How businesses can drive sustainability in a volatile political landscape

In this episode of the EY Sustainability Matters podcast hosted by Bruno Sarda, the discussion centers around the vital collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing sustainability efforts. Bruno welcomes Ruth Ahchow, EY Global Government and Public Sector Leader for Climate Change and Sustainability Services , who elaborates on the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) as essential  mechanisms for sustainable development, showcasing successful examples from around the world and  the Asia-Pacific region. Bruno and Ruth discuss how recent political shifts in regions, such as the US and Europe, influence sustainability initiatives. Ruth also provides actionable insights, urging governments to actively participate in sustainable procurement and create stable policies that encourage green investments, while companies are encouraged to integrate long-term sustainability into their core strategies. 01:48 - Evolution of sustainability in the public sector through Ruth’s career 05:50 - Understanding PPPs 08:06 - Examples of successful PPPs around the world and in the Asia-Pacific 16:16 – The impact of political shifts on sustainability 19:41 - Role of sustainability reporting standards 25:34 – Actionable insights for business and governments © 2025 Ernst & Young LLP