Leaders 2050 is a KPMG-led internal and external network for ambitious young professionals who are passionate about shaping the sustainable economy of tomorrow. The aim of the network is to equip the next generation with the skills, networks and goals they need to achieve a more sustainable future.
Why did we found Leaders 2050?
Young people and future leaders play a crucial role in promoting positive change.
Throughout their careers, young professionals will be at the centre of tackling key issues facing society today - from climate change to social inequality. The "voice of young professionals" is not always heard in the climate and decarbonisation debate.
Net Zero is one of the most important challenges of our time
Achieving net zero will be one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Governments, businesses, investors, non-governmental organisations and consumers are increasingly recognising the need to act now to prevent the worst effects of climate change and limit global warming.
Industry networks are important for bringing about change
Realising Net Zero and tackling societal issues will be a complex journey that requires collaboration on an unprecedented scale. Leaders 2050 provides an opportunity to strengthen cross-sector relationships and bring together future leaders from diverse backgrounds to work towards a common goal.
Climate change is a global phenomenon and will impact us all. Despite this, its effects are not felt equally and those most impacted tend to be from the most disadvantaged groups. Solutions to help reduce or reverse climate change will have widespread impacts on all our lives, and it will be vital that they are implemented in a way that is balanced, fair, and just for all.
Further information
Past events
Kick-Off Leaders 2050 in Germany
What: A kick-off event to launch the German Leaders 2050 Community took place in cooperation with Wacker Chemie AG. The event served as a kick-off event to network young professionals and managers in the field of sustainability (ESG) and to engage them in dialogue.
Who? Over 40 young professionals from KPMG and WACKER Chemie AG, including John McCalla-Leacy, Global Head of ESG at KPMG and Dr Peter Gigler, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Wacker Chemie AG
Why? The aim was to connect young professionals and executives to promote exchange on global ESG trends, supply chain laws and the role of young talent in sustainable business development.
Key Takeaways
- One third of 18-24 year olds turn down job offers due to poor ESG track record (Leaders 2050 survey "Climate quitting")
- Focus on supply chain laws and CSDDD: implementation and impact on companies
- Young professionals are actively shaping the sustainable transformation of the economy and society
Leaders 2050: Why biodiversity must be on the corporate agenda
Practical and pragmatic - this is how pioneers from the world of business approach the topic of biodiversity. The Leaders 2050 network brought together the perspectives of science, companies and young professionals.
What: Leaders 2050 event on "Biodiversity in the corporate context" - focussing on strategies on how companies can promote biodiversity and manage risks from the loss of nature.
Who? Over 40 young professionals from KPMG and guests including Nadine-Lan Hönighaus, Beate Stuis, Lilly Hambrecht (KPMG), Dr Johannes Förster (Helmholtz Centre), Dr Kim Mengering (Deutsche Bahn), Dr Dirk Voeste (VW Group).
Why? Biodiversity is an underestimated ESG factor with financial risks and opportunities. The aim was to anchor biodiversity more firmly on corporate agendas.
Key takeaways
- Biodiversity is a basic prerequisite for a stable economy and society
- Loss of nature harbours considerable financial risks
- Companies must measurably integrate biodiversity into ESG strategies
- Young professionals contribute new approaches to promoting ecological resilience
Biodiversity is more than just species diversity - it is the foundation for keeping nature and society in balance. If we protect and strengthen it, we create opportunities for the future.
Leaders 2050: How we are developing AI that is ethical
AI increases our efficiency. But can it also bring us sustainable and social benefits? Our Leaders 2050 discussed how this can be achieved with AI ethics pioneers.
What: Leaders 2050 event "Unbias the Future: AI for Ethics, Equity, and Impact" - discussion on ethical guidelines for AI development and social responsibility
Who? Young professionals from Leaders 2050 and femella as well as experts: Katja Anclam (Deutsches Institut für Gutes Leben), Ulrike Fischer (SAP), Andreas Steffens and Sabrina Schulte (KPMG).
