Virtual Learning Seminars

This event will take place online. To attend the event, please register using the form below.

Supervisory board members must be knowledgeable about climate change and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues to effectively guide their companies' strategic direction. The virtual learning seminars aim to deepen the sustainability expertise of non-executive directors and promote the exchange of best practices in sustainability governance.

The virtual learning seminars will:

• Equip supervisory board members with essential sustainability literacy.
• Encourage responsibility for sustainable transformation among board members.
• Facilitate sharing of best practices in sustainable board governance.
• Anticipate key upcoming sustainability engagement opportunities.

Each session will address critical aspects of sustainability governance and provide insights from industry leaders. Please sign up for selected sessions or all sessions.

The sessions are organized by the Climate Governance Initiative Germany, initiated by the World Economic Forum. The Climate Governance Initiative Germany underscores the critical role of supervisory boards in guiding companies toward long-term sustainability. It offers principles to help boards integrate sustainability into their discussions, preparing them to manage ESG risks and opportunities effectively.

The Climate Governance Initiative Germany is coordinated by the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE), ESMT Berlin, and Board Academy e.V. Our mission is to engage non-executive directors and supervisory board members in aligning business strategies with ambitious climate and sustainability policies. 

For more information: Click here.

Topics and Dates:

• Sustainability Literacy for Supervisory Board Members (English): In the first foundational knowledge session, supervisory board members will explore global environmental, social, and governance challenges and scientific frameworks such as planetary boundaries and the triple bottom line. They will also delve into current and upcoming sustainability regulations like the CSRD and the German Supply Chain Act, as well as examine examples of successful sustainable transformations (September 5th, 2024; 16:30 - 18:00).
• Responsibilities and Legal Framework for Engagement on Sustainability by Supervisory Boards (Deutsch): During this German-language session, leading legal experts will present on how to recognize and curtail corporate dependencies and risks in the climate crisis. Through a comprehensive review of supervisory council members’ legal obligations and responsibilities, participants are introduced to effective approaches that enhance corporate impact and control liabilities within their respective governance and compliance frameworks (September 26th, 2024; 16:30 - 18:00).
• Sustainability Best Practices from Leading Supervisory Boards (English): The third session will showcase examples of successful sustainability governance set-ups and explore the effect of sustainability as a strategic factor in a board’ decision making on the company’s success. Potential challenges around the boards’ sustainability focus and how to overcome them will also be discussed (November 7th, 2024; 16:30 - 18:00).
• Risk Management of the Future: Biodiversity Loss and the Responsibility of Supervisory Boards (Deutsch): In the last session, supervisory board members will delve into new emerging sustainability issues, such as biodiversity loss and nature-positive business. They will learn from key experts in natural science, business science, and practice (November 28th, 2024; 16:45 - 18:00).