FNZCCI Climate & Sustainability Forum 2025

The Climate & Sustainability Forum is one of the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s (FNZCCI) flagship annual events, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability professionals from New Zealand, France, and Europe.

The Forum takes place on Thursday, 23 October 2025, preceding the high-profile EU-New Zealand Business Summit. Together, these events will highlight the vital role of sustainability in shaping the future of NZ-EU trade relations.

This year’s theme - “The Decarbonisation of Trade and Transportation” - focuses on the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of climate action and global commerce.

Programme:

The morning's programme will consist of two high-level panel discussions, featuring local and international experts, guided discussions, and audience Q&A.

08:00 – 08:30 | Arrival, registration & networking breakfast

08:30 – 08:40 | Welcome from FNZCCI and host and sponsor BECA

08:40 – 09:00 | Opening addresses by Ambassadors Laurence Beau (France), and Lawrence Meredith (EU)

09:00 – 09:45 | Panel 1: Understanding the EU Sustainability Agenda

09:45 – 10:25 | Panel 2: Decarbonisation of Transportation

10:25 – 10:30 | Closing remarks and thank you

10:30 – 11:00 | Informal networking

Speakers & Panellists

Attendees will be welcomed by FNZCCI Vice President and Climate and Sustainability Committee Co-Chair Frederik Cornu and Beca's Chief Executive Officer Amelia Linzey.

The Forum will be formally opened by H.E. Laurence Beau, French Ambassador to New Zealand, and H.E. Lawrence Meredith, EU Ambassador to New Zealand, underscoring the shared commitment of France, the EU, and New Zealand to advancing climate action and sustainable trade.

Panel 1: Understanding the EU Sustainability Agenda - What NZ Businesses Need to Know

How European regulations such as the Green Deal, CSRD, CBAM, and EUDR are reshaping international trade, and what New Zealand exporters and suppliers must do to remain competitive.

Panel 2: Decarbonising Transportation - Confronting the Carbon Cost of Freight

Tackling freight and logistics emissions, from long-haul shipping to last-mile delivery, and highlighting solutions in low-carbon innovation, policy incentives, and cross-border collaboration.

Why Attend?

Gain practical insights into the rapidly changing sustainability policy landscape.
Connect with senior business leaders, government officials, and innovators.
Position your organisation as a leader in sustainable trade and transport.
Build valuable partnerships across the NZ-EU business corridor.