ESG SDG

This panel discussion focused on ESG and SDG, how to build a prosperous future for all and how legal professions can embrace ESG and SDG principles.

Aida von Schulman is an international lawyer with over 15 years of experience, specialises in sustainable leadership and law. As an advocate for sustainability, she prioritises global pro bono work, highlighting its significance.

Aakriti Chandihok is trained as a lawyer in both Austria and New York and studied law at the University of Vienna and completed an LL.M. degree at Columbia Law School. She has gained international professional experience both in the legal profession and in strategy consulting and combines expertise in corporate and capital markets law with the areas of sustainability and governance.

Tamara Kraljic has lived in Germany, France, the UK and the US and speaks five languages (of which three fluently). Tamara’s unique linguistic and cross-cultural skillset are key to her successful practice as a corporate attorney advising international clients on high stakes matters in international arbitration and compliance matters. 

Saskia Wallner is leading, changing and growing Austria´s most unconventional and awarded communications consultancy since 2010 as Ketchum Global Partner and CEO of Ketchum Austria. She is an expert in positioning, messaging, storytelling, media relations, change, and crisis communications.

Kathrin Proprentner is a partner at Crowe SOT in Austria and is responsible for auditing. She is certified as an ESG Expert and is developing the business area of auditing sustainability reports of medium-sized companies. 

Marlén Estévez is partner and member of the Board at RocaJunyent and President Madrid Court of Mediation (CMEM), President of Women in the Legal World (WLW), Top 100 Spanish Leader and Top 20 influential lawyers. 

Paving the Path to Justice: Embracing ESG and SDGs in the Legal Profession

“Sustainability and equity are not just ideals; they are imperatives that define the future of our profession and our world.” – Marlen Estévez

The legal profession stands at the crossroads of unprecedented challenges and opportunities. As we face social, environmental, and economic upheavals, frameworks like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a vital roadmap to guide us toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.

For law firms, adopting ESG principles means going beyond compliance to actively promote ethical governance, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Whether through advising clients on sustainability, adopting green practices like reducing paper usage, or fostering diversity within their ranks, firms can lead the charge for change. The SDGs further amplify this mission, with goals such as Gender Equality (Goal 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Goal 16) aligning closely with the legal profession’s values.

Women, in particular, stand to benefit and contribute meaningfully to this transformative agenda. ESG and SDGs call for breaking barriers, addressing unconscious bias, and promoting women into leadership roles. Policies such as flexible work arrangements and mentorship programs can empower women to thrive professionally while balancing personal commitments.

Yet, integrating ESG and SDG principles isn’t without challenges. Resistance to change, lack of awareness, and difficulties in measuring impact persist. Overcoming these hurdles demands strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to collaboration across sectors.

By embracing these principles, the legal profession has the unique power to lead by example—driving social change, fostering equality, and ensuring sustainability. Together, we can shape a future defined by justice, accountability, and opportunity for all.

Sustainability, Resilience, and Authenticity: Redefining Legal Practice with ESG and SDGs

„Sustainability isn’t just about recycling—it’s about building long-term value in every aspect of life, from relationships to the environment.“ – Aida von Schulman

As climate change, social inequality, and governance challenges demand urgent action, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a roadmap for creating a more equitable and sustainable world. Legal professionals hold a unique position to influence corporate behavior, shape policy, and advocate for justice. By embracing these frameworks, the legal profession can lead the charge toward a future that prioritizes both ethical accountability and community well-being.

Sustainability, however, goes beyond being a buzzword. It’s about nurturing balance in all aspects of life—caring for our bodies, minds, relationships, and the planet. Resilience and authenticity are essential in this pursuit, empowering us to adapt to challenges while staying true to our values. Together, these principles form the foundation of a sustainable future, one where social equity and justice thrive.

Legal professionals can integrate ESG and SDG principles in various ways. Advising clients on ethical and sustainable practices benefits both society and the bottom line, while pro bono work supporting marginalized communities promotes social equity. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams fosters innovation, and continuous education on sustainability ensures informed advocacy. Additionally, supporting legislation that promotes sustainable practices amplifies the profession’s impact.

