We are working for sustainable development – together with the UN Global Compact, we are changing the world for the better
We are a new member of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. This means that we not only advise and raise our clients’ awareness of environmental issues, the need for energy transition, human rights and corporate governance, but also that we ourselves apply sustainability best practices in our daily work.
In the interest of building a diverse world that is friendly to people and the environment
ESG issues, although not called as such at the time, were at the core of our founding, almost 25 years ago. Indeed, our philosophy for building and developing the firm was based on values associated with environmental concern, social responsibility and high ethical standards.
Now we are a mature law and consulting firm possessing the expertise and know-how gained from a number of pioneering ESG projects, and a team of experts, lawyers and managers for whom sustainability rules are central to everything they do.
We work with those who change the world for the better. We find the rules
“Joining the UN Global Compact is nothing more than a natural consequence of the actions we take and the principles on which we operate. And this is true both within the firm, which we have based on partnership, trust and responsibility, and in our work with clients. That’s why we say: <We work with those who change the world for the better. We find the rules>”, emphasised Piotr Kochański, Managing Partner.
ESG issues have been a theme for us throughout 2022.
Support for Ukraine
This year, the most significant societal topic has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition to purely human assistance, which was immediately offered by both partners and everyone else in the firm, we acted systemically by setting up the Ukrainian Desk, appointing the first Ukrainian partner, and engaging in educational and cultural initiatives.
We have consistently implemented a programme of multi-directional support for Ukrainian companies and institutions trying to find their place in the new reality. We build business contacts, monitor ongoing and planned public procurements and infrastructure projects involving the reconstruction of damaged facilities, assist with the relocation of Ukrainian companies and the sourcing of capital necessary for the industrial and technological development of Ukraine.
Our commitment has been noticed and recognised by the market
In June, we received a special mention in the Rzeczpospolita Ranking of Law Firms – for “Support for Struggling Ukraine”. And in October, we were shortlisted in the prestigious The Lawyer European Awards competition in the Best ESG Initiative category.
Rebuilding Ukraine will also be one of the guiding lines of our work in 2023.
We promote Polish ESG-sensitive companies
Although we are not formally bound by non-financial reporting regulations, we feel the need to promote and engage in initiatives aimed at building human- and environment-friendly, diverse workplaces and business environments.
And we make no secret of the fact that our clients, whose technological innovations have a real impact on protecting human lives and health, preserving biodiversity or preventing climate change, are a source of inspiration for these activities. We advise on multiple important, world-changing processes and projects and provide practical support to those who have the courage to implement them.
That is why we initiated and organised the “Polish Tech Pitches to Private Capital” conference meeting – a unique project bringing together British private equity and venture capital funds and Polish challengers, i.e. tech companies that design their business models firmly around ESG issues.
“Polish projects are venturing more boldly and confidently into international markets. Many of them achieve success because they are ambitious, concrete and effective. But they are becoming absolute leaders in their industries because of being able to look at themselves strategically, in the long run and with an awareness of the challenges that await them. That is why they no longer focus only on financial indicators. They care for the environment and climate protection, and take ethical and fair management seriously. And we are proud to showcase them at the London Stock Exchange,” added Piotr Kochański.
More than 20 MedTech, FinTech, BioTech, robotics and software technology companies participated in both editions of the 2022 conference, offering them the opportunity to source international funding and build a strong competitive advantage in global markets.
How the UN Global Compact can change the world
The UN Global Compact, which was launched by UN Secretary-General Kofi Anan in 2000, is already active in more than 160 countries.
It is the world’s largest initiative bringing companies together around ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) issues.
The UN Global Compact organisations develop strategies and operate with full respect for UN policies, in particular the Sustainable Development Goals and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, which are focused on four areas: human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
Our commitment
We are committed to applying and promoting the principles of corporate social responsibility in all areas of our business. We recognise the need for change and are making an effort towards a more sustainable way of running the firm. Our foundation is a work culture based on diversity and inclusivity.
Our mission is to act in a sustainable manner on a day-to-day basis. As service providers, we want to lead by example, and as service recipients, we seek to work only with those who share our values.
We believe that together we can make the world a better place to live in.
