ESG White Paper
INTRODUCTION 2025 marks the fourth 50 Rising Stars in ESG, celebrating a new generation of global female leaders driving sustainability, equity and purpose-led innovation. The Panel and the 2025 Listees were invited to the Financial Times' London office to discuss insights on evolving priorities, challenges and opportunities within ESG. They showed how their lived experiences are driving meaningful change in their communities.
REACH AND IMPACT Women of the Future has an expanding global footprint, drawing participants from across continents and industries. Panellists exemplified this diversity. Their stories demonstrated how ESG transcends sectors and highlighted the power of local innovation with global resonance. Linda Estrella del Mar Montilla-Celis, Venezuela
Mercy Phiri Zambia
"Being part of the ESG Listing has been a truly meaningful experience! It reminded me that even from the most unexpected places, we can shine, inspire others, dream big, and build positive change within our communities."
"It’s been empowering: WOF is a platform that celebrates growth, amplifies women’s voices, and connects us to a network of changemakers shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world. This network has opened more opportunities for me."
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN 2025 • AUSTRALIA • BRAZIL • CAMBODIA • CANADA • GERMANY • HAITI
• INDIA • INDONESIA • JAPAN • KAZAKHSTAN • KENYA • MALAWI
• MALAYSIA • MEXICO • MOLDOVA • NEPAL • NIGERIA • NORWAY
• PAKISTAN • PERÚ • PORTUGAL • RWANDA • SOUTH AFRICA • SPAIN
• NETHERLANDS • UNITED KINGDOM • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • UNITED STATES
• VENEZUELA • ZAMBIA • ZIMBABWE
PANEL DISCUSSION / KEY THEMES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ESG • community-led governance is essential • sustainable solutions must be co-created by the people they aim to serve; •g ender equality remains a cornerstone; • women should lead decision-making processes
Miriam Zara Walker-Khan, UK Founder, Brown Girl Sport UK
Saki Tsuru, Japan MSc Student in Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, LSE
Dr Cassandra Bolanle Akinde, Nigeria CoFounder/Trustee, The Neo Child Initiative for Africa
"In a year of a challenging global climate for ESG, meeting this year's listees provided hope, knowing the future is in the hands of individuals maintaining progress and leading the charge on an equitable future for all." – Ruksana Bhaijee, UK
ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS The future of ESG depends on inclusive leadership. With integrity-driven investment and the courage to take risks in pursuit of sustainable progress, we will deliver tangible results for both stakeholders and the planet.
Rukasana Bhaijee, UK Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Financial Times
For the full Panel Discussion scan the QR code
TOGETHER WE WILL : mpower Communities as Co-Architects: Embed E local voices in governance and project design to ensure relevance and longevity. hampion Women’s Leadership: Move beyond C token representation to give women clear authority in ESG decision-making. lign Capital with Values: Pursue funding that A prioritises measurable social and environmental outcomes over short-term financial gains. everage Storytelling for Change: Use diverse L and authentic narratives to humanise ESG issues and mobilise support. oster Networks and Mutual Learning: Build global F peer communities to share tools, lessons and encouragement across borders.
SUPPORTED BY
womenofthefuture.co.uk