Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie today published its Annual Sustainability Report 2024, which highlights the progress made by the Firm in calendar year 2023 on its prioritized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader sustainability strategy.
Baker McKenzie is a longstanding active participant of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and committed to upholding the UNGC's Ten Principles on human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption, and beyond that, committed to acting as a responsible business.
Amid the environmental and geopolitical challenges of 2023, the report provides a snapshot of the Firm's efforts to engage the full capabilities of its people and to leverage relationships and strong community connections to address a range of complex sustainability-related challenges. Through client advice, pro bono work, community involvement, collaboration with clients, and engagement with policy shaping forums, Baker McKenzie continued to play an active role in upholding the rule of law, defending human rights around the world, and supporting the energy transition.
The report also provides an overview of the Firm's progress on inclusion, diversity and equity as well as environmental sustainability goals in pursuit of its global sustainability strategy.
Commenting on the report, Milton Cheng, Global Chair, Baker McKenzie, said: "As we celebrate Baker McKenzie's 75th anniversary, I am very proud that, throughout our Firm's history, we have consistently shown our commitment to our people, our communities and our planet. This report reflects on how we are building on that strong foundation, so we can look forward to preparing for the future of our Firm for the next 75 years and beyond."
Alyssa Auberger, Chief Sustainability Officer, Baker McKenzie, added, "At Baker McKenzie, we believe that the best way for an organization to engage meaningfully on sustainability-related issues begins by exemplifying best practice in its own operations. That's why we apply the same rigor to advancing our own sustainability strategy as we do to advising our clients, holding ourselves to the same high standards as we recommend to them."
She continued: "We recognize that stakeholder trust can only develop if there is a strong foundation of consistency, accountability and transparency in place. The actions and efforts showcased in our 2024 report demonstrate our commitment to the values that matter to us and our stakeholders. By consolidating our actions behind those values with consistency each year as we make progress toward our goals, we are building a sustainable business for the long term."