ESG Frontrunners 2024
CONCEPT
In 2024, with support from the Flemish government, the ESG Frontrunners Action Learning Network was created to bring together leading organisations committed to advancing sustainability in practice. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants explored key EU topics such as the EU Taxonomy, Double Materiality under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The network fostered peer learning, strategic exchange, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting organisations to better understand and navigate the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. In 2025, the network continues with a focus on recent EU developments, including the Omnibus I proposal, the simplification of reporting obligations, and voluntary approaches for organisations not subject to the CSRD.
Session 1 / 25 April 2024, Antwerp
How to become a frontrunner and go beyond compliance?
The first session began with an in-person networking lunch at the Antwerp AWDC Building, providing attendees the opportunity to connect.
Welcoming and learning objectives
Peter Wollaert and Marijke Janssens, from CIFAL Flanders presented the objectives and ways of working in the ESG Frontrunners sessions.
Presentations
After having a round table to get to know each other, Pantarein Publishing started their presentation. They provided an overview of European sustainability regulations, enhancing the participants’ understanding of the topic.
Final Exchange
The session concluded with an interview with Jeppe Remy , about his experience in WAAK Maatwerk with sustainability and EU-related regulations.
Session 2 / 30 May 2024, ONline
Navigating Sustainability with the EU Taxonomy
On 30 May, the second session of ESG Frontrunner took place online, focusing on navigating sustainability within the EU Taxonomy.
Marijke Janssens, and Elona Pay from CIFAL Flanders moderated this session.
Presentations
Nicolas Crins from Pantarein Publishing provided an overview of the EU Taxonomy, explaining its operation, the importance of compliance for companies, and practical ways to achieve it.
Participants were split into breakout rooms for focused discussions on specific topics:
- Circularity led by Helen Jacobs, Voka
- Biodiversity facilitated by Febe Thomas, Go Ocean
- Mitigation guided by Nicolas Crins, Pantarein
This format allowed participants to engage deeply with real-world cases related to these key ESG areas.
Final Exchange
The session concluded with a panel discussion on Sustainable Investing featuring Koen De Vidts (NewB), Stéphanie Dangreau ( Argenta), and Professor Luc van Liedekerke.
Session 3 / 27 June 2024, ONLine
Mastering the CSRD: A Deep Dive into Double Materiality Analysis
On 27 June the third session of the ESG frontrunners took place online. This session was moderated by Marijke Janssens, Elona Pay, and Charlene Pétillon from CIFAL Flanders.
Presentations
Katelijne Norga from Pantarein Publishing explored Double Materiality and its significance within the CSRD frameworks.
Participants joined breakout rooms to engage in dynamic case studies:
- Double Materiality Analysis led by Kobe Geryl from KPMG, focusing on Farys.
- Voluntary European Sustainability Reporting Standards and Transparency facilitated by Erwin De Bock from RSM Belgium.
- Bridging SDGs and ESG presented by Marijke Janssens (CIFAL Flanders) and Birgit Verspeek (IDEA Consult), including a case study on Bopro by Charlotte Truyts.
Final Exchange
The session concluded with a panel discussion on Sustainable Investing featuring Koen De Vidts (NewB), Stéphanie Dangreau ( Argenta), and Professor Luc van Liedekerke.
The session concluded with an interview hosted by Charlene Petillon with Harold Dierckxsens from IBR-IRE, discussing the auditor’s critical role in the CSRD process.
Session 4 / 1 October 2024, Brussels
Making CSDDD Work: Practical approaches for implementation
The final session of the ESG Frontrunners 2024 series took place on 1 October. It focused on implementing the CSDDD. At the end of the session, participants received their UNITAR certificates of participation.
Presentations
Katrien De Cort from Pantarein Publishing discussed the CSDDD, covering its definition, its role in EU regulations, practical tools for implementation, and actionable steps to begin applying due diligence.
Cato De Roeck from 3BIO explored the implementation of the CSDDD and its link to biodiversity. He also addressed the growing body of international and European biodiversity regulations, and how 3BIO helps companies comply with the Biodiversity Convention and the Nagoya Protocol.
Leen de Ruck, An-Sofie Raes, and Esther Theyskens from VSAdvocaten jointly presented on “The CSDDD and Other Relevant Frameworks in Belgian Law.” Their presentation addressed human rights, toxic leadership, the current state of compliance, criminal risks in the corporate world, and practical case studies relevant to the CSDDD.
Final Exchange
To close the session, Peter Wollaert from CIFAL Flanders led a feedback evaluation and awarded completion certificates to the participants, recognising their active involvement in the ESG Frontrunners sessions.
ESG Frontrunners 2025
Session 1 / 26 February 2025, Brussels
Update CSRD, CSDDD & EU Omnibus Regulations a
On 26 February, the ESG Frontrunners network held the first session of the 2025 at the Marie-Elisabeth Belpaire building in Brussels, as part of the CIFAL Flanders KICK OFF. This session marked the beginning of its four-part learning network, aimed at understanding the latest European Union regulations that impact businesses.
Opening Remarks
Topsana Du Bois, from CIFAL Flanders, hosted the session and introduced the focus of this year’s ESG Frontrunners learning network.
Presentations
Building on the opening presentation, Jonas Kiesekoms, Head of Communications at Pantarein Publishing, shared insights on how to effectively communicate about sustainability and the CSRD.
Session 2 / 24 Abril 2025, Online
Clarification and reflections on the Omnibus about sustainability reporting
On 24 April, the second session of the ESG Frontrunners network took place online. Charlotte Heyvaert and Topsana Du Bois, from CIFAL Flanders, moderated the session and guided the discussions.
Presentations
To open the session, Katelijne Norga from Pantarein provided an update on the EU Omnibus proposal related to the CSRD and shared no-regret steps organisations can take at this stage.
Further information on the EU Omnibus proposal and the impact on CDDD was given by Thomas Peeters, policy advisor Human Rights at Flanders Chancellery & Foreign Office.
Wies Willems, Policy Officer at Broederlijk Delen and member of the Belgian Cooperation of Corporate Accountability, spoke about the impact of the EU Omnibus proposal on human rights, labour rights and the environment from a civil society perspective.
To end the session, Geert Aelbrecht, Group Sustainability & ESG Officer at BESIX, gave us practical insights on how to implement sustainability reporting in your company and how to act in times of legal uncertainty.
Interested in the session content? The presentation slides are available here.
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