All Things Sustainable

In this episode of the All Things Sustainable podcast we bring you the latest in our special series featuring major pension funds around the world.     We sit down with Shahida Jaffar, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF). EPF was established in 1951 to safeguard the retirement future of the Malaysian workforce; it reported about 1.31 trillion Malaysian ringgit (US$310 billion) in total investment assets and more than 16 million members as of June 30, 2025.  In the interview, Shahida explains EPF’s evolving sustainable investment strategy; the role nature plays in the organization's approach to sustainability; and how the pension fund balances priorities — like the need for returns, net-zero commitments and ensuring that the energy transition is just.   “In the market right now, there's polarization in terms of those who are pursuing sustainability even stronger and those who are pulling back,” Shahida tells us.   “In the case of EPF, we're doubling down.”  Read research from S&P Global Sustainable1 about companies’ nature risks and dependencies: How the world’s largest companies depend on nature and biodiversity | S&P Global  Learn about S&P Global Sustainable1's Nature & Biodiversity dataset.  Listen to our podcast interview with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM): Why the world's largest asset owner is leaning into ESG | S&P Global  The All Things Sustainable podcast from S&P Global will be an official media partner of The Nest Climate Campus during Climate Week NYC. Register free to attend here.  This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1 and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.   Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global      DISCLAIMER     By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.      Any unauthorized use, facilitation or encouragement of a third party’s unauthorized use (including without limitation copy, distribution, transmission or modification, use as part of generative artificial intelligence or for training any artificial intelligence models) of this Podcast or any related information is not permitted without S&P Global’s prior consent subject to appropriate licensing and shall be deemed an infringement, violation, breach or contravention of the rights of S&P Global or any applicable third-party (including any copyright, trademark, patent, rights of privacy or publicity or any other proprietary rights).      This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.      S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. 

In this episode of the All Things Sustainable podcast we bring you the first of a special series featuring major pension funds around the world.   We sit down in Mexico City, Mexico with Alejandro Bújanos, Head of Sustainable Investing at Afore SURA. This is one of the largest pension funds in Mexico and a subsidiary of SURA Asset Management. Alejandro outlines how the pension fund seeks to drive Mexico’s transition to a low-carbon economy by engaging with major national companies. "We believe that we need to be active owners and actually improve the countries where we're living," Alejandro says. "My main challenge is how to transition our portfolio to a low-carbon economy, and, while doing that, also have an impact in the real economy."  Alejandro highlights the role that collaborative initiatives play in the market. Earlier this year, Afore SURA and other financial institutions in Mexico launched one such initiative,  called MxColab, to engage with major Mexican companies on issues like climate change.  "These very big companies that have been here for a long time ... it's hard to change them," he says. "Pulling investors together might be the only way to have a substantial enough size for these very big owners to actually listen to what you're asking from them."  Learn about S&P Global Commodity Insights' Energy Transition services.  Explore how companies are approaching sustainability via S&P Global Sustainable1's Corporate Sustainability Assessment data.  The All Things Sustainable podcast from S&P Global will be an official media partner of The Nest Climate Campus during Climate Week NYC. Register free to attend here.  This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1 and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.   Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global    DISCLAIMER    By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.  Any unauthorized use, facilitation or encouragement of a third party’s unauthorized use (including without limitation copy, distribution, transmission or modification, use as part of generative artificial intelligence or for training any artificial intelligence models) of this Podcast or any related information is not permitted without S&P Global’s prior consent subject to appropriate licensing and shall be deemed an infringement, violation, breach or contravention of the rights of S&P Global or any applicable third-party (including any copyright, trademark, patent, rights of privacy or publicity or any other proprietary rights).     This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.  S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. 

Jill Dumain, founding partner at Fractal CSOs and former sustainability director at Patagonia, shares her perspective on the current challenges in the sustainability sector, emphasizing that they are just temporary setbacks. Meanwhile, Simon Mainwaring, founder of We First, highlights how these challenges present a unique opportunity for innovation and outreach. Together, they discuss the dangers of 'green hushing' and the critical need for effective storytelling to engage stakeholders. Their insights reveal an optimistic outlook on the future of sustainability.

