Transition Tensions: Navigating Climate and Social Expectations

• Businesses are being pressed to deliver ambitious climate and social transition plans while responding to growing public scrutiny, political uncertainty, and a range of stakeholder expectations. For companies wishing to act responsibly, the challenges are complex and the path forward is far from clear.
• In response to these dilemmas, IHRB held a Circle of Innovators roundtable on 29 October 2025 in London to explore how responsible businesses are responding to climate, social, and political tensions.
• IHRB has published an Event Summary capturing insights shared during the roundtable including: the rise and risks of ‘corporate hushing’ (companies going silent on their ESG progress); the internal fallout for sustainability teams due legislative uncertainty in Europe; major gaps in the governance of technology and AI; and the essential but overlooked role of the insurance industry to underwrite human rights risks.
• The roundtable, held under the Chatham House Rule, was also an opportunity to welcome IHRB’s new CEO, Brandee M. Butler, during a special talk with our founding chair and patron Mary Robinson.

Thank you to our partners Clifford Chance for hosting this event, and to all participants who joined us.

For almost a decade, IHRB’s series of Circle of Innovators Dialogues has convened senior leaders to explore emerging dilemmas in responsible business. Are there responsible business dilemmas that you would like IHRB to consider for future roundtables? Get in touch at info@ihrb.org.