New York, September 2025 – At UNGA Climate Week, one message stood out: change is happening.
Despite political turbulence, both public and private actors showed that the sustainability transition is underway. With over 1,000 events across New York City, this year proved that business can be a force for good, leading the way on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1. The business case for sustainability is undeniable
According to the UN Global Compact:
- 99% of CEOs will maintain or increase their ESG commitments.
- 88% believe the business value of sustainability is stronger than ever.
- 97% stress the importance of cross-industry collaboration.
2. The SDGs remain the roadmap
Only 35% of SDG targets are on track. Seven out of nine planetary boundaries have already been breached, including ocean acidification. The urgency is clear—yet these challenges are spurring innovation and new responsible business models.
3. From words to action: value as a compass
Value creation is emerging as the compass of future-fit companies. As the World Economic Forum highlighted, sustainability is reshaping ROI: now defined not only by profit, but also by societal well-being and planetary health.
4. Coalitions are scaling impact
Healthcare access is advancing through the combined efforts of the Movement Health Foundation, the Clinton Foundation, the Gates Foundation, and Chanel.
Meanwhile, more than 600 companies signed on to The Climate Pledge, proving that resilience is collective and must be built across industries and global supply chains.
5. Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for solutions
AI emerged as a game-changer for sustainability:
- At the AI & Climate Action Forum, AI helped cities model, predict, and adapt to climate stressors.
- At the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence, AI optimized infrastructure to address global water challenges.
Conclusion
UNGA Climate Week 2025 reinforced one truth: when technology, responsible governance, and business leadership align, transformation becomes possible.