Category: Corporate Responsibility & Sustainable Growth

As sustainability is gaining momentum and has become one of the top policy priorities across the world, pharmaceutical industry is under increasing pressure to contribute to achieving environmental objectives...

This saga illustrates how activist investors can use creative legal strategies to damage the reputation of a company, state, local authority or financial institution over perceived lack of climate action, regardless of the ultimate outcome in court...

Recent heatwaves in China, Europe and elsewhere have intensified calls for action on climate change. On July 3—a day which saw the average global temperature surpass all previous recorded highs—Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans stressed the importance of making polluters pay for their emissions. “Carbon pricing is widely recognized as the most cost-effective policy to cut greenhouse gas emissions,” he told students at Beijing’s Tsinghua University...

How are pharmaceutical companies performing on ESG priorities without “green hushing?”..

APCO held a special webinar dealing with COP28 and its many challenges and opportunities. Watch the full recording here:..

The following list highlights the innovative ways that the PR industry is evolving. Recognizing that the tried-and-true methods (e.g., press releases, press conferences, etc.) will continue to drive tangible value for many companies, this list identifies some exciting new options that are worth exploring to better reach key consumer audiences and tell stories in more dynamic and engaging ways...

“The problems involved in global food security are easy to talk about. The solutions are much more difficult.”..

How a company responds to an issue or a crisis, affects its reputation among key audiences, including consumers, customers, employees, shareholders, regulators and legislators. These audiences observe how a company handles a crisis, which can either damage or enhance their reputation, and lead to business losses or gains.  ..

A good reputation is like having good health—you only really appreciate it once you’ve lost it. Maintaining an unblemished corporate reputation has become increasingly difficult amidst the growing fragmentation of interest groups, capricious public expectations and the insidious rise of misinformation...

U.S. businesses today often find themselves walking a communications tightrope on matters of ESG and sustainability. The counter to greenwashing, greenhushing, has gained significant attention in the last several months, particularly as businesses aim to keep out of political debates without simultaneously backing out of publicly stated goals..

There is broad recognition that many ESG issues are fundamental drivers of business value, and so companies are looking inward, focusing on building the right management and operating structures to make meaningful progress across issues that range from climate risk to supplier diversity...

Global sustainability reporting standards are under development to provide investors with more information about companies’ sustainability-related risks and opportunities. Now, the EU is finalizing its work on Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and is fueled by the ambition to become a front-runner in global sustainability reporting standards. ..

During this the COVID-19 pandemic and era of remote work, some companies have succeeded, others are now bringing their employees back to the office and some are even blaming remote work for their company’s collapse...

As both ESG and Gen Z become increasingly important elements of organizational strategy, and as Gen Z’s views also influence other generations, it’s essential that leaders thoughtfully consider where these two intersect...

This year is the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with a “poly-crisis” of global issues, it is increasingly important to re-think how multistakeholder partnerships are developed and executed...

The European Chemicals Agency recently published its long-awaited restriction proposal on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), setting out the pathway for the EU to ban the production and import of the family of over 10,000 persistent chemicals...

America is exhausted and brands offered A-list celebrities and light humor-driven Super Bowl ads. Bill Dalbec analyses Super Bowl LVII ads...

Digest from the World Economic Forum 2023 Annual Meeting and a look at what's ahead. ..

As average life expectancy creeps up and the number of newborns continues to decline, Japan’s inverted population pyramid is becoming even sharper toward the bottom...

While it's impossible to think of every possible scenario, UX designers must work diligently to consider as many situations as they can...

The bill will help speed the transition to clean energy by targeting the sectors responsible for emitting the greatest amount of domestic greenhouse gases..

It has also influenced companies across sectors to embrace and prioritize environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues that impact the health and sustainability of their business...

In October, APCO surveyed the U.S. general public to understand views on the role of companies in this divided culture, revealing areas of both consensus and division...

With this mindset, developed nations should have a net-negative by the middle of the century and vacate the carbon space for developing countries...

A recent report finds that while ESG is burgeoning regionally, many companies are still at the “start-up” phase of their ESG journey...

Discussions addressed the importance of halving emissions by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5°C, the role of corporations in driving to net zero, what’s next for voluntary carbon markets and nature-based solutions in a high-ambition pathway. ..

The EU has placed itself at the forefront of sustainability efforts, with ambitious climate laws and a 2050 deadline for carbon neutrality...

Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and social movements around equity and justice, such as Black Lives Matter, policymakers in the European Union (EU) are increasingly focused on ensuring responsible business conduct...

In the Gulf, Gen Z is an emerging key stakeholder group—and it is time Gulf-based companies took notice as younger workers rise in the ranks. ..

In 2009, donor countries committed $100 billion a year by 2020 for climate mitigation in developing countries. In 2022, this commitment remained unfulfilled and the OECD estimates that it will take until the end of 2023 to get to the first $100 billion...

A true hybrid event should be inclusive to individuals attending in-person and virtually...

University leaders should ask themselves: are they doing enough to advance positive change that solve or address social injustice?..

Global food security is too important to be left to the food and agriculture industry to address alone. All industries must step up and see themselves as part of the global food system...

Leaders have a new mandate: to become catalysts for progress and co-create a place for people to flourish, have purpose and do their best work...

The good news about this “now or never” moment is that we are seeing a reinvigorated push for innovation to explore new climate solutions..

Companies will need to approach ESG as a transformation of their business requiring significant change management...

To get back on track, we need to harness the intensity of innovation displayed in our response to the pandemic...

Corporate leaders and dealmakers increasingly see acquisitions as a way to accelerate sustainability strategies, creating new challenges for communicators...

What do global climate conferences and national net zero commitments mean for your business? Watch as we demystify the official United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dig into the impact of national commitments and uncover the role you can play in the upcoming COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the UAE...

Transformative change is a collaborative effort, Data2X is working to advance gender-equitable data solutions through partnerships with other UN agencies. ..

Travel and connection drive our success and we are excited to see them return—even if what that may look like is evolving...

But what challenges should corporate leaders expect to face this year and what are the geopolitical issues that must be navigated this year?..

In 2022, we will see the enduring geopolitical, societal and geo-commercial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic reveal themselves...

Focusing on the ESG factors of supply chain management is no longer “just” a communications strategy but a strategic necessity...

One way for small businesses to stand out vis-a-vis their larger counterparts is to lean into purpose by infusing sustainability and social impact...

As we approach the season of giving, one way to increase employee engagement is through philanthropic initiatives. ..

Activist groups are finding ways to amplify their voice more effectively in the corporate world, leveraging the culture of consumer activism to businesses...

From G-20 to the ongoing COP26, our team took stock of a number of cross-cutting emerging themes that present opportunities for strategic engagement, cross-sectoral partnerships and collaboration to advance innovative solutions to critical issues on the global agenda...

In this edition of APCO Forum, we cover the biggest issues on the agenda at COP26 in Glasgow...

By now, the figures are clear: the socioeconomic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has derailed progress toward gender equality globally...

To deliver on thousands of bold targets, companies must now rapidly increase the development and implementation of credible climate action plans...

The climate situation in emerging economies such as India is more complex—balancing growth and sustainable development from private companies...

It’s hard to miss the pattern stressed by activists who have observed that low-income countries are left behind in the fight against climate and COVID-19...

In the final edition of our UNGA week series, climate takes center stage as Climate Week concludes and the world looks ahead to the G20 and COP 26 later this year...

With conversations around the 2021 UN General Assembly in mind, this edition of APCO Forum covers the top factors that impact global food security, from climate change to the role of women in food production, from institutional responsibilities to the innovation needed to boost production, increase nutrition and reduce waste...

Nothing showcases the theme of this year's UN General Assembly as clearly as the issues facing women and girls. From gender equity to economic empowerment and security to the deep impact of COVID-19, any discussion of solutions to global challenges needs to include the impact and role of women. In this edition of APCO Forum, we explore these topics with experts who have been at the center of policymaking and solutions at the UN for decades...

As we look to COP26, there are three key signals we need to see to demonstrate that we are stepping away from that abyss...

In this edition of APCO Forum, our Anna Tunkel and Hala Hanna, managing director of MIT Solve, focus on the power of multiplier partnerships...

In this edition of APCO Forum, Margery Kraus and Brad Staples join host John Defterios to preview what to look for this week at and around the 2021 UN General Assembly...

As the corporate world aligns around an ESG framework and stakeholder capitalism, leadership is must put equity and inclusion at the center of the agenda...

Japanese companies lag behind others in their evaluation of management of ESG issues – particularly the S; why is this and how can it be improved?  ..

Now is the moment for companies to craft creative engagement solutions to entice employees — particularly women — to return to and remain in the workplace.    ..

The pandemic forced people across the world to a standstill, giving us an opportunity to observe the cornerstones of growth, especially in the Global South...

