Dates2026 dates TBC Duration and formatThree and half day residential seminar LocationMelbourne, Australia FeeThe standard residential fee is $9,200 + GST. For more information about our fees please visit the dedicated page. |
Selection criteriaDelegates who are accepted to the Programme are typically able to demonstrate:
How to applySubmit your application or get in touch to nominate a colleague via email who meets the above criteria and we will share materials with you to forward on. |
The Business & Sustainability Programme, Australia
Hosted in one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most vibrant innovation hubs, the Melbourne BSP seminar brings together senior leaders navigating complex sustainability challenges in a fast-evolving regional context.
With a focus on transition risks, climate resilience, and shifting investor expectations, this seminar blends global insight with Australian and regional case studies. Delegates build a personalised roadmap for strategic change while connecting with peers across business, finance, and government in the southern hemisphere.
“This programme allowed me to upskill myself in both my sustainability and leadership capabilities and helps me to expand my network of fellow sustainability leaders. Through the programme I found benefits to my own future personal development as well as raising the importance and urgency of sustainability to business and society.”
Daniël van Veen, Partner & Director, PwC Netherland
How the programme is delivered
Participants begin their engagement ahead of the seminar through tailored conversations, a sustainable business survey and preparatory readings.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, case-study presentations, group discussions, individual reflections and networking opportunities. Small-group conversations help participants reflect on their leadership journey, test their assumptions, share challenges , learn from peers and co-create responses.
Key themes
The need for effective business leadership |
With the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity in the context of current global pressures, systems and trends such as food, water and energy security, social equity, consumption and the circular economy, supply chain resilience, sustainable finance and investment and climate change. |
Business strategy and resilience |
The opportunity to move from compliance and incrementalism to future-fit transformation, building a resilient business that will compete on sustainable outcomes. |
The framework for sustainable outcomes |
The frameworks and approaches to enable organisations to protect, create and scale value over the long-term, including leveraging a clear organisational purpose, embedding sustainability into core business models, innovating for solutions and mobilising coalitions. |
Building the case for a sustainable approach to develop a resilient business |
With clear purpose, that will compete on sustainable outcomes that deliver for the long-term whilst producing the returns required in the short term. |
The way to ‘operationalise’ sustainability |
To develop and implement new strategies, innovative solutions and business models that are both sustainable and commercially competitive. |
Leadership capabilities |
The role of individual and collective leadership in framing and communicating a vision for a sustainable and resilient business that will inspire and empower action at scale. |
The faculty of sustainability experts delivering the programme
Each programme is facilitated by an expert faculty of business and policy leaders, academics and influential thinkers. Recent seminars have included:
Paul Gilding
CISL Fellow, independent
writer, corporate advisor and advocate for action on climate change. Former CEO of Greenpeace international
Ian Ellison
CISL Fellow. Former Sustainability Lead in Product Development with Jaguar Land Rover
Sam Mostyn AO
Non-Executive Director on
boards including, Mirvac,
Citibank, and Transurban and multiple non-government organisation including President
of Chief Executive Women
Kate Beddoe
Chief Sustainability & Risk Officer at Silver Fern Farms. Former Vice President Risk & Sustainability for the AMCOR global business and Strategic Risk Manager at Toyota Australia.
Learn more about our exceptional Fellows and Senior Associates.
How do we deal with participants from the same industry?
The seminars provide a safe space for delegates to share and co-explore challenges and ideas relating to their personal and professional context. All discussions are treated as confidential and are conducted under the Chatham House Rule. For some of the more sensitive conversations, attendees from competing organisations are allocated to different syndicate groups, however, there is nothing to prevent these individuals engaging in active debate and sharing of ideas – in our experience, delegates appreciate the opportunity to interact with their peers on a shared sustainability agenda.
How to apply
Approximately 35 delegates are selected to attend each seminar. All nominations are subject to a robust vetting procedure to achieve the right balance on each seminar between industry sectors and between business, government and NGOs.
Submit your application or get in touch to nominate a colleague via email who meets the above criteria and we will share materials with you to forward on.
Please note that you will need to complete the online application form in one sitting, so please ensure that you have all required information with you.
Fees, terms & conditions
We invite organisations to commit to sending one or more senior representatives for three years, thereby ensuring that the understanding built through the course is seeded throughout the organisation. Organisations making this commitment will become ‘Founding Corporate Members’ of the programme in Australia.
Fees: The residential event fee is $9,200 + GST for delegates for one year.
The seminar is delivered in Australia, in collaboration with EY Australia Climate Change and Sustainability Services.
The seminar is delivered in Australia in collaboration with Ernst & Young, Australia, Climate Change and Sustainability Services.
Founding Corporate Members of The CISL Business & Sustainability Programme in Australia
