MDR Advogados, a Mozambian law firm and member of Morais Leitão Legal Circle, an international network of law firms that includes Angola, Cape Verde, Portugal, Mozambique and Singapore, promotes the Conference "ESG - Trends and challenges in geographical diversity", to be held on 14 September 2023, in virtual and in-person format (Polana Serena Hotel, in Maputo).
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are increasingly present in companies' agendas. Every day we experience new international initiatives (e.g. as in the EU context), national proposals or even conferences, events and publications related to sustainability and corporate responsibility, environment and human rights.
Several countries are adopting ESG legislation or working towards that goal, with the European Council and Parliament also driving pushing this agenda by amending or approving directives to increase ESG rules within Europe, establishing mandatory due diligence exercises on environmental and human rights for companies based or doing business in the EU in relation to their value chains.
Mozambique stands out for its wealth of natural resources, which are key drivers of economic growth, and the country is a destination of foreign investment, resulting in many partnerships between international and national stakeholders. It is unquestionable that local entities involved in business with international entities subject to ESG regulations will come across ESG rules and policies that will need to be adapted accordingly. Despite its complexity, the adoption of ESG policies can help companies to attract and retain investors who are increasingly seeking for opportunities to invest in sustainable businesses.
While there are challenges in prioritising ESG metrics, companies that implement them, will certainly benefit from international regulatory compliance, investor confidence, social licence to operate and long-term sustainability. By taking a proactive approach to ESG, companies and other stakeholders can boost the sustainability of their operations, as well as contribute to Mozambique's environmental, social, political and economic development.
The "ESG - Trends and Challenges in Geographical Diversity" Conference will provide an overview of ESG issues on the African continent, opening the way for discussion and identification of trends, key challenges and possible solutions.
Diana Ribeiro Duarte (Partner at Morais Leitão), Duarte Santana Lopes (Partner at Morais Leitão), Irina Neves Ferreira (Partner at ALC Advogados), João Bernardo Silva (Associate at Morais Leitão), João Tiago Silveira (Partner at Morais Leitão), Paula Duarte Rocha (Partner at MDR Advogados), Pedro Capitão Barbosa (Managing Associate at Morais Leitão), Tiago Arouca Mendes (Managing Partner at MDR Advogados) and Vera Querido (Managing Partner at VPQ Advogados) will be representing the international network of law firms Morais Leitão Legal Circle.