The feedback from the participants at our first workshop on the topic ESG-Reporting is encouraging. On the one hand, because it has confirmed that the topic of sustainability is in Swiss SMEs for a long time arrived is. Companies often do more here than they communicate to the outside world. On the other hand, because the participants feel the need to familiarize themselves with these areas to enhance. A continuation of the exchange in the form of physical meetings is desired.
Most encouragingly, these companies have their Sustainability strategies push forward on their own initiative. So without strict legal requirements. It has also become clear that the initiative is more of a younger generation emanates from managers. This does not regard the improvement of companies in matters of the environment, social issues and good corporate governance as an unpleasant duty, but as a Chance. However, it also became clear that a sustainability strategy cannot be developed and implemented overnight, but rather a «long travel»Is, as our speakers emphasized. And it also became clear that this journey cannot be ordered from “top to bottom”, but rather all Stakeholder from the beginning on this trip must be taken. Otherwise there is a lack of acceptance.
They have meanwhile also Investors recognized. You don’t just invest in companies that are qualified as “sustainable”. But they also see it as a Chancewhen the company is only on Beginning of this process are located. Often companies are given a Discount traded on the stock exchange. Unless the change from Saul to Paul if it succeeds, the discount should quickly turn into a bonus transform. The cement company Holcim is just at the beginning of such a development. And maybe in the end that’s that Economy faster in this process than politics with their cocky announcements all about climate protection. It probably works best when business and politics are here Hand in hand walk.
More going hand in hand would also be very desirable at the moment heated discussion to the Corona measures. It is terrifying to see society so strong on how to face the pandemic drifts apart. It is precisely in such crisis situations that a society should stick together and try to resolve this difficult situation to master together. Unfortunately there is still a shortage clear findingsHow the pandemic is spreading, whether and when the vaccines work best and, of course, which measures will ultimately help to contain the pandemic. Findings that are still known today as certainly apply, can be back in a few weeks be obsolete.
This ensures uncertainty and stirs up mistrust. Because in the western world we are used to living in a society that has a clear answer to everything. But this does not (yet) exist in the corona pandemic. Maybe we just need ours Limit freedomuntil we have clearer insights in a few months. Until then, we will have to live with new restrictions again and again, for better or for worse. It remains to be hoped that reason, tolerance and A sense of proportion after the vote on the referendum on the Covid-19 law next Sunday not on the line stay – no matter what the result is.
In the coming week we will dedicate ourselves to the Macro Perspective the question of the future of conglomerates. And we publish a summary of the Sustainability study by OTC-X Research, published last Friday.
We wish you a successful start to the week.
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