John Elkington: leaders for a responsible future at the RTRS 2024 International Conference
RTRS is delighted to announce that John Elkington, a world authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable development, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s RTRS International Conference, “Towards a Regenerative Transition” in Ghent on November 19 and 20. His speech, titled “How market leaders are regenerating the future”, will explore how effective leadership can drive transformative change and advance the sustainability agenda.
John will address the current challenges within the agricultural sector and discuss how regenerative practices, with a particular focus on soy cultivation, can transform the industry. As he notes, “Major companies have been making public commitments about regenerative farming, which is a good thing. But there is a real and growing risk of what we might call ‘regen-washing.’ The RTRS could help establish important market benchmarks on what ‘regenerative’ should mean, with a major advantage in that the soybean plant enriches and, therefore, can help regenerate agricultural soils.”
Sustainability has evolved over the years, and regeneration now stands at its core, John explains. Drawing on his 50 years of experience, he will highlight the critical role of leadership in fostering a regenerative future. He will explore the powerful forces driving the sustainability movement, showcasing how pioneering leaders and companies are embracing regenerative practices. He emphasizes, “We already see leadership in action from front-runners, and many more smaller-scale initiatives. But the real test will come in making regenerative agriculture a market reality that all key stakeholders are prepared to call for, pay for, and invest in.”
Known for pioneering the concept of the Triple Bottom Line, which measures business success in terms of social and environmental impact, as well as profits, John has been a leading voice in sustainable business practices. His influential books, including Cannibals with Forks and Green Swans, examine the future of sustainable capitalism and the role of regeneration in today’s world.
This keynote promises to be more than just a speech—it’s an inspirational call to action for leaders across sectors to walk together toward a regenerative future. Whether you are a business leader, policymaker, or agricultural stakeholder, John Elkington’s message will inspire and provide a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the foremost thinkers in sustainability. John’s keynote will offer thought-provoking insights and motivate actionable steps to shape the future of the soy industry and beyond.
We look forward to your participation and the valuable contributions you will bring to the conference.
About John Elkington
John Elkington is a renowned author and thought leader in sustainability, having penned or co-authored 20 books, including his most recent work, Green Swans: The Coming Boom in Regenerative Capitalism (Fast Company, 2020). He serves as a Visiting Professor at Cranfield University School of Management, Imperial College, and UCL. With extensive experience, John has been a member of over 80 boards and advisory boards and has contributed to numerous publications.
John co-founded Environmental Data Services (ENDS) and SustainAbility, and is Founder & Chief Pollinator at Volans, a future-focused business working at the intersection of the sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation movements. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing sustainable practices and transformative leadership.
For a more personal insight into his work, visit John Elkington’s website.
Be part. Join us.
Attention: Early bird registration is available until October 1st. Enjoy a 10% discount for groups from the same organization.
