EDITORIAL

A year of elections around the world, against the backdrop of the widespread rise of extreme right-wing movements, is a year paved with uncertainties for our customers and partner communities, particularly in terms of anticipating the regulatory direction on environmental and social issues. The lack of consideration for environmental, ethical and social issues on the part of these extreme right-wing regressive movements in our societies and economies represents a unique opportunity for clarification and coherence that concerns us all:

•  First and foremost, consistency in the application of values. If companies and investors appreciate operating around charters, codes of conduct and values, this is an opportunity to make use of them. Within organizations and in professional relations, speech that denies science or utters words punishable by law simply has no place. Management must be consistent and uncompromising in order to uphold its principles and ensure free expression and constructive dialogue, while respecting each other, on these healthy foundations.
• Consistency in the application of strategies builds trust. Companies and investors who suffer from a lack of credibility in their ESG approach with their stakeholders are those who lack consistency between their rhetoric and the reality of the investments deployed to support it. The context demands consistency and - for example, in a regulatory environment that is more unfavorable to climate action - consistency in understanding the urgent need to transform assets and operations. Continue and amplify investments. Governments come and go. Climate change continues.
• Consistency in the contribution of everyone's voice in the public arena. If extreme right-wing movements come to question human rights, it is the responsibility of economic players to take part in the public debate and demonstrate - beyond illegality - the absurdity of these ideologies. Diversity is wealth. In fact, there aren't any "Black jobs". Immigration enables many sectors to operate - research, health, agriculture, catering, education among many others. Business has to stand out, and take part in constructive debates moving us all out of economic absurdity discussions.

Ksapa will always remain a vigilant watchdog on these issues. And if not out of deference to Ksapa, nor out of personal ethics, you should know that in this environment there is another, far more robust and omnipresent ally: the law. The law now imposes climate action. The law lays down very clear lines of respect for human rights. The law only wears out if you don't use it.
 

Farid Baddache, CEO