Why? AI not only increases efficiency, it can also enable social change - for the environment, society and the economy. To achieve this, sustainable technology development and social responsibility must go hand in hand.
Key takeaways
- Ethical AI must take fairness, transparency and sustainability into account from the outset
- Companies bear responsibility for the social impact of AI
- AI can combine ecological, social and economic transformations
"The future with AI is uncertain - but this is precisely where its power lies: it forces us to rethink, redesign and bring together sustainability, business and social impact"
Leaders 2050: „Net Zero: Strategies for Tomorrow“
The decarbonisation of companies is much more than a strategic decision - it is a necessity to ensure a sustainable future.
What: Leaders 2050 event on "Net Zero: Strategies for Tomorrow" - focusing on the role of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for sustainable energy supply and decarbonisation.
Who? Around 50 young professionals from the life sciences industry and KPMG, including experts: Rebecca Schmidt, Ina Blömer, Maximilian Dettner (Fresenius Kabi), Thomas Künzel, Christoph Fritsch, Jan Banowski, Luba Perna.
Why? Discussion about ways to achieve net zero and the responsibility of the life science industry in the energy transition.
Key takeaways
- Large companies in particular have a duty to lead the way in decarbonisation
- People are needed who can reverse the narrative by not only meeting standards but also emphasising the benefits
- Even companies with lower or globally fragmented electricity demand can benefit from PPAs as part of their Net Zero goals
- Net Zero will only succeed if we manage to connect generations, disciplines and sectors
„Keine Regularien werden für Nachhaltigkeit sorgen, diese geben nur den Rahmen vor. Intrinsische Motivation muss von uns kommen – deshalb brauchen wir Austausch und Formate wie diese."
Please feel free to contact us
If you would like to find out more about the Leaders 2050 programme or would like to work with us on a joint initiative, you can contact us at any time at this email address: de-leaders2050@kpmg.com.
Elisa Becher
Co-Chair Leaders 2050 Germany
"Young people are at the heart of the sustainable future, and Leaders 2050 gives them the platform to turn ideas into action."
Elisa kontaktierenLuba Perna
Co-Chair Leaders 2050 Germany
"At Leaders 2050, we are actively shaping the future, recognizing that true responsibility means embedding sustainability at the core of our business. For us, ESG is more than just a strategy—it’s our commitment to ensuring a future worth living for generations to come."
Luba kontaktierenMarine Jouan
Committee Member Leaders 2050 Germany
"Our generation holds the key to unlocking a brighter tomorrow. Leaders 2050 is our platform to ignite that spark."
Marine kontaktierenLaura Kende
Committee Member Leaders 2050 Germany
"Promoting ESG initiatives reflects both the innovation and urgency needed to address today’s critical environmental and social challenges. Leaders 2050 offers young professionals the opportunity to raise awareness of these issues and, more importantly, to empower one another to tackle them together."
Laura kontaktierenJustus Vierow
Committee Member Leaders 2050 Germany
"The future is shaped by those who dare to explore new paths. Leaders 2050 unites young talents with the drive to create real impact together."
Justus kontaktierenTheresa Herbers
Committee Member Leaders 2050 Germany
"Shaping a better future starts with us – the next generation. At Leaders 2050, we’re not just talking about change; we’re building the networks, sharing the knowledge, and taking the action needed to make sustainability the foundation of tomorrow's world."
Theresa kontaktierenNora Gresser
Committee Member Leaders 2050 Germany
"Young professionals are the leaders of tomorrow and changemakers of today. Their voices are essential in shaping a fair Net Zero future. Leaders 2050 empowers those voices and helps young professionals to connect, learn and lead the change towards Net Zero."
Nora kontaktierenLuisa Braun
Committee Member Leaders 2050 Germany
"Sustainable leadership begins with curiosity, care, and courage, grows through collective empowerment, and becomes unstoppable as we create lasting momentum to protect what connects us all and enable a thriving future."
Luisa kontaktieren