Hogan Lovells ESG Game Changers Summit 2025: Navigating the future of ESG and sustainability

The keynote was opened by Katie Dunn (associate), who introduced Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, co-hosts of The Rest Is Politics. They discussed the importance of constructive disagreement in tackling complex issues such as climate transition, responsible supply chains, and shifting stakeholder  expectations. They emphasised that genuine progress depends on bringing business, policymakers, and civil society around the same table — and continuing the dialogue even when it’s difficult.

The Summit also featured an interactive session, “ESG Under Pressure,” which re-enacted some of the toughest climate, sustainability, and ESG scenarios leaders face today. The session put attendees in the hot seat to explore how complex decisions are made under real-world constraints. Speakers included Andy Dewis  (Founder and CEO of Pineapple Partnerships), Rachael Sherratt (Sustainable Business Transformation Director at The Crown Estate), Rita Hunter (partner) and Hannah Piper (partner).

Adrian Walker, Head of Climate, Sustainability, and ESG at Hogan Lovells, commented: “ESG, sustainability, and climate challenges aren’t going away — but the conversation is maturing. The organisations that come out ahead will be those that make ESG strategy practical, defensible, and aligned with business outcomes — not just ideals.”

Following an evening of industry insights and compelling arguments the key take-aways from our external speakers were:

1. Climate, sustainability and ESG are  long games: Amid shifting politics and pressure, organizations that keep a steady long-term view, rather than rewriting policies with every headline, will build the most durable trust.
2. Leadership means clarity under pressure: As Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell reminded us, credible leaders don’t react. They communicate, stay consistent, and make the hard calls when values and business collide.
3. Complexity is here to stay: Climate, sustainability and ESG choices are no longer binary. The challenge — and opportunity — lies in balancing regulation, reputation, and real-world pragmatism.
4. Collaboration drives resilience: Progress comes from alignment between in-house counsel, boards, and advisors — not from silos. The future of climate, sustainability and ESG is shared, not owned.