Top policy makers, business leaders and academics from around the world are to convene at the first annual Global Sustainability Summit in Madrid on 19-20 January 2012 to discuss the key economic issues facing businesses today in regard to sustainability.

 The two day Summit has been organized by Ernst & Young and the Secretaría General Iberoamericana, in collaboration with the Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE) and the Government of Spain. It will be attended by 150 high level delegates and will cover topics including the role of sustainable policies within an economic crisis; the impact of carbon markets; developing a sustainable model for water trading; the adaptation of the global economy to a low carbon scenario; the role of nuclear in a low carbon economy; how renewable technology can drive economic growth; and the future of environmental policies.

The Summit has a wealth of global speakers attending including José María Aznar – former Prime Minister of Spain; Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada – Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico; Jordy Herrera Flores – Secretary of Energy, Mexico; Juan José Musi – Secretary of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Argentina; and Karen Suassuna – Climate Change Director, Environmental Ministry of Brazil; in addition to numerous influential business leaders.

Commenting on the Summit, Juan Costa-Climent, Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader at Ernst & Young says, “The green economy has huge potential for sustainable employment and prosperity. But without the commitment of policymakers and businesses toward a global solution, rather than discussing how to live in a carbon-constrained economy, the emphasis will be on living in a climate-constrained world.

This summit will place special emphasis on the investment and the commitment that businesses are making towards sustainable projects worldwide. Ernst & Young is delighted to be able to bring together so many high calibre speakers for what promises to be a highly interesting and insightful discussion.”

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