The 3rd scientific conference entitled “Corporate Governance and Technology in the ESG Era” was held in Piran on June 23, 2025, bringing together renowned experts from Slovenia and abroad. The central topic of the discussions was the contemporary challenges and opportunities of corporate governance in light of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and the role of technology in sustainable corporate management.
The event was organized by the Law Institute of the ZRS Koper in cooperation with the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI) and the Institute for the Development of Social Responsibility (IRDO). The conference, held in English, was part of the research project “Corporate Social Responsibility as the Responsibility of Directors” (ARIS J5-4582) and offered an important space for the exchange of knowledge and experience among more than 40 participants, both live and online.
The conference was opened by representatives of the organizers and distinguished guest professors. The program was divided into three content-rich panels. The first panel addressed issues of shareholder voting, disclosure of political activities of companies, and the issue of depriving shareholders of voting rights. The second panel was dedicated to discussions on the role of supervisory authorities, the impact of artificial intelligence on business decisions, and democracy in corporations. The third panel focused on digital rights, the implementation of ESG standards, and securities from a European perspective.
Participants discussed in depth the role of shareholders and stakeholders in shaping corporate values and the future of companies in the context of social responsibility. Special attention was paid to the challenges of existing corporate governance systems, where institutional investors have a large influence, while the voice of small shareholders is often neglected. Speakers emphasized the need for greater stakeholder involvement – not only as a legal obligation, but also as an opportunity for greater legitimacy and sustainability of companies.
Concrete solutions to strengthen the role of stakeholders were also proposed, such as the introduction of special share classes, hybrid financial instruments or sustainable bonds, all with the aim of increasing their influence without changing the fundamental legal framework of companies.
The conference raised key questions about who businesses really serve and how they should align economic goals with societal expectations in the future. Speakers included renowned law professors and corporate governance experts from the Universities of Utah, Pennsylvania, Duke, Georgetown Law, and other leading institutions.
