On April 10th, the first-ever Impact Day Vilnius, co-created with Sustaiming, took place at Vilnius Airport Conference Center, bringing together sustainability leaders, businesses, and changemakers to spark bold conversations and drive practical action.
The spotlight of the day was on the EU Omnibus proposal – a highly relevant and timely topic within the sustainability community. But beyond the policies and paperwork, the true essence of the event came through loud and clear: sustainability is here to stay, and it’s evolving.
ESG is Not Dead — It’s Transforming
The biggest myth we busted? That ESG is losing relevance. On the contrary – it’s maturing.
“ESG isn’t just about ticking reporting boxes. It’s about risk management, strategy, and opportunity creation.”
The deferral of some ESG requirements (postponed to 2027 under the Omnibus package) isn’t a green light to pause. It’s a moment to prepare smarter, act faster, and lead responsibly.
From banks to investors, stakeholders are watching, and rewarding, businesses that are credible, transparent, and authentic in their sustainability efforts.
Key Reflections from the Day
Here are the takeaways that resonated across our community:
- Sustainability is not a trend. It’s long-term risk management, value creation, and business strategy.
- Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) is the backbone of any effective impact strategy.
- Reporting isn’t the goal – impact is. Data is essential, but so is storytelling and analysis.
- ESG is rebranding, not vanishing. Let’s simplify without losing the essence.
- Waiting is the biggest risk. The time to act is now.
- Smart decarbonization isn’t a cost – it’s a business opportunity.
- Real change starts within. It’s not just a CEO’s responsibility, but a culture that involves everyone.
- Tech + sustainability go hand in hand – especially with AI.
- Experimentation is key. Only through testing and trying do we discover what truly works.
Spruce Trees & Storytelling
Even the stage decor told a story. The “irregular” spruce trees – once unsold Christmas leftovers – were given a second life as symbols of beauty in imperfection and sustainability in practice. This small detail sparked meaningful conversations and reminded us of the power of storytelling in sustainability.
Final Thought
Impact Day Vilnius reminded us that sustainability isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Whether you’re a multinational or a startup, the shift is clear: ESG is evolving, the climate crisis remains urgent, and those who lead with action (not just intention) will shape the future.
Here’s to more bold, honest, and forward-thinking conversations – and even more impactful actions to come.
