The Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, Johan Ndisi, has underlined the importance of placing social responsibility at the core of sustainable business practices during a recent seminar in Hanoi on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
“For export-driven economies like Sweden and Vietnam, ESG is not only a responsibility but also a strategic advantage,” says Ambassador Ndisi. He emphasized that the social aspect—covering people, inclusion, and equity—requires responsible corporate leadership to ensure long-term, sustainable growth.
The seminar, titled “Advancing the ‘S’ in ESG,” highlighted the rising significance of social criteria within ESG frameworks. Delegates discussed how businesses can define and measure social indicators and shared perspectives on both global and local practices to foster more inclusive development.
The event was co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It aimed to strengthen collaboration between business leaders, development partners, and policymakers in promoting socially responsible enterprises in Vietnam and across Asia.
According to the Swedish Embassy, Sweden has contributed over USD 60 million to the UNDP-led Business and Human Rights in Asia programme, reinforcing its commitment to advancing corporate respect for human rights in the region.
A guide titled “Promoting the Letter ‘S’ in ESG” was launched during the event and is available here (opens in new window).
Source: Facebook