Responsible Business WorldWatch Report 2026

As the responsible business agenda continues to evolve and there is increased focus on reporting, governance and accountability, Jill Shaw contributes an Irish and EU perspective to the Financier Worldwide Responsible Business WorldWatch Report 2026, alongside global experts from the United States, Singapore and Canada.

Geopolitical uncertainty, competitiveness pressures and regulatory fragmentation are also pushing organisations to focus their resources more strategically.

From an EU perspective, Jill notes that the Omnibus proposals have increased uncertainty and complexity for businesses, even though they are meant to simplify obligations. She also notes that measures such as the CSDDD, the Deforestation-free Products Regulation and the Forced Labour Regulation have raised expectations on value chain due diligence. Jill sees decarbonisation, circularity and nature-related risks continuing to shape corporate strategy.  She also expects closer scrutiny of sustainability data and claims to drive further enforcement and litigation.

The report includes a series of questions for each of the international panellists, including:

• How has the responsible business agenda evolved in recent years?
• What do you see as the most significant risks, challenges and opportunities facing organisations today?
• As sustainability, governance and due diligence requirements continue to develop around the world, how are organisations balancing compliance obligations with the need to create long-term business value?
• What are the biggest challenges organisations face in managing responsible business risks across their supply chains and wider value chains? How are leading businesses responding?
• How can organisations embrace innovation and emerging technologies while maintaining trust, accountability and effective governance?
• Looking ahead over the next five to 10 years, which responsible business trends do you expect to have the greatest impact on organisations?
• How should leaders prepare?

For more information, visit our ESG & Sustainability hub or contact Jill Shaw, ESG & Sustainability Lead.

Date published: 2 November 2026