WBA's 2026 results: A closer look at how data and insights are reshaping the future of corporate leadership in Australia

Climate change, geopolitics, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, deforestation, cost-of-living pressures, and rising expectations on human rights are reshaping markets faster than ever. The companies that move early to understand these shifts - and respond with transparency and strategic clarity - will be the ones that stay competitive.

In 2026, the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) will release its global assessment of 2,000 of the world’s most influential companies. The companies represent nearly half of global GDP and emissions, and influence billions of lives worldwide through their operations and supply chains. The assessments and ranking will reveal where corporate action is accelerating, where it is falling short, and what this means for business risk, reputation, and long-term value.

Following the launch of these findings in January 2026, this Australian event will unpack what the findings mean for business and industry locally. We will explore how global trends intersect with Australian realities and developments including climate risks and land-use pressures to emerging regulation, investor expectations, supply-chain scrutiny, and community trust. 

The session will dive into what is enabling and hindering corporate action today, and what good accountability looks like over the next five years. Interactive discussions will help participants unpack practical questions facing every organisation:

• From governance and incentives to culture - which internal changes genuinely strengthen accountability?
• How should companies integrate climate, nature, human rights and technology into strategy?
• What external pressures are having the most impact on business?
• What concrete steps can businesses take in the next six months to build trust?

Join business leaders, investors, policymakers and practitioners for a high-impact, insight-rich conversation designed to help Australian companies keep pace with global expectations and turn sustainability challenges into competitive advantage.