The Shift

The Shift is a Belgian sustainability community that unites businesses, governments, and social impact organizations to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable economy and society. By fostering knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and policy influence, The Shift serves as a hub for changemakers committed to co-creating added value for society. With over 500 active members spanning 26 sectors, The Shift brings together companies, NGOs, academic institutions, and other societal actors to address complex sustainability challenges. The organization facilitates this through three primary solutions: Inspiration Sessions : These sessions go beyond theory, helping organizations understand the practical implications of the latest regulations, observe the impact of sustainable actions across various activities, and learn from diverse organizations. Participants gain tools to convince their boards or elected officials about the importance of sustainability initiatives. Communities of Practice : By collaborating with unexpected partners—including companies, NGOs, governments, and experts from various domains—members work together to develop innovative solutions to sustainability challenges. This collaborative approach helps build strategies that have a real impact and enjoy broad support. Ambassadors : In partnership with frontrunners from all sectors, The Shift influences Belgian policy and shares inspiring success stories. This effort makes sustainable business practices more accessible and attractive to a wider audience. The Shift also highlights impact stories from its members, showcasing practical applications of sustainable transitions. For instance, at imec in Leuven, a global leader in semiconductor research, the climate challenge has expanded beyond the organization to its wider value chain. Ann-Sophie Vanwinsen from the procurement department is developing an approach centered on active dialogue and targeted action. Similarly, Koenraad Belsack, founder and co-CEO of Upgrade Estate, views finance as a lever for change, emphasizing that money should serve as a means to bring people closer together. By breaking down barriers and gathering diverse stakeholders around the table, The Shift enables its members to tackle the most complex sustainability challenges collaboratively. This collective effort ensures that sustainable business practices are not only implemented but also have a lasting impact on society.