Sustainability with Purpose: What We Learned at Sustainability Movers 2025

Last May, the event Movers for Sustainability 2025, organized by the Global Compact organization, was held in Madrid's Retiro Park. For us, the event was a valuable source of learning and reflection on the strategic role of sustainability in the business world. Therefore, in this article we share why we believe that sustainability is today one of the main factors of competitiveness and purpose for both companies and startups.

When we talk about sustainability, we often think of environmental or regulatory goals. But what we experienced at Movers for Sustainability 2025, the event organized by Global Compactwas a call to look deeper: to understand sustainability as a strategic decision, a driver of competitiveness, and a commitment to generations yet unborn.

From Tetuan Valley, we attended the event as part of our commitment to promote responsible and innovative business models. And we left with many ideas, but above all with one certainty: the future is not to be expected, it is to be built. Here we go!

Sustainability as a competitive (and profitable) advantage

At the event Sustainability Movers 2025event, an undeniable truth was emphasized: sustainability is no longer an obligation but a strategic driver of growth and profitability. Beyond perception, companies with a genuine commitment to sustainable and inclusive transformation prove to be 20% more profitable. This data, announced during the event, underscores that sustainability is not just a matter of image or regulatory compliance, but a fundamental pillar for operational efficiency, attracting and retaining qualified talent, and generating quality employment.

The adoption of a decarbonized economy by 2040 represents a tangible opportunity. Business models based on the circular economy and social impact are rapidly gaining ground. This translates into concrete benefits, such as the smart reuse of materials, which reduces costs and optimizes resources, and the reduced payback on sustainability investments. In this context, it is not a matter of waiting for the landscape to define itself, but of taking the initiative and being the active agents that clarify the path towards a greener and fairer business future. The companies that lead this transformation will be the ones that reap the greatest benefits in the long term, building a solid and lasting competitive advantage.

Cristina Sanchez of the Global Compact and Maria Canal of the European Commission

Sustainability is built (also) from Europe

During the event it became clear that Europe not only sets the regulatory course, but also a strategic vision as a region. María Canal Fontcubertarepresentative of the European Commission in Spainsaid that sustainability is part of Europe's DNA: not as a luxury, but as a firm commitment to competitiveness, social cohesion and energy independence.

Key issues addressed included regulatory simplification to avoid overburdening SMEs, the use of "reality tests" to adapt legislation to day-to-day business, and the need to introduce intermediate targets to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The European Commission showed its commitment to listen better to businesses, improve regulatory impact studies and accompany the transition with financing and digitalization tools.

Companies that understand this direction and anticipate it will be better positioned to lead the change.

Leading with purpose (and people)

One of the most inspiring moments came in the form of reflections on sustainable leadership by Bisila Bokokoa global expert in leadership and diversity. A leadership that is born from self-knowledge, vision, and honesty, but that also translates into how you lead your own projects and teams.

• People are not just looking for a salary: they are looking to feel part of something.

• Purposeful leadership opens doors and creates futures.

• Communicating from illusion, not from disaster, inspires more than fear.

We are left with a phrase from Bokoko that sums up this spirit very well: "You cannot choose where you are born, but you can choose how you live.

Another of the main messages of the event was that sustainability necessarily requires human leadership. There was talk of a new type of leadership based on self-knowledge, a positive vision and commitment to the team. A leadership that listens, that is not afraid to make mistakes and that opens doors by example.

Diversity was also highlighted as a driver of innovation. Diversity begins in the mind and requires constant effort to overcome stereotypes, prejudices and unconscious biases. Companies with diverse leadership are more profitable, more creative and better prepared to meet the challenges of today's environment.

As one of the speakers said: "Sustainability doesn't come naturally. It is worked."

Bisila Bokoko at Movers of Sustainability 2025

The future is designed with data, people and realism

The corporate voices present at Movers 2025 (such as Alcampo, Agbar Group, Supracafé, Adecco and others) agreed on something essential: it is not just a matter of complying with regulations, but of aligning the corporate purpose with stakeholder expectations. Sustainability, they said, is business.

From regenerative agriculture to digitalization to facilitate reporting, the examples showed that sustainable transformation is not incompatible with profitability. In fact, it is the condition for ensuring it in the long term. In a context of uncertainty, sustainability brings direction, cohesion and attractiveness for both customers and talent.

And above all, it helps to avoid the biggest risk: falling behind.

The role of companies (and startups)

Sustainability is no longer a mere regulatory requirement, but a conscious, strategic decision, aligned with European values and societal expectations. Being sustainable out of conviction, rather than mere expediency, is crucial for long-term success.

During the event Sustainability Moversevent, the importance of team building, leadership in sectorial processes and the use of digitalization as a key lever for sustainability was highlighted. Companies are made up of people who aspire to a better world, and increasingly aware talent is looking for organizations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. This approach not only attracts and retains qualified professionals, but also fosters innovation and business resilience.

Sustainability Movers 2025

Why were we there?

In Tetuan Valley we believe that entrepreneurship is a force for transformation. That you cannot innovate without purpose. That every startup that goes through our programs has the power to build real solutions to the social, economic and environmental challenges of our time.

Being in Movers of Sustainability was a way to continue learning, sharing and adding. Because if anything was clear at the event is that this is not just about companies, it is about community.

Are you interested in creating sustainable solutions?

From Tetuan Valley we accompany startups and corporations in their transition towards more responsible, digital and resilient models. If you share these values, learn more about our programs here o contact us directly.