It's been more than three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. In this episode of the All Things Sustainable podcast, we're exploring how the conflict has prompted some businesses in Ukraine to lean in to sustainability. We'll also hear about companies' strategies to protect workers and address mental health challenges stemming from the war.  We talk with Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Ukraine, about how the sustainability landscape is changing in Ukraine and how the UN Global Compact network is helping companies integrate sustainability into their operations — through training and accelerator programs, by connecting them with international investors and grant opportunities, and by setting up an online platform to support employees needing psychological help amid the war.  UN Global Compact Ukraine is a country-level network of the UN Global Compact (UNGC). The UNGC is a voluntary corporate sustainability initiative involving more than 20,000 companies across 160 countries. Participating companies commit to operate responsibly in line with sustainability principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to support the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.   In an interview on the sidelines of an event hosted by the UN Global Compact Mexico in June, Tetiana said Ukranian companies see sustainability as a way to attract investors and ensure the long-term viability of their businesses.   She shares how Ukrainian companies are rebuilding critical infrastructure like energy and removing mines from farmland. And she explains how some companies are supporting the health and wellbeing of their employees and communities.   Listen to our episode How companies in Latin America are embedding sustainability amid shifting dynamics here.  Listen to our episode "Energy transition discussions shift to pragmatism amid policy uncertainty" here.   Learn about S&P Global Commodity Insights' Energy Transition services.  This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1 and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.   Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global    DISCLAIMER    By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.  Any unauthorized use, facilitation or encouragement of a third party’s unauthorized use (including without limitation copy, distribution, transmission or modification, use as part of generative artificial intelligence or for training any artificial intelligence models) of this Podcast or any related information is not permitted without S&P Global’s prior consent subject to appropriate licensing and shall be deemed an infringement, violation, breach or contravention of the rights of S&P Global or any applicable third-party (including any copyright, trademark, patent, rights of privacy or publicity or any other proprietary rights).     This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.  S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. 

In this episode of the All Things Sustainable podcast, we’re on the ground in Mexico City, Mexico, to explore how companies in Latin America are embedding sustainability into their business strategies amid shifting market dynamics and new regulations.   We speak with Mauricio Bonilla, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Mexico, on the sidelines of the organization’s annual Business Meeting for Sustainability, which took place in June.   The UN Global Compact is a voluntary corporate sustainability initiative involving more than 20,000 companies across 160 countries. Participating companies have committed to operate responsibly in line with sustainability principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to support the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.   UN Global Compact Mexico is a country-level network of the UN Global Compact, and Mauricio explains how the network is working with companies of all sizes to drive sustainable business practices.   We also sit down with three UN Global Compact Mexico participant companies:  -Alejandro De Keijser, Director of Energy and Sustainability at Mexico-based Grupo DEACERO, a steel manufacturer with global operations.   -Alfonso Martínez, CEO of Industrias Marves, a Mexico-based textile recycling company.  -Tania Rabasa Kovacs, Orbia's Chief Sustainability Officer, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and President of Orbia Mexico. Mexico-based Orbia operates in more than 50 countries and focuses on several business lines.  Tania outlines challenges companies in Latin America face. This includes balancing the need for positive financial returns in the short term with longer term sustainability objectives; navigating regulatory uncertainty; adapting to the physical impacts of climate change; and ensuring local communities and economies benefit from the company's operations.    At the same time, she says: "Nobody is really giving up because the cost of inaction is much higher than that of the transformation."   Read the latest edition of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) adoption tracker from S&P Global Sustainable1 here.    Learn more about S&P Global Sustainable1's Physical Climate Risk data.  This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1 and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.   Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global    DISCLAIMER    By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.     Any unauthorized use, facilitation or encouragement of a third party’s unauthorized use (including without limitation copy, distribution, transmission or modification, use as part of generative artificial intelligence or for training any artificial intelligence models) of this Podcast or any related information is not permitted without S&P Global’s prior consent subject to appropriate licensing and shall be deemed an infringement, violation, breach or contravention of the rights of S&P Global or any applicable third-party (including any copyright, trademark, patent, rights of privacy or publicity or any other proprietary rights).     This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.    S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

Tom Beloe, Director of the Sustainable Finance Hub at the UN Development Programme, discusses key summer sustainability events shaping COP30 in Brazil. He highlights the recent UN Ocean Conference outcomes, including progress on a Marine Biodiversity Treaty and the importance of multilateral cooperation. Beloe emphasizes the necessity of innovative financing for sustainable development goals, especially in light of geopolitical challenges. The conversation also delves into the role of private sector partnerships in navigating the path toward impactful climate action.

