Notes on CYPE Manila Webinar on Sustainable Development, SDGs, and ESG

Introduction to the Webinar

Hosted by CYPE Manila in collaboration with De La Salle University Jesse Robredo Institute of Governance
Focus on sustainable development as a holistic enterprise development goal
Importance of aligning business strategies with social and environmental needs
Introduction of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.

Businesses need to adopt strategies that meet current needs without compromising future resources
SDGs and ESG are essential frameworks for sustainable practices

SDGs: 17 goals established by the UN to promote sustainable practices
ESG: Benchmarks for measuring and impacting enterprise practices
Businesses must see ESG beyond compliance, recognizing its importance in achieving SDGs

Dr. Francisco Magno: Senior Fellow and Founding Director of the La Salle Institute of Governance
Background in governance and political science; experience in various universities and awarded for contributions to research and community engagement
Emphasized the shift in business focus from profit maximization to sustainability

Vicky Tan: Chairperson of the Global Network Philippines and executive director of Ayala Corporation's Group Risk Management and Sustainability Division.
- Focus on embedding sustainability within corporate strategies
Michelle Crimes: Program officer with the Anti-Corruption and Governance Center specializing in corporate compliance and anti-corruption initiatives
Fabian Michaud: Director of SDG Impact at UNDP, focusing on mobilizing private sector capital for SDGs.

Vicky Tan: ESG is foundational for managing business risks and achieving a social license to operate. SDGs present opportunities for creating shared value.
Michelle Crimes: Businesses are increasingly held accountable by communities; ESG facilitates this accountability.
Fabian Michaud: Sustainability is a major disruptor and a core business priority; the need for businesses to address environmental, social, and governance issues is urgent.

COVID-19 Impact: Highlighted the systemic issues in sustainability; the pandemic served as a catalyst for responsible investments
Investment Trends: $35 trillion in ESG investments in 2021 shows significant interest and movement in the sector
Need for Collaboration: Cross-sector partnerships are essential for achieving sustainability objectives, especially for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).

Different frameworks (GRI, SASB, etc.) are being harmonized for better reporting standards
Engagement of stakeholders in policy creation is crucial for better outcomes

Reporting should drive action and not just be a compliance exercise
Vicky's Approach: Use ESG reporting as a tool for stakeholder engagement and to set targets for improvement
Fabian's Emphasis: Reporting should focus on material impacts and overall sustainability practices rather than just compliance metrics.

Companies must integrate sustainability into their core strategies, not just as an additional compliance task
The role of academia in developing talent and knowledge partnerships is vital for future sustainability efforts
Conclusion: The webinar highlighted the urgency and necessity of adopting ESG and SDGs not just as compliance measures, but as core to business strategies for sustainable development.