Breaking New Ground: AXA and CommUnique Unite to Tackle the ESG Skills Gap

2 Minutes

In the fast-paced world of corporate sustainability, a groundbreaking partnership is making ...

In the fast-paced world of corporate sustainability, a groundbreaking partnership is making waves and challenging the status quo. CommUnique, a dynamic startup founded by Gihan Hyde, has joined forces with the global giant AXA Climate School in a move that's set to reshape the landscape of ESG training and expertise. 


A Meeting of Minds 

Picture this: In one corner, a nimble, innovative startup led by a passionate entrepreneur. In the other, a powerhouse of the insurance world with a global reach. It's not your typical corporate partnership, but then again, these are not typical times. 

"This collaboration with AXA Climate School marks a significant milestone in our mission," says Gihan Hyde, Founder & CEO of CommUnique. Gihan Hyde, Founder & CEO of CommUnique, highlights the significance of this collaboration in advancing ESG leadership training. "We're not just helping our clients comply with regulations; we're empowering them to lead in sustainability." 

Across the table, Rushil Agarwal, Business Head – Asia Pacific at AXA Climate, nods in agreement. "Our partnership with CommUnique aligns perfectly with our goal of expanding climate education to address global challenges," he explains. "Together, we can amplify our impact." 


The ESG Skills Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb 

But why all the excitement? To understand, we need to look at the bigger picture. The corporate world is facing an ESG skills crisis of unprecedented proportions: 

  • A staggering 67% of companies are struggling to manage their Scope 3 emissions due to a lack of expertise. 

  • New regulations are looming on the horizon, set to affect thousands of companies across the EU and UK. 

  • The demand for sustainability professionals is skyrocketing, with 85% believing that upskilling is critical for tackling ESG challenges. 

It's a perfect storm of increasing regulatory pressure and a severe shortage of qualified professionals. And it's into this storm that CommUnique and AXA Climate School are boldly venturing. 


A Partnership That Breaks the Mould 

What makes this partnership truly unique is not just its timing, but its composition. CommUnique, a Black and Arab-founded startup, brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the table. AXA Climate School, with its vast resources and global network, provides the platform to amplify these ideas on a grand scale. 

This collaboration is more than just a business deal; it's a statement. In an industry often criticised for its lack of diversity, the CommUnique-AXA partnership stands as an example of what's possible when different voices are brought to the table. 


Education as the Great Equaliser 

At the heart of this partnership lies a shared belief in the transformative power of education. Through their combined efforts, CommUnique and AXA Climate School are set to offer a comprehensive suite of training programs covering everything from climate risk management to sustainable resource use. 

The potential impact is staggering. Companies with comprehensive Scope 3 training programs are 2.5 times more likely to meet their emissions reduction targets. It's not just about compliance; it's about creating a new generation of sustainability leaders equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. 


Looking to the Future 

As the world grapples with unprecedented environmental challenges, partnerships like this offer a beacon of hope. By bridging the ESG skills gap, CommUnique and AXA Climate School are not just helping businesses comply with regulations—they're fostering a new generation of sustainability leaders. 

Gihan Hyde sums it up perfectly: "This partnership is about more than just training. It's about changing the face of corporate sustainability, one leader at a time." 

In a world where the need for sustainable practices has never been more urgent, this unlikely alliance between a startup and a global corporation might just be the catalyst for change we've all been waiting for. As they embark on this journey together, one thing is clear: the future of ESG leadership is looking brighter, more diverse, and more innovative than ever before. 

By Gihan Hyde, CEO & Founder of CommUnique

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