11 years ago, the world gathered in Paris to sign a promise. This week, at ChangeNOW 2026, 40,000 of the world’s changemakers returned to see if we’ve kept it.
The sentiment is mixed. While the architecture for change is being built, the global pace remains sobering. We are still far from where we need to be to eradicate our planet’s greatest challenges.
Yet, with 10,000 leading companies and 1,200 impact investors under one roof at the world’s largest event for solutions for the planet, the tone has shifted. The conversation is no longer about whether we can solve the climate crisis, but rather how we can scale-up the concrete solutions already in existence.
Below, we break down the key takeaways and insights from a few of the 500+ speakers who are driving positive impact.
Fool me twice
It’s become commonplace for companies to make grandiose plans and pledges to become more sustainable. We often hear things like “we’ll be plastic-free by 2025”, or “we are working to towards 100% renewable energy by 2030”, or “we’re aiming for the business to be net-zero by 2050”.
How often have you noticed a business’ proposed date is reached but the goal has not been achieved? Suddenly, the messaging changes, the promise is diluted or the goal is pushed back to a later date. As Gauthier Acket, Head of Global ESG at KPMG International says, “there’s a lot of noise and then backtracking, which leads to fatigue and distrust.”
He’s not the only one that sees this: several speakers comment on how trust is low in their respective industries. “Customers want more sustainable businesses, but they’re jaded and don’t trust marketing from most companies,” says Fredrika Klarén, Head of Sustainability at Polestar, electric performance car brand.
Marcel Härtlein, CEO of Aura Blockchain Consortium, a non-profit organisation offering blockchain agnostic solutions exclusively to luxury brands, concurs. He comments on how customers want information on a product’s carbon emissions, where the material has been sourced from and how much energy was used. “Traceability and trust are important KPIs for all luxury items. Customers want to know that the sustainability claims a business makes are true,” shares Härtlein.
Proof beyond a promise
In line with dipping trust, there’s a growing demand for transparency. Tom Tapper, co-founder of creative agency Nice & Serious says, “the era of vague statements is over. Customers don’t want promises, they want proof.”
As one example, Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering explains the business has complete traceability of its materials, a circular approach and invests in regeneration. It recognises that without raw materials, the business has no future.
Accurate reporting now underpins investor confidence, risk management, and the credibility of a company’s green transition plan. To maintain customer and stakeholder trust and loyalty, businesses need robust climate-impact verification. Science-based methodologies, lifecycle data and independent assurance are essential, not only for compliance but also long-term business success.
Less talk, more action
The most prominent common thread reiterated throughout the week was on lack of action. Nemonte Nenquimo, Waorani leader and Co-founder of Ceibo Alliance and Amazon Frontlines points out a harsh truth.
Nenquimo asks us: “We’re in a constant state of speaking and a massive lack of action. Wasn’t it in the same city that we sat here 11 years ago talking about a solution? We keep opening these spaces to talk about solutions, but when is anything going to change?” In many cases, it appears we’re going in the wrong direction. According to ChangeNOW, the global economy is now only 7.2% circular, down from over 9% in 2019.
Harald Friedl, Chief Heart Officer & Circular Economist echoes Nenquimo’s feelings. He speaks honestly, saying, “I had stopped coming to these conferences. I believe all the words have already been spoken.” He reflects on how it’s a great space to make the connections for change, but it’s about time we overcome the intention-action gap.
Nenquimo reminds us that indigenous people have lived in complete harmony with the planet for thousands of years and have the solutions to living a sustainable life. “You’re waging war across the world based on extraction, which will cause the capitalist system you live in to collapse,” she says.
More takeaways from ChangeNOW 2026 coming soon, follow STERNA for more.
