After months-long preparations, the professional program for graduates from the first and second year of Business Council Hungary (BCSDH) Future Leaders Talent Program was hosted by Dreher Breweries Ltd. on the 25th May 2016.

The company’s Managing Director, Robert Cooper opened the day with his short welcome speech, then he answered participants’ questions about the achievements of Dreher Breweries Ltd. in the realm of sustainability and the expected climate change impacts on the company.

During factory visit, participants could experience personally, how the company manages its waste responsibly; which results in 97% by-product and waste recycling.

Following this, Irén Márta, Managing Director of BCSDH talked about the most important global events on sustainability, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) announced in Autumn 2015, and the prospective economic impacts of the Paris Climate Change Conference (COP21).

In relation to the Alumni, Judit László, Business Development Manager at Coface, introduced her preliminary research founding followed by discussions on the Alumni’s prospective operational framework. Professional discussions were continued during beer-tasting, while one of the most inspiring questions was raised by Dr. Krisztina Szegedi, Chairperson of the Ethics Council at MOL Group: „What effect can this training have on the successful operation of some firms?”

BCSDH has initiated the establishment of the Alumni in order to form and provide a professional platform for leaders with knowledge on sustainability and its wide-range impacts on businesses. To put this Alumni forum into effect, an organisers team was form from previous Future Leaders Talent Program participants, including: Krisztina Elischer, Business Manager at Nestlé Hungária; Judit László Business Development Manager at Coface Hungary Credit Management Services;  Judit Jakab, PR coordinator at Coca-Cola HBC Hungary Ltd. and Dr. Nóra Szauder, Legal Counsel at Coca-Cola HBC Hungary Ltd.. Furthermore, Zita Szederkényi, Senior Corporate Affairs Specialist at Dreher Breweries Ltd. took an important role in organising the first Alumni event, and Enikő Fábiánfy, Office Manager at BCSDH was in charge of coordinating the event.

Last but not least, it is important to acknowledge and highlight that ING Bank was the first sponsor of the Alumni.

The next professional program will be taken place at the beginning of October and the host will be HVG.

More photos can be viewed in the gallery.

Sponsors of Alumni:

“This is less than 10 years so we need to invest today.” – pointed out Martin Powell at the Action 2020 Hungary Forum held by BCSDH May 11, 2016.

Martin Powell, Global Head of Urban Development Siemens and previously the Mayoral Advisor on the Environment for the current Mayor of London, held a sensational introductory speech at the Action 2020 Forum of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Hungary (BCSDH). Siemens, a leading company in sustainability, hosted the event at which company leaders and professionals participated in lectures and workshops which were designed to initiate real steps down the path of creating a low-carbon-emission economy.

“Cities are unique and they all behave very differently. We have to design our infrastructure to address this uniqueness” – explained Martin Powell, adding that “Cities have a responsibility to the life and the dreams of its citizens. We must innovate to decouple growth from environmental impact to protect all people looking to build their life in the city.”

Cities must find their own intelligent approaches and solutions in a digital world. “The Smart City is the place that uses technology to manage resources more efficiently for the benefit of the citizen and society at large. The Digital City will harmonize the flow of water, energy, transport and people, maximizing choice and minimizing disruption. It will pave the way for a safer, more affordable and low carbon future.” – pointed out Martin Powell, highlighting that the Digital City should not increase unemployment, but – according to some calculations – may create ten new jobs for each one that is lost.

Another inspiring speech at the Action 2020 Hungary Forum was held by Dr. Gábor Bartus, Secretary General of the National Council for Sustainable Development, who set out a 10-point list of the current status and trends in the low-carbon-emission economy in relation to the macro environment, explaining that business solutions should be developed within this frame. Dr. Bartus pointed out that it is no longer a question whether we are following this path or not, as we are already on it, but there are numerous challenges to be faced. The consumption of natural capital is rapidly increasing and is forecasted to reach an additional 30% by 2030. “As the changes needed are beyond political cycles, the business and civil world may be the driving force of sustainability, where the most innovative solutions may be born.” – he added.

Following the historically important Paris Climate Agreement in December, climate change is again the focal point of the Action 2020 Hungary program.

“New solutions, models and at times radical changes are needed in order to meet climate change goals. The role of the business sector cannot be disputed, and increasing its positive impact is our common responsibility.” – stated Attila Chikán Jr., President of the BCSDH, raising attention to the role of the business sector. The main aim of the Action 2020 Hungary Forum is exactly this: to initiate a collaborative approach and joint effort from the business sector in order to make a real difference. Over 50 companies have already joined the program.

You can find the photos here.

Read more about Martin Powell’s lecture.