To address and mitigate climate change, sustainability considerations must be appropriately integrated within companies, particularly at the level of their governance structures. It is vital for organizations to assess and reduce both their sustainability risks and the impact of their activities on people and the planet.

Through the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) Directive, which is currently under negotiation at the European level by co-legislators, large companies will be required to adopt and implement transition plans that include climate targets. These requirements are crucial for potential investors or other stakeholders to assess where a company stands in its sustainability journey.

Additionally, the directive will require companies to conduct due diligence regarding environmental protection and human rights throughout their entire value chain (from production and use to the disposal of the product). In this process, company directors will play an important role, overseeing the due diligence process and ensuring that their organizations implement realistic, robust, and sufficiently ambitious transition plans. Furthermore, aligning a portion of directors' remuneration with sustainability goals will ensure that financial performance and sustainability performance are on an equal footing.

CSDD represents a new challenge for EU companies. The measure targets at least 13,000 companies in the EU and 4,000 from outside the EU operating in the European market.

By attending this webinar, you will learn about:

  • Definition and Importance of Sustainable Corporate Governance: Sustainable corporate governance integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into business decision-making to foster long-term value rather than short-term profits;

  • Climate Change Urgency: The latest IPCC report highlights that the 1.5°C warming threshold is likely to be breached soon, underscoring the need for immediate action on climate change;

  • Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDD): This EU directive, currently under negotiation, mandates companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts, aiming to align business models with sustainability and green transition goals;

  • CSDD Scope and Requirements: The directive applies to EU companies with 500+ employees or specific turnover levels, as well as certain non-EU companies. It includes obligations on due diligence, corporate governance, value chain management, and climate-related goals;

  • Role of Corporate Boards: The directive mandates boards to integrate sustainability in decision-making, ensuring corporate actions align with climate targets like the Paris Agreement;

  • Effective Due Diligence: Identification and Assessment: Initial and in-depth assessments of risks in a company's sector, products, or regions, Prioritization and Mitigation: Companies must prioritize addressing severe risks they directly or indirectly contribute to, through prevention plans, partnerships, and necessary investments.

  • Corporate Benefits of Due Diligence: Companies practicing effective due diligence see competitive advantages, better access to investments, enhanced reputation, and improved risk management;

  • Sustainable Finance’s Role: Achieving climate goals requires significant investment, particularly in developing nations, emphasizing the critical role of sustainable finance to support global emission reductions;

About the guest speaker

Aleksandra Palinska is currently the Executive Director of the European Sustainable Investment Forum and a member of the Sustainability Reporting Board of the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), where she is involved in drafting the European sustainability reporting standards.

Regarding her educational background, Aleksandra holds a master's degree in management and postgraduate studies in European studies. She has over 12 years of experience in European public policy.

Her expertise covers sustainable finance, financial market regulation, corporate law, and corporate governance, with a focus on promoting sustainability in financial markets since 2019. Additionally, Forbes Women Polska recognized Aleksandra’s work and involvement by awarding her the distinction "23 Women to Follow in 2023," and she was included in the "21 Women Champions for Change" list by Reuters Events ESG Investment.

Devino membru

SustainAbility School este un program de educare dedicat exclusiv angajaților din organizațiile membre ale Ambasadei Sustenabilității în România prin programul Coaliția România Sustenabilă.

Dacă ești angajatul unuia dintre membri, creează-ți cont gratuit aici.

Dacă angajatorul tău nu s-a implicat încă, dar vrei să participi la edițiile viitoare și să ai acces la edițiile trecute, cere decidenților din organizația ta să devină membru.