The event, scheduled for Thursday, 24 July, at the Focus Rooms in Modderfontein (Sandton), Johannesburg, will bring together industry leaders, professionals and operators to delve into practical strategies for embedding ESG into their operations.

In a significant development, CILTSA has partnered with SAPICS as an event supporter for the first time, while Isuzu proudly sponsors the event for the fourth consecutive year.

Sectoral Sustainability

Accurately measuring the impact of ESG initiatives and effectively managing the subsequent changes is paramount for the long-term success and sustainability of the transport and supply chain landscape.

A clear understanding of the tangible effects of environmental efforts, social responsibility programmes, and robust governance frameworks empowers organisations to make informed decisions, optimise resource allocation, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.  Furthermore, the dynamic nature of the global business environment necessitates proactive change management strategies to adapt to evolving regulations, shifting market demands, and increasing societal expectations concerning ESG.

In a crowded marketplace, ESG initiatives can differentiate a company from its competitors, enhance brand reputation and lead to increased customer loyalty and market share (iris carbon, 2024). The CILTSA ESG conference is designed to equip attendees with essential knowledge and practical tools to not only measure their organisation's ESG footprint, but also to effectively navigate and lead necessary transformations within their operations.

A Bold Agenda for a Sustainable Future

The conference programme offers in-depth exploration of climate change, the preservation of biodiversity, and the principles of circularity.

A panel discussion will examine the broader context of global policy shifts and their specific implications for Africa's sustainable development. Titled "Navigating Uncertainty: Global Volatility & African Sustainability: An ESG Perspective", this session will explore alternative funding mechanisms and resilience strategies that can be adopted in the face of evolving international policies.

Attendees will gain insights into the implications of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the European Union's impending carbon tariff. The implementation of CBAM in 2026 presents significant challenges for exporters, particularly concerning the mandatory measurement of both direct and indirect emissions associated with their products.

To address this issue, a dedicated session titled "CBAM: Your Immediate Action Plan - Practical Steps for South African Businesses" will provide tangible and actionable guidance, including practical checklists, realistic timelines, and valuable resource guides, to assist businesses prepare. This session will highlight how CBAM affects transport and logistics operators and explain how regulatory changes in carbon pricing might influence freight costs or shipping volumes.

Moreover, a dedicated session focusing on ESG accountability will tackle the inherent complexities of ESG reporting and the diverse landscape of existing mechanisms and increasing enforcement measures.

Catalysts of Change

"This event serves as a crucial catalyst for transformative change within our industry," states Elvin Harris, President of CILTSA. "By convening a diverse range of leading experts, our primary aim is to equip professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively drive sustainability and build greater resilience within their organisations."

"The ESG conference serves as a crucial platform to explore in detail how robust and well-integrated ESG strategies can significantly strengthen supply chains, ensuring they are not only sustainable and adaptable but also contribute meaningfully to the broader economic growth of Africa," adds SAPICS President Thato Moloi.

Secure Your Spot

Registration for the conference is now open and can be accessed at https://cvlc.co.za/registrations/. Early booking is strongly recommended. For those interested in exploring sponsorship or speaking opportunities at the conference, please contact the CILTSA team directly via the registration portal.

SAPICS President Thato Moloi