ESG at a crossroads

The rise of the ‘anti-ESG’ movement is gaining momentum in certain circles of the capital markets. Meanwhile, there is increased emphasis on the role of companies in delivering a smooth and ‘just’ energy transition.

ESG appears to be at a crossroads, and understanding the changing expectations of stakeholders will be critical for listed companies in 2023.

To help IR, governance and sustainability teams at public companies understand expectations for ESG reporting and communications in today’s environment, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence will host the ESG Integration Forum – Winter 2023. View the agenda and speaker sections below to see what you can expect.

Agenda

08:15 AM
Registration opens

08:55 AM
Welcome address

09:00 AM
Setting the scene: Preparing for the 2024 proxy
Despite lower majority support among shareholders, the 2023 proxy season set a new record for the number of ESG proposals. In this panel we will analyze the trends from this year’s proxy, track how shareholder sentiment is changing with regards to E&S issues and discuss how to apply the lessons learned from 2023 in 2024.

• An overview of the key E&S proposals from 2023 and what to expect in 2024
• Respond to enhanced scrutiny of climate risk reporting, board and workforce diversity and executive compensation
• Navigate shareholder disunity on E&S factors as proposals become increasingly specific and divisive

Dana Eddis, associate general counsel – corporate, Corteva
Michael Rouvina, assistant general counsel – corporate governance and securities, Lumen

09:30 AM
Regulatory update: New disclosure requirements and implementation timelines
As we wait for an update on the SEC’s climate disclosures rule, California has lead the charge
on climate reporting, setting the bar on TCFD-aligned disclosure and providing a blueprint for
other states to follow suit. In this panel, we’ll discuss the national and global impact of the
California climate disclosure laws, how they align with the expected SEC rules, and how both
rules align with other global standards and frameworks

• Understand the impact of California’s climate disclosure laws on how companies disclose ESG information and provide a blueprint for better disclosure
• An update on the SEC’s proposals and how they compare with California’s climate disclosure laws
• Analyze how the US approach align and conflict with other global standards, including those put forward by the EU and ISSB

Mia Overall, vice president, ESG, Newmark
Sandy Peters, senior head, CFA Institute, and investor advisory committee member, SEC

10:00 AM
ESG data management: Managing a paradigm shift
A paradigm shift is underway moving from voluntary and unstructured ESG data and sustainability reporting to mandatory and standardised sustainability disclosures. In this panel, we’ll share how well established global governance and data management best practices help issuers develop a robust ESG data culture.

• Learn how the transition from voluntary to mandatory reporting will impact how ESG data is managed and disclosed
• Gain clarity on the standards required to meet regulatory and assurance requirements for ESG data
• Best practices on how to design and execute a robust data governance and oversight strategy for ESG

Raj Dave, chief securities counsel and assistant corporate secretary, Newell Brands
John Truzzolino, director of business development, Donnelley Financial Solutions

10:45 AM
Coffee break

11:15 AM
Telling your ESG story in 2024: Communicating and reporting effectively

Market uncertainty, inconsistent reporting and rolled back commitments have left many feeling disillusioned with the ESG movement. Here our speakers will discuss how to reframe your ESG narrative and report ESG information in a way that is both compliant with international standards and valuable to investors.

• Streamline your ESG messaging: refocusing on sustainable issues that are most material to your business
• Back up your claims: supporting your commitments and timelines with data
• Go beyond compliance: using new reporting requirements as a catalyst to inform and reinforce your sustainability strategy

Wesley Gee, chief sustainability officer, Works Design
Prabh K. Banga, vice president, sustainability, Aecon

12:00 PM
Leveraging technology and upgrading your ESG toolbox

In this panel we will discuss how new technologies are helping to companies to identify which ESG issues are material to their businesses, improve efficiencies in collecting and managing data (including scope 3 emissions) and optimize their reporting and engagement process.

• Discuss which sustainability tools and technologies IR and governance teams are using to drive efficiency in their role
• Learn how recent breakthroughs in digital communications, automation and AI are helping companies manage and communicate their ESG performance
• Understand how to assess and mitigate the risks posed by AI on the reliability and accuracy of ESG information

John Nunziati, investor relations partner, Q4

12:30 PM
Lunch

13:45 PM
Managing a Just Transition: Balancing environmental and social priorities

Businesses have a salient role to play in leading the transition to a net zero economy, but various social and financial risks need to be accounted for. In this panel, we’ll discuss how accelerating concerns around climate change and mounting ESG fatigue are impacting strategic decision making, how IR and governance teams can support their board to manage these risks and opportunities, and how to ensure your company’s sustainable transition is fair and equitable.

• Share strategies to support your board’s oversight of climate risk, including: different governance structures, board composition and training, and feeding back relevant stakeholder information
• Assess and evaluate the social risks associated with your environmental strategy and roadmap to net zero
• Ensure accountability: assessing board competency, measuring progress and reporting results

Alexandra Higgins, managing director, Okapi Partner
Seth Gastworth, deputy general counsel and assistant corporate secretary, JLL

14:30 PM
Executing an impactful ESG investor day
An ESG investor days is a great opportunity to provide a much deeper view into the company’s ESG strategy, report on performance, and better understand investor expectations. In this panel, we’ll share case studies into successful ESG investor days, when and how to run one, who to have involved, and how to set a clear message from the start.

• Hear different approaches to ESG investor days: frequency, format and planning calendars
• Share best practices on ensuring ESG is baked into the content and logistics of the event
• Anticipate audience questions and prepare your speakers to engage with attendees, both in-person and virtually
• Discuss how to measure and feedback the success of the event

15:00 PM
Buy-side Q&A: Investor ESG priorities for 2024

Here we will discuss how investors are integrating ESG into their investment decisions in
2024

• Learn the red and green flags investors have when it comes to ESG engagement and communications
• Hear which human capital issues investors are focussing on in 2024, and how best to communicate your social narrative
• Understand the buy-side perspective on ESG fatigue and how companies can better articulate their sustainability efforts in the context of resistance

Kiran Aziz, head of responsible investments, KLP
Daniel Kern, chief investment officer, Nixon Peabody Trust Company

15:30 PM
Closing keynote: ESG outlook for 2024
Our final session of the day will recap how discussions around ESG are shifting, and what to expect – and prepare for – next year. How are global priorities expected to change, and what does an effective ESG governance and communication strategy look like in 2024?

• Identify and understand new market pressures around ESG issues
• Balance agility with consistency: Standing by your commitments whilst being responsive to changing stakeholder expectations
• Align your sustainability narrative with your company’s long-term strategy and objectives

Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, IR Magazine and Governance Intelligence
Jenifer Motles, chief sustainability officer, PMI

15:50 PM
Champagne roundtables

Help yourself to a glass of bubbly and discuss the topic with your peers in a highly interactive roundtable discussion. 

Roundtable topics 

• Human capital management, modern slavery and sustainable procurement
• Biodiversity: Responding to the TNFD framework
• Adapting to the ISSB standards: Applying S1 and S2
• Conducting a comprehensive materiality assessment

16:30 PM
Closing remarks and end of conference