Employees know their worth but some workers are missing out and remain unseen and underrepresented in the move toward a fairer and more equitable workplace...

The 2021 Generation Equality Forum resulted in a Global Acceleration Plan, recognizing that while action is the goal, we are not moving quickly enough...

As the aviation industry rebounds after COVID-19, there is a question of how airlines will meet their sustainability goals as global travel demand grows...

The shared experience of art evokes a sense of togetherness–feelings that have become invaluable in this peculiar time of self-isolation and solitude. ..

Biden’s Leaders’ Summit on Climate was more than a moment of cooperation between heads of state, but a call for businesses to step up alongside governments...

As companies develop new and revolutionary technologies and our society irrevocably shift towards greater online interaction and presence, so do the dangers of technological shortcomings. ..

Kelly and Jason came together to discuss the role of leadership in creating impactful, lasting change, and how leaders can instill a sense of bravery/empowerment across the entire culture of a company...

The question of “why aren’t we getting credit?” is a common one. The answer is complex, but the following insights yield some answers and a possible prescription:..

Unequal pay is hardly new but with a global pandemic and its disproportionately devastating impacts on women—in the pandemic, women have lost a net of 5.4 million jobs—we are facing a true crisis...

As we consider the year behind us, and all that it entailed, Claire Boussagol and Kelly Williamson share their thoughts on the events of the past year, and how APCO is working to ensure an inclusive and accessible work environment for all its employees. ..

The Biden-Harris administration has hit the ground running in determining that climate change poses one of the largest risks to U.S. economic and financial security...

Following the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, global progress on addressing climate change appeared to slow for a number of years. In the absence of strong and coordinated political action, companies came to realize that they could take climate action substantially faster than political systems...

The world is at a tipping point. ESG risks and opportunities are making their way into substantive conversations in the C-Suite and Boardroom about business as a platform for change. Every journey needs a roadmap. Communicators can help their organizations redefine market leadership and chart their path on their journey of stakeholder capitalism, ESG and decarbonization...

As the Biden administration prepares to take the reins in Washington, one of the sharpest policy pivots is expected to be in environmental and climate policy. Water crises, including droughts and floods intensified by climate change, are among the greatest tangible risks to business and geopolitical stability...

Best practices in philanthropy are indeed shifting as we approach 2021. While there is no one organization doing it all perfectly, foundations looked to as leaders are in front of the trends and are working with urgency to address the broader range of historic criticisms of being “top-down, closed-door and expert-driven.”..

Smart businesses will spend next year embedding fully new structural changes, being more inclusive, and adapting to a new work mindset. While COVID-19 left an indelible mark on us all this year, 2021 will bring different, possibly greater, but certainly connected challenges...

In 2021, it is time for water advocates to turn their Achilles’ Heel into their secret weapon, reaching outside their comfort zones to engage, enlist and activate new allies. It’s time to assert water’s connective place among the pressing issues—climate, food, energy, health—facing our blue planet, which is becoming more and more thirsty by the moment...

Looking ahead to 2021, APCO Worldwide’s business experts analyzed potential trends and provided their predictions for the new year—examining the future of hospitality, global energy, financial technology and capital markets—where all signs point to continued focus on health, tech and safety...

2021 is a time for long, overdue change. This is the year when everyone needs to take a hard look at what commitment they will make to promote gender equality and how they will action it. Because without action on these commitments, women will slip further into economic and societal inequality...

Corporate purpose has increasingly become a watchword for companies looking to distinguish themselves in the modern era. 2020 has proved that the future is uncertain, change is ever-present and those companies that react quickly and adapt to uncertainties are better placed to come back stronger...

The summer of 2020 felt like a historical turning point. As the pandemic continues to unravel across the region and disrupt every aspect of society, from workplaces to education, the unprecedented support for the Black Lives Matter movement in Europe offered a glimpse of hope...

Many companies are taking the extra steps to encourage their employees to vote. But, the next—and more significant—step to watch for is whether these companies will publicly advocate for proactive measures to expand access to voting at the state and local levels...

APCO Worldwide’s adVOcaTE campaign consists of efforts designed to help get out the vote and elevate APCO employees’ voices as they advocate for what they believe in, during and beyond election year. Four members of the APCO family share their thoughts on why they’re voting this year. ..

2020 has shown that we must celebrate the good things, and perhaps as important, we must directly address the challenges. This means we have to be comfortable with having difficult conversations. ..

