Boards and management teams are under growing pressure to show not only good reporting, but real preparedness. The World Economic Forum’s latest Global Risks Report highlights how environmental, geopolitical, and social shocks are converging faster than most governance systems can adapt. Compliance with Sustainability Due Diligence (SDD) is only the starting point – the real measure of leadership is anticipation.
Looking ahead, three sustainability risks stand out:
1. Forced–Labour and Human Rights Exposure
Supply chains remain vulnerable to hidden risks. With new bans and due diligence rules in the EU, UK, and Australia, the consequences include market access restrictions, seized shipments, and financial exposure. Boards and management need greater transparency and closer collaboration along their supply chains to stay ahead.
2. Climate and Geopolitical Disruptions
Armed conflict and extreme weather rank among today’s top global risks. Together, they threaten supply continuity, resource security, and cost stability. The opportunity is not just to protect operations, but to build competitive advantage through adaptive, diversified, and resilient value chains.
3. Community and Stakeholder Expectations
Local communities, regulators, and civil society increasingly expect companies to respect resources such as land and water, and to share benefits more fairly. Managed proactively, these relationships can reduce delays and disputes – while also creating long–term value through trust, legitimacy, and smoother project delivery.
The common thread? Sustainability foresight isn’t just about shielding value, it’s about creating it.
Boards and management teams that use SDD frameworks to build resilience, scenario planning, and stakeholder partnerships will be best placed to seize opportunity in disruption.
At Enact, we help leadership teams make that shift – from reactive compliance to anticipatory governance.
→ Which of these risks feels closest to your business reality today ?
Text by Sofia Svingby, Senior Advisor Enact Group
For more information or to explore how we can support your company, contact me at sofia.svingby@enact.se
