In keeping with this year's London International Disputes Week (LIDW) theme “Uniting for Global Challenge and Opportunity,” Ankura Consulting and Charles Russell Speechlys sponsored, in partnership with Kumi Consulting, a multifaceted panel discussion on managing global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges and developing sustainable supply chain strategies. The event was thoughtfully divided into segments that covered both the macro trends influencing ESG policy and regulation and the micro strategies companies can employ to navigate these waters effectively. In case you missed the event, below are some of the key takeaways.
Global Trends Shaping ESG Landscape
The discussion opened with an insightful exploration of the geopolitical and regulatory trends that are currently shaping the global ESG landscape. Panelists Jérémie Gallon, Kerry Stares, and James Lewry provided an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical landscape and its implications for ESG regulations. The "green wave" following the last EU election, discord between EU and U.S. policies, and the complexities of overregulation were geopolitical factors cited as impacting ESG initiatives. The panel predicted a critical period ahead for the implementation of new regulations with ESG becoming a focal point of political interest, anticipating tensions between the EU, China, and the U.S., with a need to balance ESG goals with economic growth and competitiveness.
Kerry provided an overview of the proliferation of mandatory ESG disclosures worldwide and the challenges posed by the divergence of disclosure standards. She noted movements towards standardization, like the International Sustainability Standards Board's (ISSB's) global benchmark standards, but acknowledged the significant differences that remain, particularly with EU directives. The panel discussed the broad scope of mandatory disclosures targeted at large public and private companies and the strategic shift towards voluntary compliance by companies not directly in scope in order to remain competitive within the EU.
Effective Strategies for ESG Compliance
Transitioning from the macro to the micro, a second panel including Caroline Greenwell, James Lewry, and Lorynn Demetriades offered their perspectives on practical strategies for ESG compliance. A common thread throughout the discussion was the complexity of quantifying ESG risks, particularly due to the often non-financial nature and the intricate web of global supply chains. The discussion also emphasized the importance of proactive collaboration with suppliers and a comprehensive approach to risk assessment and due diligence.
The effectiveness of contractual strategies was another focal point, with the panel articulating the need for a shift in the approach to contractual relationships with suppliers to encourage collaborative relationships and establish mutually beneficial frameworks for corrective actions. Caroline underscored the traditional tactic of ‘shifting risk’ to counterparties would not suffice in the context of managing ESG issues under the EU directives. The panelists advocated for a shared responsibility model, emphasizing the need for a responsible allocation of risks and responsibilities across stakeholders.
Moreover, the panel explored the limitations of traditional regulatory compliance approaches to ESG framework designs and the need for more dynamic and in-depth approaches to understanding and mitigating ESG risks. The panelist comments underscored the importance of ongoing data and relationship monitoring, yet cautioned against an overreliance on technology alone; they advocated for enhanced collaboration and capacity building among suppliers as being key to success.
Concluding Insights
The panel discussions provided a comprehensive overview of the current ESG landscape, from the overarching regulatory and geopolitical trends to the granular strategies companies can adopt to ensure compliance and sustainable growth. Key takeaways emphasized the importance of international cooperation and standardization in ESG regulations, the strategic imperative of voluntary compliance from a commercial and market access perspective, and the shift towards more comprehensive social governance within the ESG framework.
As the ESG landscape continues to evolve, the insights shared by the panelists underscore the necessity for companies to navigate these challenges with informed and collaborative strategies. The path forward involves not just adapting to regulatory changes but also embracing a proactive approach to managing ESG risks, ensuring sustainable and resilient business practices in an increasingly complex global market.
© Copyright 2024. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of Ankura Consulting Group, LLC., its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals. Ankura is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
