This year marks the 25th edition of the GlobeScan / SustainAbility Leaders Survey. Since 1997, we have been tracking sustainability experts’ views on the urgency of sustainability issues and asking them to identify the companies, NGOs, and governments perceived to be leaders in advancing the sustainable development agenda.

This year’s survey comes at a time when many feel there is new momentum around sustainable development.

As critical milestones for progress on the SDGs and the Paris Agreement move alarmingly closer, forcing us to acknowledge the urgency of action, sustainability is being mainstreamed into more and more aspects of business and everyday life. The private sector’s commitment is reflected by the ever-growing number of companies making commitments on climate, biodiversity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and other issues. Governments are aligning policies with ambitions for inclusive, green growth.

NGOs and academics are stressing the myriad urgent threats globally and calling for transformational change in response. With two make-or-break global conferences this year on climate and biodiversity and the post-pandemic recovery accelerating, 2021 presents a fascinating moment for the Leaders Survey to dive into what is shifting sustainability leadership trends now.