The Spanish Business Council for Sustainable Development reinforces its commitment to sustainability as a driver of competitiveness

 

The Spanish Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEEDS), made up of presidents and CEOs of 50 large companies under the leadership of Poretic, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability as a key element for competitiveness and business confidence.

 

During its annual executive session, the Council has highlighted the urgent need to act on the climate emergency, biodiversity loss and inequality, underlining the importance of operating with the highest standards of good governance and transparency.

 

In the statement presented at the Iberdrola Campus, CEEDS emphasises the need to intensify measures to adapt to extreme climate events, highlighting the critical importance of water as an essential resource. It calls for promoting sustainable strategies and investing in innovative technologies for efficient water management.

 

As a result of the work of the Council's committees, two reports have been presented that address priority challenges for Spain from a business perspective:

 

• The energy transition: The Net Zero Commission report highlights that the energy transition must be supported by civil society to ensure environmental, economic and social benefits.

• Talent development: The Equity Action Commission document stresses that the role of companies in talent development must be in line with changes in the labour market, promoting responsible technologies such as artificial intelligence and guaranteeing access to essential products and services.

 

The Council calls on companies, administrations and social entities to establish dialogues and collaborate on projects that benefit the most vulnerable. It also urges Forética to lead sustainable water strategies with ambitious goals and alliances that guarantee the efficient use of water and improve its access in vulnerable communities.

 

The founding meeting of the Council was honorarily chaired by His Majesty King Felipe VI. The Board is currently made up of the top representatives of around 50 major companies, including Accenture, Adif and Adif AV, Airbus, Amazon, AstraZeneca, Banco Santander, Bankinter, BMW, CaixaBank, Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar, Cemex, Chiesi, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, EDP, Enagás, Endesa, ENGIE, Ferrovial, Gestamp, Grupo Dia, GSK, HEINEKEN, Holcim, Iberdrola, IKEA, ILUNION, KPMG, ISS Facility Services, L'Oréal, Mahou San Miguel, ManpowerGroup, MAPFRE, McKinsey & Company, Microsoft, Moeve, MSD, Mutualidad, Naturgy, NTT Data, Grupo OHLA, Quirónsalud, Sanitas, SAP, SEPI, Smurfit Westrock, Solvay, UCB and Zelestra.