ESG investing has become impossible for regulators to ignore. With the market moving fast, regulators are beginning to co-develop common practices and frameworks that have, until now, largely been left up to companies, shareholders and financial market participants...

To help commemorate Women's Equality Day, we hosted a special conversation featuring Irene Khan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and Opinion, to discuss COVID’s disproportionate impact on women, the changing expectations of balancing work and family life and the work still ahead to ensure women’s equality...

The current crisis has brought to the fore some of the most salient issues we face as humanity. The decisions we make now will either leapfrog our progress on these major challenges or cause us to slide back in time as we retrench and de-risk...

While stressing the importance of celebrating our past, The Next 100 focused on creating a better future for the next generation of young female leaders. I hope that crafting a new narrative through actionable steps will inspire our employees, current and future, to build this new reality...

As the coronavirus outbreak rapidly progresses, HR departments across all companies can and should be fully engaged and at the forefront to demonstrate caring and become part of the solution. ..

The last decade has shown us that our world is getting more complicated, and as we begin 2020—and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the World Economic Forum (WEF)—it is an opportune time to reflect on the changing nature of corporate leadership...

In today’s era of polarizing politics and gridlocked policy, companies’ ability to take a stand is becoming more important than ever before. While selecting an appropriate cause can be challenging, it can also be extremely rewarding, both financially and reputationally...

Given the disruptive changes that we are witnessing in many parts of the world, the notion of leadership takes on a different meaning. Communication, emotional intelligence and soft skills are more important than ever before...

As part of a push for high quality development, the Chinese government has increased calls for sustainability and environmental protection under the umbrella of “green development.” Under this context, an increasing number of socially responsible domestic businesses have emerged to demonstrate their role in supporting government priorities...

I foresee 2020 being a year which crystallises change. Organisations that are slow to adapt to the increased focus on the value of business in society may find it hard to recover their position in the eyes of consumers and even their own workforce...

Four APCO colleagues share their impressions and takeaways from ColorComm Network's NextGen Conference, November 2019...

China’s participation in the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, held at the UN Headquarters in New York on September 23, marks another major milestone in the development of China’s environmental protection policies...

As new generations enter the workforce, what can APCO and others do to improve communication within teams and throughout offices?..

As the media partner for Future Festival Chicago, we had the opportunity to participate in this unique and inspiring all-day conference. Here are our main takeaways...

Vision and values are a covenant with external stakeholders. They are the promise made, and C-suite leaders need to ensure that the company’s vision and values are a corporate hallmark not an Achille’s heel during a crisis...

If you are truly committed to maximizing business performance, attracting and retaining the best talent, and contributing to a broader societal mission, then you also must do the work to define (or more ideally, co-create) your company’s core values, to establish internal programs and processes that reinforce them, and to integrate them into every aspect of the business, every expression of the brand. ..

Following the admissions scandals at some of the nation’s most highly-regarded universities, including allegations that athletic coaches received payments to admit students who had little or no experience, the universities took many of the right steps that a crisis consultant would recommend...

It has been almost nine months since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its landmark report on global warming. The report shook the world with its warnings about the need to immediately cut carbon emissions or risk global catastrophe...

The role of the CEO as a business or corporate diplomat for their company reflects a reset in politics, business and society...

For many, corporate purpose has been co-opted and exploited. So, what can brands do to change that and take a meaningful stance?..

To better understand the expectations placed on businesses by society and leaders today, we surveyed a select group of 16 members of APCO’s International Advisory Council (IAC), and asked them to share their perspective on social risk...

APCO’s North America 2019 Women’s History Committee created a report featuring advice, anecdotes and insights from our colleagues in North America about growing your career, mitigating bias, closing the gender gap and the workplace of the future...

The expertise and frameworks to ensure that the mathematical foundation of AI and machine learning algorithms are ethical and fair has not kept up...

This year’s annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women is rumored to be an even bigger gathering than the General Assembly with more than 9,000 representatives...

Closing the gender gap and achieving balance around the world requires different solutions for each market and industry. However, each of those solutions will require that we hold each other accountable...

Although regarded as an innovative country in many ways, Japan still has a lot to learn when it comes to gender equality...

The reality is that companies in the business of health have their purpose built-in: they exist to generate health. The question their leaders need to ask themselves is not how do we define our purpose but rather, how do we deliver on it? ..

To better understand the future of health care, and the challenges the industry faces, we surveyed a select group of 18 members of APCO’s International Advisory Council (IAC) and Health Advisory Board (HAB)...

