On Monday 1 July, the House of Sustainability, in collaboration with the Institute for Financial Integrity and Sustainability (IFIS), hosted a high-level evening discussion at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce on the future of ESG: “ESG Under Fire: Why It Still Matters.”
At a time when ESG is at a crossroads, this event aimed bring the spotlight back to the strategic value of sustainability, moving beyond the regulatory noise to reflect on how ESG, when rooted in purpose and practice, remains a powerful driver of long-term business success.
The evening was opened with welcoming remarks by Anne-Marie Loesch of the House of Sustainability and Hugo Woestmann of IFIS, setting the tone for a thoughtful and forward-looking discussion.
Then, the audience heard from three distinguished speakers, each bringing a unique perspective to the conversation:
🔹 Professor Ludo Van Der Heyden (INSEAD & IMD) reframed ESG as a mindset rooted in stakeholder orientation and long-term value creation — a concept that, while often seen as new, reflects the natural evolution of responsible business.
🔹 Deep Parekh (Grant Thornton & Solvay Brussels School), author of the forthcoming book Sustainability at a Crossroads, provided concrete examples of how ESG can be integrated into core operations and strategy without unnecessary complexity — turning sustainability into a source of strategic advantage.
🔹 Cemre Aksu (Candriam) offered a critical perspective on the current ESG landscape, advocating for a shift from short-term performance metrics to future commitments, purpose, and values truly embedded into company culture and decision-making.
The panel discussion that followed, moderated by Anthony Smith-Meyer, allowed for a rich exchange of views, challenging assumptions while offering practical takeaways. Audience members submitted and upvoted questions in real time, adding a dynamic and interactive dimension to the event.
The evening concluded with a networking reception, where participants continued the discussion in an informal setting.
This event is part of the House of Sustainability’s ongoing commitment to supporting Luxembourg-based companies in their sustainable transition — not only by providing practical tools and guidance, but also by creating space for reflection, dialogue, and shared ambition.
Credits photos : Chambre de Commerce