The benefits of embracing these principles extend beyond ethics—law firms that prioritize sustainability attract socially conscious clients and set a standard for responsible practice. It’s our duty as legal professionals to lead by example, ensuring that our work not only complies with regulations but also contributes to a prosperous, equitable future for all.

In conclusion: Sustainability is a collective journey. As legal professionals, we must align our actions with our values, using our influence to shape a world where resilience, authenticity, and equity are at the core of progress.

Beyond Compliance: ESG and SDGs as Catalysts for Strategic Transformation

“Sustainability isn’t a checkbox—it’s a responsibility to align business, governance, and community for lasting impact.” – Aakriti Chandihok

The integration of ESG principles and SDG frameworks in business is reshaping how organizations approach strategy, responsibility, and value creation. Working at the intersection of private and public sectors offers a unique perspective on how these principles are evolving—not just as compliance mandates but as opportunities for meaningful transformation.

In-house legal professionals, like herself, often operate at this crossroads, translating abstract ESG ideals into actionable frameworks. From advising CEOs on strategic decisions to ensuring alignment with regulations such as Austria’s progressive Stock Corporation Act, ESG initiatives have moved beyond being mere legal exercises. They are now pivotal in shaping corporate governance, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.

For instance, implementing tools like ESG monitoring systems and conducting materiality analyses have enabled organizations to objectively track performance, engage with stakeholders, and align corporate goals with global sustainability benchmarks. These processes reveal insights that help bridge the gap between internal priorities and external perceptions, fostering transparency and trust.

Vienna, a city celebrated for its livability, serves as a compelling example of how ESG-related metrics—environmental stewardship, social equity, and sound governance—contribute to long-term success. Organizations in Austria and beyond have the potential to lead as lighthouses for ESG excellence.

In conclusion, ESG and SDG frameworks are not about ticking boxes but about embedding sustainability into the very fabric of organizations. As legal professionals, we are uniquely positioned to champion these principles, influencing strategic processes and fostering a future where businesses thrive responsibly and equitably.

Navigating the Future: ESG Auditing and Reporting in a New Regulatory Landscape

“Sustainability isn’t just about goals; it’s about creating measurable impact and preparing businesses for tomorrow’s challenges.” – Katharina Proprentner

The rise of ESG reporting, driven by regulations like the CSRD, is transforming business accountability. Companies meeting thresholds (€40M revenue, €20M assets, or 250 employees) must adopt sustainability reporting under European standards (ESRS). However, incomplete national laws and complex requirements pose challenges, particularly for family-owned firms lacking expertise and resources.

Auditors play a key role in guiding businesses through materiality assessments, aligning with green taxonomy goals, and navigating limited assurance audits without materiality guidelines. While challenging, ESG reporting offers companies an opportunity to integrate sustainable practices and foster trust in a rapidly evolving regulatory and business landscape.

ESG vs. the Bottom Line: A Transatlantic Tug of War

„True progress balances profits with people and the planet.“ – Tamara Kraljic

The debate around ESG reporting showcases a stark contrast between the U.S. and Europe. On one side, the U.S. anti-ESG camp, influenced by Milton Friedman’s „profit-first“ ideology, opposes mandates like the SEC’s climate disclosure rules. Critics argue the SEC oversteps its authority by venturing into climate regulation. Meanwhile, ESG advocates find the rules insufficient, leading to legal battles that have stalled progress.

In Europe, the ESG narrative leans towards accountability. For instance, German courts recently challenged „climate neutral“ claims on product labels, demanding transparency in demonstrating carbon offset methods. This example underscores a commitment to rigorous, consumer-focused ESG standards.

The clash isn’t just about regulations—it’s about philosophy. The U.S. courts struggle to define the SEC’s role in ESG, while Europe emphasizes strict compliance and measurable impact. The U.S. Supreme Court’s pending decisions further complicate the ESG landscape, highlighting a fragmented global approach.

As businesses and auditors navigate these dynamics, a key question emerges: how can companies harmonize profitability with sustainability in a world divided on ESG priorities? The answer lies in embracing the triple bottom line—balancing profits, people, and the planet—to build trust and resilience in a rapidly evolving global market.