From Complexity to Confidence: Navigating Sustainability in 2027

Calendar Thu, Apr 8, 2027 12:00 PM – Thu, Apr 8, 2027 1:30 PM (Timezone: Europe/London)
Thu, Apr 8, 2027, 11:00 AM – Thu, Apr 8, 2027, 12:30 PM (UTC) (Your time)
Recurs every 1 week(s) on Thursday
Online Online

Turn sustainability trends into strategic business insight.

Through expert discussions, case studies and peer exchange, explore the forces reshaping business strategy and competitiveness, and build the confidence to navigate an increasingly complex sustainability landscape.

Climate risk, nature loss, AI, evolving regulation and shifting stakeholder expectations are transforming the business environment. Leaders must be able to interpret these developments, advise decision-makers and build resilience and long-term value.

Learn from Oxford University and WBCSD experts
This six-week live virtual program, developed by WBCSD and the Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, provides practical knowledge and frameworks to understand emerging sustainability trends and their business implications.

Explore six critical topics
Five live masterclasses and a concluding Oxford-style debate cover:

  • Sustainability in Transition
  • Physical Risk and Resilience
  • Nature and Water
  • AI and Sustainability
  • Law, Policy and Governance
  • Oxford Debate: navigating today’s most pressing sustainability challenges

Build practical decision-making skills
Participants learn to:

  • Assess emerging sustainability risks and opportunities
  • Evaluate business implications and strategic responses
  • Apply evidence-based insights to decision-making
  • Communicate informed recommendations to leaders and stakeholders
  • Navigate uncertainty with greater confidence and credibility

Expand your network and perspective
Learn from leading research and experts alongside a diverse, cross-industry global cohort, with space for discussion, reflection and peer exchange.

Bring greater value back to your organization
Leave with practical frameworks and insights to inform decisions and identify emerging risks and opportunities.

Contact: exec-education@wbcsd.org

Thursday, April 8

12:00 pm — 1:30 pm
Week 1

Sustainability in Transition

Understand the forces reshaping business: > Explore the global sustainability trends transforming industries and markets > Examine emerging risks, opportunities, and business implications > Build a framework for interpreting change and identifying strategic priorities
Speaker James Gomme, Senior Director Education WBCSD

Thursday, April 15

12:00 pm — 1:30 pm
Week 2

Physical Risk & Resilience

Strengthen resilience in a changing climate: > Understand how climate impacts translate into business risk > Explore adaptation and resilience strategies across value chains > Assess emerging solutions that can strengthen long-term competitiveness
Speaker Radhika Khosla, Professor of Environmental Science and Policy, Oxford University SSEE

Thursday, April 22

12:00 pm — 1:30 pm
Week 3

Nature & Water

Navigate nature-related risks and opportunities: > Understand business dependencies and impacts on natural systems > Explore nature-based solutions and resilience opportunities > Examine water stewardship and emerging approaches to managing water-related risk
Speaker Rob Hope, Professor Water Policy, Oxford University SSEE and Jen Lucey, Senior Researcher and Deputy Director, Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Oxford University SSEE

Thursday, April 29

12:00 pm — 1:30 pm
Week 4

AI & Sustainability

Harness the opportunities, manage the risks: > Explore how AI can accelerate sustainability outcomes > Examine the environmental and societal implications of AI deployment > Evaluate principles for responsible AI governance and decision-making
Speaker Ana Valdivia, Departmental Research Lecturer in AI, Government, and Policy, Oxford University Internet Institute

Thursday, May 6

2:00 pm — 3:30 pm
Week 5

Law, Policy & Governance

Stay ahead of an evolving landscape: > Understand emerging regulations and policy developments > Explore litigation trends and changing expectations of business > Strengthen governance approaches and sustainability oversight
Speaker Rupert Stuart-Smith, Deputy Director & Senior Researcher in Climate Science and the Law, Oxford University SSEE

Thursday, May 13

12:00 pm — 1:30 pm
Week 6

Oxford Debate

Challenge perspectives and sharpen your thinking: > Evaluate competing viewpoints on complex sustainability issues > Explore trade-offs between business, environmental, and stakeholder priorities > Synthesize learning into informed recommendations and action
Speaker