The first step in the effective design of a client ESG investment mandate is to:

The official CFA Institute guidance states that the foundational step in developing any ESG investment mandate is to "clarify client needs and set them out in a clear statement of ESG investment beliefs." This clear statement forms the basis of the mandate. From this strong foundation, the ESG strategy can be tailored and implemented in ways that ensure alignment among the investor’s values, the investment process, and overall ESG objectives. It is therefore identified as the essential first step in the mandate's design.