APCO

Critical and rare earth minerals are the foundation of the clean energy transition, yet their supply chains present significant challenges for sustainability, security and equity.   As global leaders prepare for COP30 in Brazil, conversations are increasingly focused on the materials that make renewable technologies possible. These minerals power batteries, wind turbines and advanced solar panels and they are critical to achieving a sustainable and just energy future.   Nicole Monge, APCO's climate and sustainability lead, explores the significance of these minerals and how governments, businesses and communities can work together to build resilient and responsible supply chains.   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gYMd7j6y   #Sustainability #COP30 #ESG #BuildingUncommonGround

The October edition of APCO's Climate Intelligence Report is here, providing the latest global climate policy shifts and what they mean for business. This month, we cover:   + The U.S. EPA’s proposal to eliminate mandatory greenhouse gas reporting + China’s announcement of its first-ever absolute emissions reduction targets + The EU Parliament’s decision to reinforce robust sustainability and due diligence requirements for large companies   In our Climate Quick Takes, explore the CHAMP Initiative, a global effort uniting governments, cities and businesses to accelerate climate action through multilevel collaboration, and how multilevel governance is reshaping climate action across sectors.    Download the full report for insights on how these developments are shaping the global business landscape: https://lnkd.in/dSWc-Ztt   #apcocir #climatepolicy #climateintelligence #buildinguncommonground

We were pleased to welcome Sam Kass to our Washington, D.C., office yesterday evening to talk about the themes in his new book "The Last Supper." Joined by chef and humanitarian José Andrés and moderated by APCO's Safiya Ghori-Ahmad, the conversation ranged from food and agriculture policy to climate change, and included heartfelt testimonials from people whose lives were touched through their philanthropic work and advocacy. Thank you to Sam and José for sharing your time and stories and to those who were able to attend! #buildinguncommonground #foodpolicy #agpolicy #booktalk #climatechange

As the realities of climate change intensify, adaptation is taking center stage in strategies across sectors.   Sustainability and climate policy experts Diego D. and Nicole Monge discuss how adaptation is transforming policy, finance and business practices—bringing both urgency and opportunity to the climate agenda.   With clear, credible and inclusive communication now more vital than ever, organizations are strengthening resilience, engaging stakeholders and demonstrating leadership in a changing world.   Discover how adaptation is defining the future of climate action here: https://lnkd.in/g8KGheSJ   #ClimatePolicy #Sustainability #Adaptation #BuildingUncommonGround

Fintech is at a turning point as technological innovation, regulatory shifts and national strategies converge to reshape the global financial landscape. In his reflection on DC Fintech Week 2025, Jeffrey Zelkowitz, APCO's global financial lead, explores the challenge: How do we unlock the full potential of borderless technology in a fragmented world?   Jeff emphasizes how collaboration, interoperability and public trust are essential to unlocking the promise of digital assets and next-generation financial infrastructure. The decisions made now will drive economic empowerment, inclusion and resilience for years to come. Read more for key insights on the future of finance: https://lnkd.in/ekeyyJD5 #DCFintechWeek #Fintech #Blockchain #DigitalAssets #UncommonGround

At DC Fintech Week, Mannar N. Hanna, senior director at APCO, joined a panel to discuss the ongoing challenges facing crypto regulation in the U.S.    As featured in CoinDesk, Mannar shared insights on the Senate’s slow progress and suggested that comprehensive market structure legislation may be delayed until next year, given Congress’ busy schedule. Upcoming meetings between leading crypto CEOs and Senate Democrats are also spotlighted, underscoring the sector’s momentum.   Explore more on the current state of crypto legislation and Mannar’s perspectives here: https://lnkd.in/gZ3paVdQ   #DCFintechWeek #CryptoRegulation #Fintech #PublicAffairs

Tina-Marie A. Adams, executive director of corporate reputation at APCO, recently spoke with Forbes about the rising importance of political risk management for companies worldwide.   In today’s environment, companies must treat political risk as a fundamental part of their strategy.   "Political risk is no longer a peripheral concern; it’s a core business discipline. No company is immune from it,” says Adams.   Embedding political risk analysis and scenario planning into enterprise risk management is now essential for organizations to proactively address vulnerabilities and respond quickly to disruption.   Learn more about how leading companies are adapting to today’s evolving risk landscape: https://lnkd.in/dTa_RmdQ   #RiskManagement #UncommonGround #CorporateReputation #Geopolitics

For decades, organizations managed perceptions through traditional channels and trusted relationships. Now, social media and AI-generated summaries rapidly shape what stakeholders believe—often without verification.   Reputation strategy and analytics experts Katie Sprehe, Natacha Clavell (she/her) and Rotem Hinkis break down the three dimensions organizations must monitor: stakeholder sentiment, digital conversations and the “truths” synthesized by large language models. Integrating all three is key to building resilient reputations in a changing landscape.   Explore actionable strategies for this new era here: https://lnkd.in/guAqHhZB #ReputationManagement #AI #Perception #UncommonGround

This week, APCO was honored to host and participate in a series of significant events across the world, including:   • North America: DC Fintech Week, International Monetary Fund World Bank Annual Meetings, Fortune Most Powerful Women’s Summit and TECH WEEK by a16z • Europe: World Health Summit in Berlin • MENA: GITEX GLOBAL Largest Tech & Startup Show in the World in Dubai   From shaping the dialogue on digital finance and economic resilience, to advancing conversations around health innovation and technology’s evolving role in society, our colleagues engaged with leaders, experts and changemakers, driving progress in every sector.   Thank you to all partners, speakers and attendees who made these events impactful.   #FortuneMPW #DCFintechWeek #LATechWeek #GITEXGlobal #WHS2025

APCO hosted panel discussion in conjunction with LA Tech Week titled "Navigating DC: How LA Defense Tech Startups Can Shape the Future of National Security."   Moderated by Ken Nasshan, APCO IAC member and defense communications and advocacy expert, the panel included Andy Markoff, co-founder and CEO of Smack Technologies Inc., Forrest Underwood, venture partner at IronGate Capital Advisors and Air Force Reservist and Dan Scandling, senior director at APCO.   The event featured a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving intersection of technology, innovation and defense — from the shift toward commercial sourcing, rapid prototyping and connected warfare, to the importance of building coalitions and the balance between AI, automation and economic impact.   Thank you to our panelists and attendees for contributing to such a dynamic discussion on how LA’s defense tech startups are shaping the future of national security.   #LATechWeek #defensetech #buildinguncommonground