Bill Dalbec, managing director of APCO Insight, takes a closer look at the Super Bowl LIII ads and what they mean for the brands behind them...

Leaders can be more effective advocates for their company, employees, shareholders, stakeholders, or constituents by considering several key approaches to be mindful of in 2019. ..

The World Economic Forum continually demonstrates that we don’t wait for progress—we create it. The world will look to the outcomes of the World Economic Forum as a milestone in global progress. Let’s set the stage of a new agile world...

Given that active leadership is such a key component to organizational agility, members of APCO’s global team took a closer look at which leaders are best positioned to succeed in a range of sectors and industries...

Agility is key for businesses, organizations and governments to be successful in today’s complex and interconnected global environment. To better understand leadership in 2019, we surveyed a select group of 23 members of APCO’s International Advisory Council (IAC), and asked them to share their perspective on the current state of global leadership...

As corporate playbooks are getting re-written on a daily basis to keep up with this rapidly changing environment, companies are asking: How do I respond in this day and age? ..

I feel I have a tremendous responsibility to train and mentor the next generation of women leaders at all stages of their careers, not just in our profession but in business generally. ..

In Brussels, the EU capital that Trump once referred to as a hellhole, the president’s decision to ditch the Paris climate agreement is met with outcry, but also with determination...

Given the fraught political and social times we’re living in today, brands are stepping up to take a stand on issues seemingly more than ever. This is primarily due to consumers becoming more informed, louder and organized to put pressure on brands – all through the ubiquity of engagement on social media platforms...

The story of Pride today has changed. Instead of the desperate “Why don’t you do something?” the question of Pride 2018 has become: “What are you doing?.”..

If President-elect Donald J. Trump calls – or tweets – are you ready? ..

Our research shows that 56 percent of Americans believe U.S. companies that do business overseas should follow a “Buy American, Hire American” philosophy in their own businesses. ..

International Women’s Day is certainly a time of reflection for many and I am no exception...

To say that globalization is making the world smaller is a trite understatement. The fact is, globalization is blurring the lines between what’s “domestic” and what’s “foreign.”..

Now we are at the end of June, we should take a moment and appreciate the importance this month has for so many people around the world. ..

The transition from the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the new 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—to be ratified at the UN General Assembly in September—is a significant milestone in the global development agenda. ..

In 2017, the talents of women remain deeply underrepresented in STEM fields around the United States. ..

Is a marriage of ideals with a celebrity activist a smart partnership? ..

On April 28, China’s legislature, the National People’s Congress, passed the Foreign NGO Management Law (Chinese/English), the third draft of a law which had already received widespread criticism for moving foreign NGOs operating in China from the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Civil Affairs to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), China’s police and security authority. ..

Let’s face it, communicating on innovation is challenging for companies in any industry. ..

To say that Super Bowl advertisers were operating in a new era this year is a bit of an understatement. ..

There is a role for corporate expertise and knowledge to play in shaping the responses to global challenges. Multinationals will have to find a way to become engaged in this fast moving and turbulent environment, making their voices heard. Or they risk being left behind...

In 2017, many large corporations will face a delicate balancing act. ..

APCO founder and executive chairman, Margery Kraus spoke about ending corruption on a panel at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting...

Here is what we expect to be important for multinationals navigating China’s business and policy landscapes in 2018. ..

In this video, Julie Jack, senior director within APCO’s Sustainable Growth & Corporate Responsibility practice, discusses the changing expectations for companies today. ..

Our research, as well as Fortune's, shows that employees are the centerpiece to any true expression of commitment to global citizenship...

On Tuesday, Starbucks announced it would close 8,000 stores for racial-bias education training May 29...

In recent years, recruitment and retention has crept to the top of the list of the most pressing issues facing communicators at brands, organizations and firms. It's also a major concern for companies in nearly every sector. ..

With the increasing demands from the public on knowing more about how a corporation behaves as a “citizen,” PACs engaging in the political process are bound to come under heightened scrutiny...

2018 was a long year. Many global businesses are ill prepared for an increasingly challenging global regulatory environment, to respond to complex social issues and especially to geopolitical threats and political uncertainty. But those that are better prepared, will be better insulated from unforeseen global shocks...

Anyone with a video camera and an LMS can create online training programs for their company, but is that enough?..

When a team volunteer opportunity is skills-based, it’s often even more impactful, both to the organization or people being served and the volunteers...