With support from the Royal Swedish Academy & Ragnar Söderbergs Foundation
Introduction
Geopolitical Context
The world of ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – is at a crossroads. Recent years have seen a marked shift in the political and regulatory landscape, with the United States stepping back from its previous support for ESG policies and the European Union adopting a more measured approach, as exemplified by the evolving implementation of the CSRD and CSDDD. These developments raise critical questions about the future of sustainability in business, particularly for family-owned companies, which often operate under a distinctive set of values and governance structures.
Purpose of the Conference
As the ESG landscape continues to evolve, there is a growing need for dialogue that goes beyond traditional expert presentations. This event is designed as a dynamic forum for open discussion among stakeholders, with the aim of exploring how ESG principles can continue to thrive in a changing environment. The conference is supported by Ragnar Söderbergs Stiftelse and The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, whose involvement highlights the importance of these discussions and the value of shared insight.
Focus
A particular focus will be placed on family businesses. Unlike listed companies, family firms are often shaped by the values and vision of their founders, making their approach to sustainability both deeply personal and culturally significant. As these businesses grow and gain market influence, they must also contend with the complexities of antitrust and competition law. The conference will explore how family businesses balance their commitment to ethical practices with the need to comply with legal frameworks. This is especially relevant in the context of supply chains, where increasing regulatory demands for transparency and responsible sourcing require family businesses to implement sustainable practices throughout their networks while remaining competitive and compliant.
Collaboration
Throughout the day, the conference will bring together voices from academia, industry, and practice to share experiences and perspectives. Rather than simply presenting solutions, the event is designed to foster a collaborative exchange, one that acknowledges the challenges, celebrates the successes, and looks ahead to the evolving role of ESG in family business. By emphasizing dialogue and shared learning, this conference aims to inspire new ideas and practical approaches for embedding sustainability at the heart of business for years to come.
Organizing committee: Julian Nowag (HKU and Lund) and Marco Corradi (ESSEC)
Program
A final program will follow shortly.
08.30 Registration coffee
09.00 Welcome and Opening Remarks & Acknowledgment of Support 10 min
Julian Nowag (HKU and Lund) and Marco Corradi (ESSEC)
Keynote:
Belén Villalonga (Stern School of Business, New York University
Panel 1: The ‘G’ in ESG: Governance, Law, and the Future of the Family Firm
Panel 2: Disclosure, Dialogue, and Investor Relations
Rationale: This panel focuses on how family firms communicate their ESG story to the outside world. It covers the pressures of disclosure regulation, the demands of capital markets, and the practical realities of reporting, anchored by a voice from an industry association.
Panel 3: ESG in the Value Chain: Navigating Supply, Competition, and Regulation
Panel 4: Family Business on the Front Lines: A Comparative View from Practice
The event is free of charge and open to the public but registration is required.
The symposium will recorded and live-streamed on this wepbage. Please note that registration is only required for participation in person.
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Kontakt: Veronika Eriksson
E-post: veronika.eriksson@kva.se