The 2024 Ksapa Annual Event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to accelerate the global movement for a just transition. Held in the heart of Paris, this exceptional event brought together experts, partners, and clients for an evening rich with strategic discussions, inspiring moments, and captivating music. It provided an opportunity to reflect on Ksapa’s first five years since its inception in 2019. Attendees highlighted Ksapa’s role as a catalyst and facilitator of ambitious societal transformations, underscoring the organization’s genuine intentionality by sharing their experiences from working alongside Ksapa. In this blog, we revisit the key moments from this memorable evening, structured around three themes: insights from the discussions, a celebration of Ksapa’s mission, and critical lessons for advancing the movement for a just transition over the next five years.
Just Transition: Mobilizing Resources, Clarifying Roles, and Organizing Coalitions
The event, held at the prestigious Théâtre Déjazet, began with a warm session of networking, reconnecting, and exchanging ideas. This informal gathering allowed participants to build relationships, share their experiences with Ksapa, and discuss visions for key themes of the just transition. Attendees also had the chance to explore the historic and underutilized venue, adding a unique touch to this professional gathering.
Living Wages in Value Chains: From Commitments to Concrete Actions
The first panel discussion tackled a critical sustainability challenge: how to translate living wage commitments into tangible action. Three speakers shared their perspectives:
- Hervé Deguine, NGO and Civil Society Relations Manager at Michelin, highlighted the group’s reflections and initiatives in this area.
- Florian Grosset, an economist specializing in development and environmental issues (École Polytechnique, Paris), explored how living wages must adapt to local contexts, emphasizing the importance of field feedback.
- Sylvie Le Bras, ESG Manager at Arkéa Capital, shed light on how private equity can influence investment approaches, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often unfamiliar with these topics.
For more details on this panel, click here.
Ksapa’s Experience and its Mission Committee
The evening continued with a presentation from Ksapa team members, whose diverse backgrounds reflect the organization’s commitment to combining expertise in sustainability, investment, development, agronomy, digitalization, law and many other aspects illustrative of our multidisciplinary approach. They showcased Ksapa’s initiatives in mobilization, advisory services, activation programs, and financing solutions.
Isabelle Nicolai, a sustainable economy researcher at Paris-Saclay CentraleSupélec and Director of the Master’s Program in CSR and Organizational Performance, shared her insights as a member of Ksapa’s Mission Committee. She emphasized the importance of rigorous follow-up to ensure measurable, concrete outcomes and highlighted the significant progress achieved since Ksapa’s launch, driven by a genuine organizational ethos.
Building Long-Lasting, Multi-Stakeholder Coalitions at Scale
A second panel focused on forming sustainable, multi-stakeholder coalitions to scale up just transition initiatives. Panelists included:
Marie-Aimée Boury, Head of Impact-Based Finance at Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking, who outlined the role of impact finance in accelerating sustainable transitions and the importance of partnerships between institutions and agile organizations to amplify the movement.
Frédéric Pinglot, Vice President of Human Rights at Schneider Electric, who discussed the company’s efforts to integrate human rights into its global operations.
A Toast to Collaboration: Celebrating and Inspiring the Just Transition Movement
The event concluded with a networking dinner, where participants deepened their discussions over wine and appetizers. This convivial atmosphere encouraged the exchange of ideas, fostered new partnerships, and shaped future steps for advancing the just transition.
The evening exemplified Ksapa’s commitment to inspiring, connecting, and catalyzing action on social and environmental transformations. From high-level interventions to enriching dialogues and collective celebration, the event marked a pivotal moment in Ksapa’s journey—a time to reflect and unite. It underscored how diverse expertise in sustainable finance, human rights, agro-economy, and digital innovation can come together effectively to drive large-scale societal change. Ultimately, the event reinforced a fundamental truth: achieving a just transition requires collaboration, innovation, and collective engagement.
A Memorable Evening: Celebration and Inspiration
The festive aspects of the evening added another layer of inspiration. Hosted at Théâtre Déjazet, one of Paris’s oldest cultural institutions, Ksapa celebrated five years of success, growth, and impact.
A Timeless Musical Moment
A highlight of the evening was the captivating performance by the Georges Granville Trio, whose jazz harmonies infused with Caribbean influences mesmerized the audience. Their music served as a powerful metaphor: just as harmony among instruments creates a masterpiece, Ksapa’s success relies on the synergy of diverse expertise.
History Supporting Vision
The choice of Théâtre Déjazet was symbolic. As Paris’s oldest theater, once hosting Mozart in 1776, it underscored the importance of grounding modern efforts in rich historical and cultural contexts. In this historic venue, participants from various backgrounds exchanged ideas and stories, reinforcing a sense of unity and shared mission. Entrepreneurs, sustainability experts, and financial partners discussed future steps to accelerate the just transition. This informal yet dynamic space fostered connections and paved the way for fruitful collaborations.
Key Takeaways for the Future of Ksapa and the Movement
The Ksapa 2024 Annual Event not only celebrated a five-year journey but also provided valuable lessons for shaping the future. Here are the main takeaways:
- Collaboration is Key
Ksapa thrives on a unique synergy of expertise in finance, human rights, sustainability, and innovation. The event reaffirmed the critical role of this collaborative ecosystem in addressing the complex challenges of societal transition. - Historical and Cultural Roots Matter
The choice of Théâtre Déjazet highlighted the importance of anchoring contemporary efforts in inspiring and meaningful contexts, deepening stakeholder connections and reinforcing Ksapa’s mission. - Music as a Powerful Metaphor
The Georges Granville Trio’s performance illustrated a profound truth: just as musical compositions require balance and collaboration, the just transition demands harmony among innovation, expertise, and social inclusion. - Emotion and Energy Drive Change
The event demonstrated how collective emotion and energy can inspire action and motivate partners. This passion fuels Ksapa’s teams to push boundaries and maximize societal impact.
Conclusion: A Collective Journey Towards a Just Transition
The Ksapa 2024 Annual Event was more than a gathering—it was a moment of connection, reflection, and inspiration. From strategic discussions in the morning to cultural celebrations in the evening, every moment highlighted Ksapa’s impact and leadership in the just transition movement. As the world continues to face challenges such as climate change, social inequalities, and economic instability, Ksapa’s mission remains vital. Rooted in a governance model validated by an independent Mission Committee and strengthened by diverse partnerships and global resources, Ksapa is well-positioned to amplify its impact in the years ahead.
Join the Ksapa community to build a more just and sustainable future. And don’t miss the enchanting sounds of the Georges Granville Trio, a musical embodiment of Ksapa’s values—discover their talent here.
Author of several books and resources on business, sustainability and responsibility. Working with top decision makers pursuing transformational changes for their organizations, leaders and industries. Working with executives improving resilience and competitiveness of their company and products given their climate and human right business agendas. Connect with Farid Baddache on Twitter at @Fbaddache.