Join Manish Pant, Executive VP at Schneider Electric, as he tackles decarbonization strategies through electrification and digital innovation. Kavickumar Muruganathan, Microsoft's ESG Planning Director, shares insights on building responsible cloud infrastructure amidst sustainability goals. Justin Ma, from Standard Chartered Bank, discusses the pivotal role of sustainable finance in addressing climate change. Together, they highlight the challenges and opportunities in Asia-Pacific markets, emphasizing collaboration in pursuing a sustainable future.

In this enlightening discussion, Paul Griffiths, the CEO of Dubai Airports, shares his intriguing journey from musician to airport executive. He emphasizes the need for the aviation industry to reduce carbon emissions while managing the soaring demand for travel. Griffiths outlines Dubai's innovative sustainability initiatives, including solar panels and waste management efforts. The conversation also covers the challenges of sustainable aviation fuel and the ambitious plans for a more eco-friendly airport future, showcasing a progressive vision for travel.

Welcome to the latest episode in the Terra Carta Series of the All Things Sustainable podcast, a collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI). Throughout 2025, we’ll be interviewing SMI member CEOs across industries and around the world about how they’re approaching sustainability challenges and opportunities.  In today’s episode, we speak to Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA, a UK-based software company and SMI member. “It’s not the time to retreat on climate,” Caspar says. “The solutions exist today that can keep us on the path to net-zero, and now we need to focus on scaling these through digitization and adoption.” Caspar outlines the technology solutions that are supporting decarbonization efforts across sectors. He also talks about the role AI can play in driving efficiency and boosting the business case for sustainability. “At the end of the day, sustainability is only going to work when you are profitable,” he says. “Otherwise, businesses won’t do it.” About the Terra Carta Podcast Series: The SMI is a network of over 250 global CEOs across finance and industry. It facilitates private sector diplomacy with the ambition of making sustainability the driving force of global markets and value creation. S&P Global is a proud SMI member. We’re calling this the Terra Carta Series based on the SMI’s Terra Carta mandate. This is the guiding mandate for the SMI and sets out ambitious and practical actions to help the private sector accelerate progress toward a sustainable future. The name Terra Carta is a play on the historic Magna Carta.  Listen to previous episodes in the Terra Carta Series: How the Sustainable Markets Initiative convenes the public and private sectors to drive solutions | S&P Global How climate tech company Patch works to build integrity of carbon markets | S&P Global Learn about energy transition data and services from S&P Global Commodity Insights.   This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global.   Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global            DISCLAIMER    By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.      S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

A question we’ve been hearing a lot at the All Things Sustainable podcast is: How do businesses sync their climate strategies with their financial decisions?    In this episode, we bring you highlights from an event that dove into this question in detail: The inaugural S&P Global Sustainable1 Climate Summit hosted by the S&P Global Climate Center of Excellence.   The center is home to world-class scientists dedicated to addressing the frontiers of long-term climate, environmental and nature research and methodology development. The June 5 Climate Summit in New York City convened many of those scientists alongside financial institutions and industry leaders to talk about translating climate science into actionable insights that inform investment and financial decision-making.  In today’s episode we talk to three speakers from the Summit:   -Dr. Terence Thompson, the Chief Science Officer at the S&P Global Climate Center of Excellence; he explains the center’s work and how it seeks to bridge gaps between stakeholders, including climate scientists, economists and financial institutions.   -Sonja Gibbs, Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Finance at the Institute for International Finance, a global network of financial institutions; she explains how IIF members are thinking about climate risks and opportunities.  -Aniket Shah, Managing Director and Global Head of the Sustainability and Transition Strategy team at Jefferies Group; he tells us why financial decision-makers need “data, not vibes” to drive their sustainability strategies.   Listen to recent podcast interviews referenced in today’s episode:    Why businesses are going ‘back to basics’ in sustainability strategies | S&P Global  How HSBC is financing infrastructure for a low-carbon economy | S&P Global  How EU proposals could change the sustainability reporting landscape | S&P Global  Learn more about the Climate Center of Excellence | S&P Global  This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global.    Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global             DISCLAIMER     By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.       S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.