Learning Network Sustainable Development for Sector Federations & Business Networks
Brussels, Wednesday 10 September
CONCEPT
On 10 September, the Learning Network for Sector Federations & Business Networks held its inaugural session in Brussels, supported by the Government of Flanders. This session focused on defining the content for upcoming meetings and sharing best practices. The Network’s goal is to equip sector federations with the knowledge and tools to drive sustainable development across their sectors. By addressing sustainability within their organisations and member networks, the sessions are facilitating knowledge exchange on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks.
Future sessions are open for registration here—join us as we continue building a sustainable future!
INaUgural Session
Welcome
Participants were welcomed by Peter Wollaert, Managing Director of CIFAL Flanders, who introduced the organisation’s work on the Sustainable Development Goals and how this can support sector federations in advancing their sustainability goals.
Presentations
Sector federation representatives shared insights into their sustainability initiatives and strategies, highlighting best practices and challenges within their industries. The presentations included:
Karla Basselier from Fedustria, spoke on sustainable practices in the textile, wood, and furniture sectors, including sustainable wood certification and environmental responsibility.
Eva Verraes,Director of Herw!n, focused on social circular enterprises, especially in integrating long-term unemployed individuals into the workforce.
Nathalie de Greve, the Director Sustainability from Comeos, highlighted sustainability goals across retail and services, addressing both physical and online shops.
Caroline Godts from Sociale InnovatieFabriek, presented on supporting social enterprises with tools for sustainable business models.
Joost Venken, Programme Director Sustainability from Verso, covered collaborative sustainability strategies, particularly in social enterprises.
Networking Lunch
Participants connected over a networking lunch, setting the stage for open discussions and collaborations throughout the session.
Panel
A panel of sector leaders discussed the core tasks of sector federations and business networks in strengthening sustainability. The panel included:
- Nathalie de Greve (Comeos) discussed Comeos’ CSR Roadmap, detailing sustainability initiatives within retail and services.
- Caroline Godts (Sociale InnovatieFabriek) highlighted resources available to sector federations for supporting social enterprises in sustainability transitions.
- Eva Verraes (Herw!n) shared Herw!n’s ambitions for a social circular economy, focusing on transitioning from linear to circular models and integrating long-term unemployed individuals into the workforce.
- Nadia Lapage ( Fevia Vlaanderen) introduced Fevia’s sustainability reporting roadmap, which includes monitoring progress and engaging with member companies on environmental impact.
Inspiring Cases
Jens De Vos from Voka presented trends in sustainable entrepreneurship, focusing on corporate sustainability practices within businesses.
Boris Van Westering presented a sustainability benchmark project, supported by Partos and the Global Sustainable Enterprise System (GSES), which provides insights into sector sustainability maturity across six pillars.
What’s Next?
As we continue this journey, CIFAL Flanders invites more sector federations to join the Learning Network. With each session, we are building a collaborative platform where federations can share challenges, exchange solutions, and strengthen their roles as sustainability leaders.
Upcoming Sessions
The next session will be held online on 21 November, focusing on strategies for sustainability communication, including best practices, CSRD guidelines, and member support (13:00 to 15:30).
Additional sessions include:
- 17 December 2024 (Online): Promoting Ethical Finance, covering SDGs 16 and 17, with insights on impact investing and True Pricing, featuring Piet Colruyt as a speaker.
- February 2025 (In-person): Session in Brussels (content to be determined with participants).
If your federation is interested in participating and has not yet registered, now is the perfect time to join us!
We invite all participants to continue this journey with us toward a more sustainable future for every sector!
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