Terra Tuscany 2024: A gathering for global sustainability leaders

Note to our community: After curating the agenda and speakers for the successful inaugural edition of Terra Tuscany, illuminem has stepped back from involvement in the 2025 edition due to commercial decisions made by the event's organizing company.

As we contend with climate change and accelerating environmental decline, Terra Tuscany 2024 stands as a meeting point for supporting real transformation. We all agree that the road ahead will not be easy and that focusing on meaningful actions today is the only way to shape our future. 

Hosted at Villa Lena in Tuscany from September 2nd to 4th, this event is designed as a conference and an immersive experience—combining thought leadership, strategic discussions, and the beauty of the Italian countryside.

Why Terra Tuscany? 

As scrutiny intensifies on businesses and governments for their environmental impact, navigating the transformation demands accurate information, deep insights, and a well-devised strategy for meaningful progress. Hence, Terra Tuscany offers an opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds in sustainability. 

The summit is a way to move beyond traditional conversations, focusing instead on actionable strategies that can drive change. While discussing challenges is important, prioritising critical evaluation and implementing solutions swiftly holds even greater significance.

For professionals in sustainability, climate action, and corporate responsibility, Terra Tuscany is a chance to connect and acquire a multi-dimensional view of the options ahead. We hope the insights gained here could guide the direction of global sustainability efforts for years to come.

Event highlights: panels, workshops, and networking

Day 1: Immersion and strategic insight

The event kicks off with an inspiring keynote by Sandrine Dixson-Declève, President of The Club of Rome, titled "From Limits to Growth to an Earth for All: Meeting 21st Century Challenges." This session sets the tone for the entire summit, framing the discussions within the context of urgent global challenges.

In an evening keynote titled "Why Having a Sustainability Strategy is Not Enough," Daniel Schmid, Chief Sustainability Officer at SAP, will discuss how businesses can use sustainability as a driver for innovation. This discussion is critical for leaders looking to evolve their sustainability initiatives from mere compliance to a core component of business strategy.

Day 2: Engagement and collaboration

The second day focuses on engagement and the power of collaboration. Workshops like "Decision-Making Power," participated by Elena Morettini, Global Head of Sustainable Business at Globant, will offer attendees the chance to explore how effective communication within organisations can enhance decision-making processes. The interactive nature of these sessions ensures that participants can directly apply the lessons to their organisations.

A particularly timely panel, "Creating Incentive Systems," will explore how the public and private sectors can work together to develop incentives that promote climate action. With insights from experts like Patricio Lombardi, First Secretary of the Climate in the Americas, and Simon Glynn, Founder of ZeroIdeas, this session promises to offer innovative approaches to one of the most significant challenges in sustainability today.

The day concludes with a Sustainability Leadership Masterclass led by Nancy Mahon of Estée Lauder and Michael Kobori of Starbucks. This session will explore how these industry giants lead sustainability efforts and what other organisations can learn from their experiences.

Day 3: Commitment and forward-looking strategies

The summit's final day is dedicated to consolidating insights and planning future actions. Sessions like "Compliance & Regulations," moderated by Sarah Thuo from EY-Parthenon, will address the evolving landscape of sustainability regulations and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve. The "Biodiversity Credits and the Carbon Market" discussion will further expand on how innovative financial instruments like Biodiversity credits can drive conservation efforts.

The event will culminate with a Climate Action Game Plan session, where all the actionable insights from the summit will be summarised, providing attendees with a clear roadmap to implement within their organisations. This session is not just about what was discussed; it's about ensuring that every participant leaves with concrete steps to contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Tuscan experience: nature meets nurture

The choice of Tuscany as the venue is no accident. Every aspect of the event, from the workshops to the dining experiences, is designed to deepen attendees' connections with the natural world. 

Participants will have the chance to reconnect through activities such as hikes in the Tuscan hills. With its 500 hectares of vineyards, gardens, and wildlife, Villa Lena offers a setting to reflect on climate change and the fragility of the environment and provide the mental space needed to think deeply about the issues at hand. 

Looking forward: the impact of Terra Tuscany

The impact of Terra Tuscany 2024 will extend far beyond the event's three days. The conversations, connections, and commitments made here are expected to influence global sustainability practices and innovation for the future. By bringing together leaders from various sectors, the summit creates a unique ecosystem where ideas can be exchanged freely, and collaborations can be formed.

Sustainability is no longer optional but essential. With this in mind, Terra Tuscany offers a rare opportunity to be part of the solution. For those who attend, the insights gained will enhance their professional capabilities and contribute to the broader goal of ensuring a better future for all.

We look forward to meeting you there!

For those seeking last-minute tickets, kindly request them here.