ESG&FRIENDS 2026: From Sustainability Talk to Real Action

The fifth edition of ESG&FRIENDS  once again brings together leading experts, business leaders, institutions, and visionaries to address the most pressing challenges of sustainable development. Organized by ESGnews.bg, the forum has established itself as a strategic platform for dialogue that does not merely follow ESG trends, but actively shapes them through real-life examples, policies, innovations, and partnerships.

This year’s agenda focuses on topics that directly affect economic resilience, business competitiveness, and societal security.

Among the key themes are the new EU regulations and the Omnibus package, water resource sustainability in the context of a global water crisis, employees’ mental health as the invisible pillar of sustainability, sustainable packaging, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable development.

A special guest at the fifth edition of ESG&FRIENDS 2026 will be Iliana Yotova, Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, highlighting the growing institutional commitment to sustainability and responsible governance.

A Global Voice in Sustainable Business Models

Continuing its tradition of hosting world-class experts, ESG&FRIENDS 2026 will welcome Prof. Dr. Jan Jonker, a renowned authority in sustainable entrepreneurship, business modeling, and systemic transition. Prof. Jonker has been awarded a knighthood with the rank of Officer by the King of the Netherlands for his non-academic contributions to promoting sustainability.

His research focuses on how sustainable and circular business models enable economic and societal transition. Throughout his career, Prof. Jonker has authored more than 35 books and approximately 250 publications, spanning both academic research and popular literature.

During the forum, Prof. Dr. Jan Jonker will deliver a keynote lecture titled “How Is Value Changing in Business?” He will also lead an interactive workshop, “Rethinking the Business Model: From Profit to Impact and Value.”Tickets for the workshop are available HERE.

Do not miss his participation at ESG&FRIENDS 2026, taking place on February 17 at Hilton Sofia.

A Platform for Solutions, Not Just Conversations

With its fifth edition, ESG&FRIENDS reinforces its role as a forum that moves the sustainability conversation forward—from strategy to concrete action.

By bringing together business, institutions, experts, and civil society, the event lays the groundwork for new partnerships, policies, and solutions that transform sustainability from an obligation into a competitive advantage and a driver of long-term growth.

Once again, ESG&FRIENDS will demonstrate that a sustainable future is not an abstract concept, but the result of informed decisions, bold investments, and responsible leadership—here and now.

You can reserve your place at the forum HERE.