Resident Coordinator's speech: GO ESG 2024 - Empowering Talent in Achieving the SDGs

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues and partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you today at GO ESG 2024, organized by the UN Global Compact Network in Malaysia and Brunei. The theme "Empowering Talents to Achieve the SDGs," is both strategic and timely.

It’s inspiring to see leaders from across sectors gathered here to address a crucial challenge: how we can equip today’s workforce with the skills and competencies needed to drive the sustainability agenda forward in the business world.

As we know, businesses are increasingly being called upon to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals—and, by extension, to address pressing global issues like climate change, inequality, resource scarcity, and beyond. 

From navigating the impacts of geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions to responding to public health crises and adapting to rapid technological advancements, companies face complex global challenges that demand sustainable and innovative approaches. 

It’s no longer enough for businesses to operate efficiently; they must do so responsibly, in alignment with principles of sustainability and accountability.

The shift toward environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards is a response to this essential call to action. However, achieving these ambitious standards requires an equally ambitious approach. 

First, it requires fostering an enabling environment where businesses can adopt a sustainability-focused mindset—one that recognizes sustainability as a driver of growth, not a hindrance. 

Second and crucially, this shift calls for investing in talent to meet ESG demands.

But how do we invest in talent with limited access to financing and expertise, especially for smaller companies. There is no question that integrating sustainability is a necessity, and expectations from stakeholders and consumers will only continue to grow. 

In Malaysia, for example, MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) represent nearly 97% of all businesses—a significant force in the economy. Yet, unlike larger corporations, MSMEs often lack the financial resources, specialized skills, and human capital to implement and monitor ESG standards effectively.

In Malaysia’s vibrant and dynamic economy, with its strong regional and global potential, supporting these businesses in overcoming ESG hurdles is essential. 

Empowering them to meet ESG standards not only enhances their competitiveness but also strengthens Malaysia’s position as a leader in sustainable economic development.

To drive this shift, we need all hands on deck. We need employees and leaders who understand sustainability in principle and can translate it into practice throughout every level of business operations. 

The competencies required to advance the ESG agenda are both diverse and nuanced. Technical skills—such as knowledge of green technologies, carbon accounting, and supply chain transparency—are crucial, but so are softer skills, like ethical decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to inclusivity. 

Sustainability champions need both ESG knowledge and strong collaboration skills, supported by training and mentorship.

For businesses, having a workforce equipped with these competencies is a critical asset. These skills not only enable progress toward the SDGs but also bring lasting competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving market. 

Another important question is how to ensure an adequate talent pool.

Building the skills required to drive the sustainability agenda involves not only empowering those already within organizations but also rethinking how we prepare new entrants to the job market. 

Many of today’s graduates and newcomers lack specific ESG and sustainability-related skills that businesses increasingly need. 

To bridge this gap, transforming education, training, and skilling programs is critical. Integrating sustainability principles into formal education, professional training, and mentorship programs can help equip the future workforce with the competencies required to navigate complex ESG issues. 

By fostering a human capital pipeline rooted in sustainability, we can build a workforce ready to lead transformative change and effectively respond to the growing demands of a sustainable economy.

For SMEs, in particular, building sustainability skills can be transformative, enhancing competitiveness, strengthening supply chains, and meeting the demands of conscientious consumers and investors alike. Moreover, equipping SME suppliers with ESG-aligned skills can build resilience across entire sectors, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The benefits of this sustainability shift extend beyond corporate gains. 

When organizations of all sizes invest in learning and development, they are not only empowering their teams but are also contributing to a global culture that values people, planet, and prosperity.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that advancing SDG target 4.7—ensuring all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development—is fundamental to realizing the full promise of the 2030 Agenda. 

By embedding sustainability into education and training, we are not only building a capable talent pool but also cultivating a generation prepared to drive meaningful change and foster inclusive, sustainable growth. 

GO ESG Symposium 2024 offers us an opportunity to engage in a serious conversation on how we can advance this transformation by forging partnerships that ensure that no business, large or small, is left behind. 

Thank you again for inviting me. I wish you a successful event and look forward to the insights and ideas as we work together toward a sustainable future.