ESG key to sustainable development: conference

The conference created opportunities to exchange practical experiences, innovative solutions, and the development of new applications to promote sustainable values, thereby fostering sustainable business communities across all sectors, industries, and fields.

At the event opening, Le Trong Minh, VIR editor-in-chief, said that ESG (environment, society, and governance) were three majors in developing a sustainable economy in the context of a fast-moving world with increasingly strong commitments and strict regulation, it is necessary for businesses to study and build good strategies to catch up with the trend.

"Recent major studies around the world have shown that more and more governments, businesses, and investors are interested in ESG in the world. The discussion at today’s conference will surely bring us practical solutions, and valuable experience to clarify this issue," added Minh.

Le Trong Minh, VIR’s editor-in-chief, speaking at the event

Patrick Haverman, deputy resident representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam, spoke at the event, "Companies and investors are increasingly working together to address major global challenges. The adoption of ESG considerations in private investments is evolving from a risk management practice to a driver of innovation and new opportunities that create long-term value for businesses and society. Promoting ESG adoption throughout the investment value chain can encourage greater private investment in sustainable development, resulting in a greater impact.”

Haverman pointed out that the various actors in the investment value chain, including investors, banks, and companies, have been increasing ESG and sustainability information in their reporting processes. This will be important to create an enabling environment for sustainability and integrated reporting to flourish.

"As always, the UNDP and the UN stand ready to support the Vietnamese government in its next transition to a good governance, sustainable development, circular and climate-resilient economy where no one is left behind," he said.

Patrick Haverman, deputy resident representative of the UNDP in Vietnam, speaking at the event

Two discussion panels took place within the framework of the conference, with the participation of representatives from the UNDP Vietnam, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), and many entrepreneurs.

The first discussion, "Perspectives of Regulators and Economists on ESG in Vietnam" was moderated by VIR’s editor-in-chief Le Trong Minh. The panels included representatives from the MPI, UNDP Vietnam, KPMG, FTI Consulting and CMESolar. Experts exchanged opinions and proposed solutions for the business community to quickly implement and widely apply ESG criteria in their operations.

At the second discussion session titled "Successful Experience in Realising ESG Goals," moderated by Vu Minh Ly, deputy director of the Centre for Communications of Natural Resources and Environment, with speakers from Nestlé Vietnam, AEON Vietnam, IPEI Belgium, TH Group, TUI Blue Nam Hoi An shared practical experiences and expressed their desire to accompany the Vietnamese government to develop the sustainable economy.

The discussion panel at the event