About the Event
THE DIPLOMAT – BUCHAREST & SUSTAINABILITY TODAY organizes on October 13th, 2026, the 7th edition of the SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS FORUM & AWARDS GALA dedicated to recognizing the performance of initiatives, projects, companies and leaders in the Romanian economy.
Established 7 years ago, the Business Sustainability Forum and Awards Gala annually presents the essential and fundamental elements of sustainability and ecological developments within the Sustainability Forum and rewards the performance of initiatives, projects, companies and leaders operating in intersectoral fields in Romania within the Sustainability Awards Gala.
AGENDA
13:00 – 13:30
Welcome Guests & Official Opening Address
13:30 – 15:15
SUSTAINABILITY FORUM- SESSION I
Governance & Compliance: ESG Integration Under Europe’s Evolving Policy Landscape
Focus: Aligning Policy, Finance, and Compliance for Sustainable Transition and ESG Accountability
Key Discussion Topics:
• National Sustainability Priorities: Policy, Investment, and Sectoral Transition Plans
• Navigating the New Sustainability Rulebook: CSRD, ESRS, and Emerging EU Obligations
• Sustainable Capital: Accessing Green Financing, Incentives, and EU Taxonomy Opportunities
• Corporate Accountability: Preparing for ESG Audits and Regulatory Scrutiny
15 15 – 15:30
Coffee Break
15:30 – 17:30
SUSTAINABILITY FORUM- SESSION II
Operational Transformation, Net-Zero Strategy and the Future of Industry
Focus: Scalable solutions for industrial efficiency and decarbonization
Key Discussion Topics:
• Decarbonizing the Value Chain (Scope 3): Collaborative frameworks with logistics and supply chain partners to reduce indirect emissions.
• Green Energy & Mobility Infrastructure: Accelerating electric fleet adoption, charging network development, and facility energy optimization.
• The AI Edge in ESG: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for supplier data collection and reporting automation.
• Industrial Best Practices: Success stories and benchmarks in low-carbon technology adoption and process modernization.
• Climate Resilience & Asset Protection: Strategies for ensuring business continuity against emerging environmental risks.
• Strategic Public-Private Partnerships: Unlocking EU and national funding to accelerate large-scale green investment projects
17:30 – 18:15
Networking Cocktail & Gala Dinner
18:15 – 20:15
THE FORUM
As companies navigate increasing climate pressures, shifting regulatory frameworks, and heightened societal expectations, sustainability has become a core driver of resilience, competitiveness, and long-term value creation.
The Sustainability in Business Forum provides a strategic platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector cooperation, supporting the integration of ESG principles into business models and operational processes.
Throughout the event, participants will explore key themes such as decarbonization pathways, circular economy models, sustainable finance, digital transformation, and modern approaches to corporate governance. Case studies, expert insights, and sector-focused discussions will highlight both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain in transitioning toward a greener and more inclusive economy.
AWARDS GALA
The SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS GALA is dedicated to the performance and proven commitment in the development of sustainable initiatives, projects and leaders in the business sectors of the Romanian economy, to highlight even more the primary importance of acting sustainably regardless of industry or region. The Gala event portrays and rewards the concepts, projects, leaders and companies that made a mark in the sustainability field in Romania. The Gala Awards displays and explores cutting-edge solutions and the most relevant voices in climate change, resource conservation, and ethical business practices. The event not only serves as a catalyst for driving change but also cultivates a sense of collective responsibility, inspiring participants to play an active role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient global economy.
The SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS GALA aims at offering the spotlight for standing out leading companies, managers and projects as FRONT-RUNNERS IN SUSTAINABILITY.
THE SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS have been designated to COMPANIES, LEADERS AND INITIATIVES that have met the criteria of:
• Successfully meeting the sustainability objectives / targets
• The innovative and new approach of the project / initiative
• The commitment and perseverance of promoting and leading sustainable projects in the company and industry
• The scale up potential of the initiative / project at the level of company and industry
NOMINATION TIMELINE
1 June: Start of nominations entries for all categories. Companies and individuals can submit their nomination choices using the online platform for GENERAL & SPECIAL CATEGORIES.
21 September: Deadline for nominations entries. The nominating procedure will be closed after this date and late entries will not be considered for Sustainability Awards 2026 edition.
22 September – 5 October: ONLINE PUBLIC VOTING for categories: BRAND OF THE YEAR and SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING & COMMUNICATIONS
22 September: All nominations entered in the competition will be submitted to Jury.
13 October 2026. The WINNERS’ announcement and Awarding Ceremony
