As a follow-up from the 4th International Class Action Conference in Amsterdam, 30 June - 1 July 2022, the University of Amsterdam and Tilburg University are jointly organizing a workshop on large scale collective actions on Environmental, Social and Governance topics. The workshop is intended to act as a forum for the sharing of experiences and knowledge. In an increasingly interconnected world, such opportunities for international scholars and practitioners to come together and discuss notes and views on the development of collective redress in their jurisdictions, are more relevant than ever. We choose to organize this as a workshop centered around academic papers in order to both give serious substance to the forum and to convert the exchange of knowledge into lasting contributions in the shape of publications in a special issue journal.
Specifically ESG-related class actions are becoming more prominent as shareholders, consumers, and activists increasingly hold companies accountable for their impact on the environment, their governance practices, and social responsibilities. The legal landscape around ESG issues is rapidly evolving and ESG issues intersect with law, business, environmental science, and ethics. The approach to ESG issues varies significantly across different jurisdictions, reflecting diverse legal, cultural, and regulatory landscapes. The workshop aims to explore these variations, offering insights into the global challenges and opportunities in litigating ESG-related class actions.