As companies and governments scramble to find balance for sustainability initiatives, energy security and social policies, we are experiencing a perfect storm of social, economic and geopolitical elements that has put environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives under tremendous pressure during the past 2 years.

Some of these forces might be short-lived, others, including the political polarization of ESG issues in the United States, are more difficult to gauge.

Increasingly, ESG has become a political minefield in the United States, reflecting partisan conflicts and regional economic influences. While some states have issued extensive ESG mandates, others seek to exclude banks supporting ESG policies on issues ranging from climate change to gun control.

As a result, companies are being subjected to scrutiny over social issues – finding themselves caught in a political crossfire and even targeted by local governments for “unpopular” policies.

• How have the market forces changed in the last 2 years?
• How have companies' strategies evolved in the past 2 years?
• What are the political and policy trends?
• Reporting versus Actions?
• Can we predict what is ahead?

With so many variables and similarly defined elements involved, what is the future for sustainable and effective ESG programs? 

Panel Moderator:  Michael Valocchi | Cognizant

Michael Valocchi, SVP - Head of Americas Consulting - Cognizant