This panel will evaluate
progress in promoting sustainability standards for multinational enterprises
(MNEs). It will explore why some MNEs continue to engage in abusive practices
that support environmental degradation, unsafe working conditions, and the
like. It will also explore various actions taken by some MNEs, institutional
investors, and banks that further sustainability objectives. The panelists will
debate the moral and ethical responsibilities of MNEs, whether to maximize
shareholder value or to pursue sustainability objectives that take into account
the interests of society and all firm stakeholders. They will present their
perspectives on the importance and effectiveness of corporate codes of conduct
and the significance of social exhortations by various public bodies to pursue
sustainability objectives. They will also explore regulatory gaps due to the
loss of national sovereignty over global enterprises and how corporate cultures
can change to further sustainability objectives.
A virtual business meeting was held prior to the Annual Meeting.