The Business Lunch, BCSDH’s largest yearly event, served not only as a»networking platform but also as a reflection of how sustainability has moved from boardroom rhetoric to measurable corporate action. The 2025 edition centered around one of the most pressing challenges of our time, climate adaptation, and sought to answer a key question: Is the future of resilience rooted in technology or in nature?
In his opening remarks, Attila Chikán Jr., president of the BCSDH and CEO of listed energy business Alteo Group, emphasized that climate action has become an integral part of business competitiveness.
“Hungarian companies are beginning to understand that sustainability is not a cost, but a long-term investment in resilience,” Chikán said. “The transition toward low-carbon operations, renewable energy, and sustainable leadership requires collaboration and innovation across all sectors.”
The keynote speech was delivered by Georgia Rolfe, principal sustainable technologies consultant at Cambridge Consultants, the deep technology division of Capgemini. Rolfe, who leads the firm’s global initiatives in climate adaptation and resilience, addressed how technology can serve as a bridge between environmental responsibility and economic growth.
“Technology can help us adapt to a changing world, but true resilience comes when we design systems that work in harmony with natural processes and human values. Businesses that align these dimensions will thrive in a decarbonized economy,” she said.
Her global perspective and practical examples resonated with an audience increasingly aware of Hungary’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, from water scarcity to energy dependency. As Rolfe herself put it, “Adaptation requires both courage and creativity. It’s about designing future systems where businesses and nature don’t compete, but co-evolve.”
Following the keynote, a thought-provoking panel discussion entitled “Beyond the Role of the Business Leader” explored the human side of sustainability. Moderated by Balázs Báthory, deputy CEO of leading Hungarian construction company Market Építő Zrt., the discussion featured Zoltán Gazsi, founder of the Blue Zone Community, and Tibor Hodik, CEO of Progressive Reklám and natu group.
The participants reflected on what it means to inspire systemic change, not only through corporate strategy, but through personal example and commitment.
Hodik shared how marketing and communication industries are evolving to embrace genuine sustainability rather than surface-level campaigns.
“Leaders must understand that responsibility cannot stop at the company gates,” he said. “When executives show that sustainability is part of their personal ethos, not just their business plan, others follow naturally.”
Gazsi added that the essence of sustainable transformation lies in community: “We must reconnect with the values that keep people and nature in balance,” he said. “A leader’s greatest role today is to model this connection in every decision.”
Throughout the afternoon, the event highlighted the results of BCSDH’s professional programs, which this year focused heavily on climate resilience, emissions reduction, and sustainable business models.
The Future Leaders Program, one of the BCSDH’s flagship initiatives, saw a new generation of young professionals graduate who will shape the country’s sustainable economy in the years ahead. The program aims to cultivate ethical, forward-thinking leaders capable of integrating ESG principles into everyday corporate practice.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the “For a Sustainable Future” awards, which recognized Hungarian companies and individuals for their excellence in sustainability, innovation, and long-term value creation. Each year, the award honors those who integrate environmental and social responsibility into their core strategies, setting benchmarks for the domestic business sector.
This year’s laureates represent a wide range of industries, from energy to construction, technology, and communications, demonstrating that sustainability is not limited to a single sector. The awards underscore BCSDH’s mission to accelerate systemic change and encourage cross-sector collaboration among Hungary’s leading corporations.
In an exclusive conversation after the event, BCSDH representatives emphasized that 2025 marks a turning point in how Hungarian companies approach sustainability.
“We see a clear shift toward measurable impact,” one of the organizers said. “It’s no longer enough to make commitments; companies are expected to show tangible progress. The ‘For a Sustainable Future’ award recognizes exactly that: evidence of transformation.”
The business lunch also offered participants an opportunity to network and exchange ideas on topics ranging from renewable energy and biodiversity protection to circular economy practices. The event attracted representatives from multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups alike, reflecting the growing integration of sustainability into Hungary’s entire business ecosystem.
The closing remarks reiterated BCSDH’s commitment to continuing its educational and professional programs to strengthen Hungary’s sustainability framework. Initiatives such as the Future Leaders Program and ongoing research into circular economy models will continue to build a bridge between science, business, and society.
By the end of the event, it was clear that Hungary’s sustainable business movement is maturing rapidly. As one participant summarized during the networking lunch: “What we’re seeing now is no longer discussion; it’s implementation. Hungarian companies are learning that being future-ready means being sustainability-driven.”
With this year’s business lunch, BCSDH once again reinforced its role as a hub for responsible business dialogue and innovation, helping to ensure that Hungary’s corporate sector remains aligned with global sustainability goals while addressing local challenges through collaboration, education, and leadership.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of October 17, 2025.
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