The choice of the ideal speaker for a conference on sustainable development depends first and foremost on the specific objective of your event, and not solely on the topic being addressed. Arthur Keller, Nicolas Imbert, Dimitri Carbonnelle, Matthieu Witvoet, and John Crowley each offer distinct approaches, ranging from strategy to operations, including management, decision-making, and the human element. This guide does not rank the five best speakers, but rather compares their perspectives in order to better meet your needs. The table below details, for each speaker, their preferred angle, the intended objective, and the target audience. This will help you tailor your choice according to the purpose of your event and the audience you expect.
How to Decide Quickly
Identify the priority of your event, then follow the rule that applies.
- If you want to deeply explore collective visions of the future and prepare your organization for major disruptions. →
Arthur Keller — to explore possible futures and resilience - If you want to inspire concrete action and accelerate resilience within your organization or community. →
Nicolas Imbert — to mobilize for action and real transformation - If you want to understand energy challenges, the impact of AI, and adaptation levers for your sector. →
Dimitri Carbonnelle — to decode decarbonization and energy adaptation - If you’re looking for a dynamic, interactive, and inspiring talk to broadly mobilize around CSR. →
Matthieu Witvoet — to inspire through adventure and the circular economy - If you want to address the question of value, natural capital, and economic trade-offs in the transition. →
John Crowley — to understand the real value of ecological transition
| Speaker | Overview | Angle | Objective | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur Keller Français | Angle HOW DO YOU IMAGINE THE FUTURE? Objective Exploring possible futures and resilience Target CODIR, local authorities, strategic reflection seminars | HOW DO YOU IMAGINE THE FUTURE? | Exploring possible futures and resilience | CODIR, local authorities, strategic reflection seminars |
| Nicolas Imbert Français | Angle Building global resilience in response to climate disruption Objective Mobilize for action and concrete transformation Target Managers, CSR managers, company conventions, local authorities | Building global resilience in response to climate disruption | Mobilize for action and concrete transformation | Managers, CSR managers, company conventions, local authorities |
| Dimitri Carbonnelle Français | Angle Energy challenges: decarbonization, electrification, and resilience Objective Decoding decarbonization and energy adaptation Target Leaders, innovation managers, sector-specific seminars, technology companies | Energy challenges: decarbonization, electrification, and resilience | Decoding decarbonization and energy adaptation | Leaders, innovation managers, sector-specific seminars, technology companies |
| Matthieu Witvoet Français | Angle CSR: a world tour of solutions Objective Inspired by adventure and the circular economy Target Employees, CSR committees, public events, participatory workshops | CSR: a world tour of solutions | Inspired by adventure and the circular economy | Employees, CSR committees, public events, participatory workshops |
| John Crowley Français | Angle Measuring the invisible to achieve the ecological transition Objective Understanding the true value of the ecological transition Target Public decision-makers, financial departments, institutional conferences | Measuring the invisible to achieve the ecological transition | Understanding the true value of the ecological transition | Public decision-makers, financial departments, institutional conferences |
Angles and Specificities of Each Speaker
Angle: HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE FUTURE?
For which audience / event: Executive committees, local authorities, strategic reflection seminars
Choose if… Choose this if you want to deeply question collective visions of the future and prepare your organization for major disruptions.
Conference to watch: HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE FUTURE?
Angle: Building global resilience in response to climate disruption
For which audience / event: Managers, CSR leaders, corporate conventions, local authorities
Choose if… Choose if you want to inspire concrete actions and accelerate resilience within your organization or community.
Conference to watch: Building global resilience in response to climate disruption
Focus: Energy challenges: decarbonization, electrification, and resilience
For which audience/event: Executives, innovation managers, sector-specific seminars, technology companies
Choose if… Choose if you want to understand energy issues, the impact of AI, and adaptation levers for your sector.
Conference to watch: Energy challenges: decarbonization, electrification, and resilience
Angle: CSR: Around the World in Solutions
For which audience / event: Employees, CSR committees, public events, participatory workshops
Choose if… Choose if you’re looking for a dynamic, interactive, and inspiring talk to widely engage people around CSR.
Conference to watch: CSR: Around the World in Solutions
Angle: Measuring the Invisible to Succeed in the Ecological Transition
For which audience/event: Public decision-makers, financial departments, institutional conferences
Choose if… Choose if you want to address the question of value, natural capital, and economic trade-offs in the transition.
Conference to watch: Measuring the Invisible to Succeed in the Ecological Transition
FAQ
How do I choose a speaker suited to my audience’s level of knowledge about sustainable development?
Identify how familiar your audience is with the issues of sustainable development. For example, Arthur Keller is suitable for well-informed audiences, while Matthieu Witvoet is skilled at making the subject accessible for beginners. Be sure to specify this level when reaching out to the speaker.
Which speaker should I prioritize based on the objective of my conference (inspire, raise awareness, go deeper)?
Determine whether you want to raise awareness, inspire, or delve deeper into a specific topic. Nicolas Imbert is renowned for his strategic talks, while Dimitri Carbonnelle excels in sustainable innovation. Match your choice to the main goal of your event.
How can I ensure the conference format matches the speaker’s style?
Some speakers, like John Crowley, prefer interactive formats, while others excel at keynote lectures. Find out each speaker’s preferred formats and provide them with a clear brief outlining your expectations.
What information should I provide to the speaker to ensure a relevant presentation?
Share in advance the profile of your audience, the event context, allotted time, and key messages you expect. This will allow the speaker—whether it’s Matthieu Witvoet or Arthur Keller—to tailor their content and delivery.
How can I quickly find a speaker specialized in sustainable development?
You can use a platform like Lespeakers to filter speakers according to their expertise, presentation style, and experience. This makes it easier to connect with profiles like Nicolas Imbert or Dimitri Carbonnelle.
What’s next?
Once the angle is clarified, the simplest way is to formalize your brief (objective, audience, format, duration, constraints). We can help you match with the right speaker on sustainable development.
For a detailed shortlist with biographies, also check out our selection of speakers on sustainable development.