The WBCSD is governed by a Council made up of member company CEO's or their representatives. This Council delegates the management of the organization to the Executive Committee. Members of the Executive Committee, including the Chairman and four Vice Chairmen, are elected for a two-year period by the Council. Responsibility for the day-to-day management of WBCSD affairs lies with the President based at the Geneva headquarters and assisted by a staff secretariat. 

The Council meets annually to decide on the organization’s priorities and discuss strategic issues connected to sustainable development. These meetings provide a forum where business leaders can analyze and debate views and experiences on all aspects of sustainable development.

The Executive Committee meets three times a year.  

An annual Liaison Delegate meeting takes place in each spring in Montreux, Switzerland, providing delegates with the opportunity to catch up on the latest sustainable development issues and network with their peers.

Each fall the Council Meeting brings together Council Members (CEOs and equivalent), senior executives and 60 Regional Network partners. 

The WBCSD U.S. office provides a resource base to the U.S. offices of our member companies, assisting them in becoming more engaged in the work programs and products of WBCSD.

The WBCSD is unique because its output is developed and road tested by its members. Its comprehensive work program enables it to cover all aspects of sustainable development in business. To deal effectively with all issues the work program is divided into focus areas, sector projects, systems solutions and capacity building.

Executive Committee 2011 »

Staff »

Member representation in work program »

The WBCSD honors the work of its outstanding contributors with the WBCSD Distinguished Service Award and the WBCSD Order of Outstanding Contributors to Sustainable Development. Recipients of these awards are usually honored when they retire from their position as Council Member, Liaison Delegate or from the WBCSD secretariat.

Distinguished Service Award (DSA)

The Distinguished Service Award is the WBCSD's highest recognition of the vision and dedication to the mission of the WBCSD of the holder of the award and their contribution to the work, reputation and influence of the WBCSD over a long numbers of years, typically ten.

Order of Outstanding Contributors to Sustainable Development (OOC)

The Order of Outstanding Contributors to Sustainable Development recognizes the outstanding contribution to sustainable development and to the WBCSD made by the holder of the award.