinational boardrooms to national policy discussions, CSE’s thought leadership continues to shape the future of sustainable business.
In celebration of this milestone, CSE is proud to unveil the agenda and distinguished lineup of keynote speakers for the World Sustainability Leadership Forum (WSLF2025)—a premier global event powered by 1BusinessWorld. The Forum serves as a critical platform for thought leaders across industries to collaborate, exchange insights, and inspire a new era of purpose-driven innovation. The 2025 edition will focus on pressing topics such as climate resilience, sustainable finance, technological innovation, equity, and corporate responsibility.
“When we started CSE in 2005, sustainability was a buzzword. Today, it’s a boardroom priority. We’re proud to have played a key role in that transformation.”
— Nikos Avlonas, Founder & President, Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE)
A Legacy of Leadership
20+ years of training and consulting across 90+ countries
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and global institutions
ESG and sustainability education for 10,000+ professionals
Strategic advisory for governments, multinational organizations, and NGOs
Award-winning training programs and innovations in ESG metrics
Looking Ahead
CSE continues to push the boundaries of corporate sustainability, with new initiatives focused on AI & sustainability, ESG integration, and circular economy models. As climate risks intensify and stakeholder expectations evolve, CSE remains committed to helping organizations future-proof their impact and lead with purpose.
To mark its 20-year legacy, CSE will launch a global series of events and thought-leadership content in partnership with WSLF, spotlighting the changemakers shaping the next chapter of sustainable development.
WSLF 2025: Keynote Speakers & Global Thought Leaders
Event Overview
Dates: June 12–13, 2025
Format: Hybrid (Virtual + In-Person)
Venues:
June 12: Virtual Presentations
June 13: In-Person Event at One World Trade Center, New York City
Tickets: Available on Eventbrite
The World Sustainability Leadership Forum 2025 will feature a powerhouse lineup of global sustainability leaders and innovators from both the public and private sectors. This highly anticipated summit will drive high-impact conversations and offer actionable strategies for a sustainable future.
Confirmed Speakers Include:
Edward Mermelstein – Commissioner of International Affairs, City of New York
Pratik Raval – Chief Sustainability Officer, Fifth Third Bank
Jeffrey Whitford – VP, Sustainability & Social Business Innovation, MilliporeSigma
Keith Kerman – Chief Fleet Officer & Deputy Commissioner, NYC DCAS
Nikos Avlonas – President, CSE
Stephen Hammer – CEO, New York Climate Exchange
Hrisa Gatzoulis – VP, Sustainability, Rudin
Yilmaz Hakan – SVP, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer, Carrier
Øistein Jensen – Chief Sustainability Officer, Odfjell
Daniel Labovitz – Co-Founder & CEO, Green Impact Exchange
Roger Martella – Chief Sustainability Officer, GE Vernova
Susanne DesRoches – VP, Clean and Resilient Buildings, NYSERDA
Shari Friedman – Managing Director, Climate & Sustainability, Eurasia Group
Glenn Tyranski – Partner, 1BusinessWorld
C-Suite Sustainability Leadership Training
As part of its anniversary programming, CSE will also host the Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program (Leadership Edition) on June 5–6 & 9, 2025 (Live Online). This advanced training equips executives with cutting-edge tools to implement and scale ESG and sustainability strategies. Participants will earn a globally recognized ESG certificate, with the opportunity to pursue dual specialization in fields such as Net Zero and Reporting.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from and network with global sustainability leaders shaping the future of business.
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