In September 2023, the United Nations Secretary-General tasked the UN Global Compact with identifying key regulatory impediments globally and working on policy advocacy to enable transformative action.
Business leaders play a powerful role in driving sustainability both within their organizations and as advocates for positive change. Legal functions are increasingly at the forefront of corporate sustainability and evolving corporate governance. Their responsibilities now extend beyond merely checking regulatory boxes; they must actively embed sustainability into corporate strategies, guiding companies to redefine practices in alignment with sustainability goals. Legal leaders are essential in policy advocacy, as they are uniquely positioned to influence regulatory environments and drive systemic change.
By leveraging their expertise, legal professionals can work to remove regulatory barriers, advocate for policies that promote sustainable business practices, and collaborate with stakeholders to create a more enabling environment for corporate sustainability.
The Legal Council provides a platform for legal leaders to engage in policy advocacy and support the Forward Faster initiative. The Legal Council plays a critical role in analyzing global regulatory environments, offering strategic guidance, and removing barriers to sustainability, ensuring that businesses can effectively contribute to achieving the SDGs.
Key activities include:
- Identifying regulatory challenges and advancing strategic policy initiatives to create a more enabling environment for sustainable business transformation.
- Supporting CEOs and C-suite leaders by providing expert legal insights that help drive responsible and sustainable business practices.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to foster ambitious corporate sustainability actions and ensure that businesses stay ahead of evolving market expectations and regulatory standards.
