The application period for the 2025 For a Sustainable Future Award has officially begun. In support of this initiative—and to promote action and sustainable corporate operations—the Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH) held its first-ever Sustainable Future Inspirational Breakfast on May 27, 2025. The event aimed to showcase exemplary practices.

The event, hosted by Kinstellar, provided an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the outstanding individual and corporate achievements recognized with the 2024 For a Sustainable Future award. Balázs Sepsey, Office Managing Partner, welcomed the participants.

“As we face growing challenges to sustainability—and as the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt in day-to-day business operations—swift action is more important than ever to make our systems more sustainable and resilient,” emphasized Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH, in his welcome remarks. “With this award and today’s event, we aim to inspire companies and leaders to integrate sustainability into their decisions and to develop business solutions that go beyond the usual practices. By scaling these across the sector, we can create real, widespread impact and accelerate systemic change,” he added.

Irén Márta, Director of BCSDH and the event’s moderator, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to accelerating sustainability efforts by showcasing some authentic, exemplary initiatives and innovative measures taken by business leaders. These aim to trigger systemic transformation and promote the spread of creative and sustainable business models. One of the event’s key goals was inspiring high-quality applications for the newly launched 2025 award cycle, which remains open until July 18, 2025, by presenting previous award winners.

Achieving genuine strategic and company-wide sustainability is impossible without credible, committed leaders and outstanding businesses. A CEO roundtable discussion, moderated by István Salgó, Honorary President of BCSDH, explored the stories behind the individual winners of the 2024 prize, focusing on the personal motivations that drive dedication and commitment. Participants included:
• Zoltán Dapsy, Managing Director, Continental Automotive Hungary Kft.
• Anikó Körmendi, CEO, Arriva Hungary Kft.
• Zsuzsa Nagy, Managing Director, E.ON Energy Solutions Ltd.
• Károly Nyári, Vice President and Head of Group Finance, Grundfos A/S

Systemic change hinges on business solutions that go beyond routine operations and can be adapted and scaled by other actors in the business world. The event showcased and discussed the award-winning initiatives of 2024. Namely:

• K&H Bank – Agricultural CO₂ Calculator, presented by Zoltán Demeter, Head of Agricultural Division
• Saint-Gobain – Biodiversity Program, presented by László Karafa, Head of Mining and Sustainability
• SolServices – Professional Guide for Next-Generation Solar Parks, presented by Dr. Gábor Farkas, Managing Director
• Tesco – Fighting Period Poverty Program, presented by Nóra Hevesi, Head of Communications

In 2025, BCSDH is launching the For a Sustainable Future Award earlier than in previous years, with the application period open from May 19 to July 18. The focus remains on areas where companies can make a significant impact on systemic transformation across the following four main categories:

1. Change Leader – Award for outstanding leadership and responsibility
   Change Leader Award – BCSDH
2. Leading Woman
   Leading Woman Award – BCSDH
3. Corporate Transformation – Award for the most significant progress toward sustainable operations
   Corporate Transformation Award – BCSDH
4. Business Model / Business Solution, in one of the following areas:
   • Circular Economy
   • Climate Protection and Adaptation
   • Biodiversity Preservation and Restoration
   • Human Value
     Business Solution Award – BCSDH

“For a Sustainable Future” Award 2020 – Companies and leaders for sustainability

The awarding ceremony of the “For a Sustainable Future” Award was also hosted at the Virtual Business Lunch.

Irén Márta, BCSDH’s president and member of the professional jury, emphasized that “Recognition is especially necessary in difficult situations. For this reason, we have decided to announce the “For a Sustainable Future” Award, also established by BCSDH this year, and to create a new Social Responsibility category only for this year. Our primary goal is to recognize outstanding corporate and leadership performance that strives to promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, which we have now expanded with activities during the pandemic.”

The winners of the “For a Sustainable Future” Award:

CHANGE LEADER AWARD:

Ágnes Kovács

managing director, Sió-Eckes Kft.

Ágnes Kovács is an exemplary individual, both in human and professional terms, who strengthens her company with innovative, forward-looking solutions. Her outstanding activities have been demonstrated both in terms of business results and the management of people. Her focus is on promoting sustainability, which cannot slow down even during a pandemic. In recent times, the health of workers and the retention of their jobs has been a priority for her.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD:

The “Subsidies provided by Coca-Cola Hungary in the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic” program earned the award for its extremely quick response to the pandemic. During the program, significant financial and professional support was provided to the Red Cross. Business goals were subordinated to a nobler goal, while employees were also involved in volunteering tasks. In addition to helping inform society, the mobilization program also helped those in need. The award was received by Péter Kerekes, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Hungary, and László Békefi, Managing Director of Coca-Cola HBC Magyarország Kft.

Generali’s “Life-long partnership during a pandemic” program really attracted the jury’s attention. The program is a rapid and complex response that has enabled corporate operations to become COVID-resistant, while clearly demonstrating the company’s commitment to internal and external partners. Generali offers a number of material and operational solutions that make life easier for both partners and customers. The award was received by Mihály Erdős, CEO of Generali Biztosító Zrt.

Grundfos’ “Safety and stability in the time of a pandemic” earned the Social Responsibility Award. The complexity of their approach is clearly reflected in the program, and it is evident that the spirit of partnership is of paramount importance, with a focus on stakeholders. The health of employees is a priority, and Grundfos has also provided financial support to local hospitals. The award was received by Olivér Szundy, Managing Directorof Grundfos Magyarország Kft.

Congratulation to the winners.

Sponsors of the For a Sustainable Future Award: