KICK OFF 2025

Brussels, Wednesday 26 February

CONCEPT

On February 26, 2025, we had our KICK OFF “From Agenda 2030 to Pact For The Future” at the Marie-Elisabeth Belpaire building. Participants came together for a day of insights and collaboration. The event featured two plenary sessions and six action learning sessions, offering a platform for in-depth discussions on sustainability challenges and opportunities.


The sessions explored key sustainability themes, from updates on CSRD, CSDDD, and the EU Omnibus Regulation to higher education networks and interactive SDG workshops. Discussions highlighted business and human rights, sector federations in SDG 17, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

KICK OFF Programme 2025

Venue & Team

Opening Plenary Session 

Welcome words by Frank Geets, CEO Het Facilitair Bedrijf 

Thank you!

Peter Wollaert, Managing Director CIFAL Flanders outlined the journey from Agenda 2030 to the Pact For The Future.

Prof. Luc Van Liedekerke from the University of Antwerp, presented the latest insights from the SDG Barometer Belgium 2024, offering a deep dive into the country’s progress on sustainability goals.

The plenary ended with an insightful interview conducted by Topsana Du Bois with Marian Blondeel from UNRIC on the UN’s 2025 communication priorities.

ESG Frontrunners: Update CSRD, CSDDD & EU Omnibus  

The ESG Frontrunners network, organised by Topsana Du Bois and Charlotte Heyvaert (CIFAL Flanders), held the first session of the year as part of one of the Action Learning Sessions of the KICK OFF 2025. This session marked the beginning of its four-part learning network, aimed at understanding the latest European Union regulations that impact businesses. Speakers included:

  • Phillipe Nys, from Voka, shared updates on CSRD, its Belgian adoption, and its impact on SMEs. 
  • Jonas Kiesekoms from Pantarein, explained how to communicate sustainability under CSRD.
  • Boris Verbrugge from KU Leuven & Möbius, discussed due diligence.
  • Marc Daelman, Partner at PwC, focused on CSRD assurance.

New Action Learning Network: Higher Education Institutions 

The New Action Learning Network on Sustainable Development in Higher Education was launched, bringing together universities and colleges to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collaborate on sustainability initiatives.

  • Prof. Dr. Dirk Franco (Hogeschool PXL, Universiteit Hasselt) presented his paper on transition teams as a tool for driving systemic change in higher education.
  • Katrien Monden & Tom Janssen (Duurzaam Educatiepunt) showcased existing initiatives and resources supporting sustainability in higher education.
  • Karen Van Bastelaere (HOGENT) shared HOGENT’s sustainability journey, highlighting how the SDGs shape its strategy and policies.

SDG Action Learning Manual: Simulation of a Workshop with SDG Wheel 

Emma Sageot and Camila Salazar from CIFAL Flanders, previewed the upcoming SDG Action Learning Manual and led a simulation workshop using the SDG Wheel on a fictional company.

Lunch Pause 

SDG Ambassador Community: Business and Human Rights

The SDG Ambassador Community, a learning network by CIFAL Flanders and Voka, supports 9 SDG Ambassadors in driving sustainability at the highest ambition level of the PCA2030 Trajectory. Their first session of the year focused on Business and Human Rights and the impact of human rights legislation on businesses.

  • Astrid Van Parys from CIFAL Flanders & Colruyt Group, moderated the session.
  • Leen De Ruck from VS Advocaten, provided a legal perspective on human rights in business.
  • Boris Verbrugge from KU Leuven & Möbius, discussed the CSRD’s impact and due diligence requirements.
  • Stephan Parmentier from KU Leuven, introduced a human rights test designed for Flemish universities.

Action Learning Network Sector Federations

The Action Learning Network Sector Federations session explored SDG 17 and development cooperation, with a focus on business initiatives in Africa.

  • Loïc De Cannière from Incofin, author of Afrika, een gedroomde toekomst, delivered a keynote on why Africa is the continent of the 21st century.
  • Bert Bortier from Exchange, Pol Deturck from Ondernemers voor Ondernemers, and Werner Sels from Lignaverda, joined a panel discussion on SDG 17 and development cooperation, focusing on business initiatives in Africa.

Why and How to organise a Stakeholder Panel? 

This interactive session, led by Bridget Thielens Lomo and Mei-Ke Vanryckeghem from CIFAL Flanders, explored the value of stakeholder panels in fostering dialogue and informed decision-making. It began with a presentation of the CIFAL Flander’s Stakeholder Brochure, outlining five key steps for setting up panels with practical tips and examples. Participants then engaged in a Mentimeter debate, sharing perspectives and best practices.

CIFAL Flanders Updates

Laudatio Ari Epstein 

Ari Epstein former CEO of AWDC, was recognised for his remarkable leadership as CIFAL Flanders Chair from 2011 to 2024 and became our first Honorary Chair.

New Board of Directors 

Ingrid Lieten from Verso was appointed as our new Chair of the Board of Directors, and Geert Aelbrecht from BESIX as new Vice Chair.

Office”UN Training Centre” in Brussels 

Our office is officially relocating to the Voka Building in Brussels, strengthening our presence in the heart of Europe. The new space will serve as a UN Centre of Focus, fostering collaboration, innovation, and impactful sustainability initiatives.

2 new sdg Pioneers

UNITAR SDG Pioneer Certificate of Completion  

Apeiron and BESIX have been awarded the UNITAR SDG Pioneer certification, recognising their commitment to sustainability and their journey in the PCA2030 Trajectory.

Congratulations Apeiron! Looking forward to the next steps in the trajectory.

Congratulations BESIX! Excited to see the continued progress toward strategic sustainable impact.

Networking Reception

In collaboration with and supported by

KICK OFF 2024 

Antwerp, Wednesday 28 February

CONCEPT

On February 28th, we marked the closure of our Jubilee year with the grand KICK OFF of 2024. Hosted within the chambers of the Antwerp Provincial Council, the event unfolded in two distinct acts. Firstly, we showed a first glimpse of our company video and our Impact Report.

Delving deeper, sessions on our PCA2030 trajectory, stakeholder engagement, and ESG initiatives aimed to spark inspiration amongst participants. Following this, the Province of Antwerp segment shone a spotlight on our collective commitment to sustainability initiatives.

KICK OFF Programme 2024

Networking lunch

SDG Infostand

Welcome

Word of welcome by Ingrid Lieten, Vice-Chair CIFAL Flanders and CEO Verso

Thank you!

Thank you Wouter Van Gulck, General Manager Belgian Chambers,  for your valuable contributions of last years to the CIFAL Flanders’ Board of Directors

10 years of impact in numbers

Overview of 10 Years of CIFAL Flanders: Insights from Peter Wollaert, Managing Director CIFAL Flanders and UNITAR Fellow

ISO SDG Management System Standard 

Marijke Janssens, Project Manager CIFAL Flanders, interviews Bernard Fieremans, expert NBN, on  the new ISO SDG Management System Standard 

Become SDG Pioneer! Meet our trajectory partners 

Rob de With, Co-founder Global Goals Community

Bart Van Herck, Managing Director IDEA Consult 

Philippe Barras, President CCI Wallonie

Helen Jacobs, Project Manager Voka

Christina Campo, Project Manager CIFAL Flanders 


How to organise a stakeholder panel?

Alex Van Loon, Advisor Province of Antwerp 

Peter Wollaert, Managing Director CIFAL Flanders and UNITAR Fellow

Bridging the SDGs and ESG principles: get inspired by the new Sustainability Report of Blue Gate Antwerp

Marijke Janssens, Project Manager CIFAL Flanders 

Dimitri Torfs, Business Development Manager BGAD

Closing Reflections

Closing Reflections by Birgit Van Hout , Director United Nations Population Fund Brussels Office (UNFPA), about the UN’s mission and significance of the global framework of the SDGs

2 new sdg champions

Welcome

Word of welcome by Luk Lemmens , First Vice-Governor of the Province of Antwerp 

New Sustainability Report Blue Gate Antwerp

Dimitri Torfs presents second Sustainability Report Blue Gate Antwerp 

Sustainability Ambitions Province of Antwerp 

Introduction to sustainability policy and initiatives of the Province of Antwerp by Maarten Puls, Secretary-General of the Province of Antwerp 

Award Ceremony  

Introduction to the SDG Champion Ceremony of Province of Antwerp and Blue Gate Antwerp by Peter Wollaert,  Managing Director CIFAL Flanders and UNITAR Fellow

Live from UNITAR in Geneva 

Congratulations to the 2 new SDG Champions by Alex Mejia, Division Director UNITAR and Head CIFAL Global Network 

UNITAR SDG Champion Certificate of Copmletion 

Networking cocktail

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