ESG Corporate Governance: The Path to Transparency and Sustainable Business

The Department of Business Administration at SMVITM hosted an insightful guest talk on “ESG and Corporate Governance: Building Transparent and Sustainable Businesses” by Mr. Mahammed Sinan, Subject Matter Expert – ESG Data & Solutions. The session aimed to educate
MBA students on the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in corporate sustainability. Talking about the significance of ESG, Mr. Sinan stated that ESG factors play a crucial role in ensuring business transparency and long-term sustainability. ESG reporting helps companies assess their environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance structures. Organizations like ESGsure provide data for ESG ratings, aiding investors and stakeholders in making informed decisions. ESG has transformed investment decisions, shifting from a purely profit-driven approach to socially responsible investments. This trend highlights the increasing importance of corporate accountability and ethical business practices. He also focused on few case studies like the Equifax data breach and Rana Plaza disaster which underscore the consequences of poor ESG compliance. These incidents emphasize the need for robust risk management, cybersecurity measures, and ethical labor practices. The session also covered ESG rating agencies, research methodologies, and industry-specific ESG applications across sectors like mining, banking, e-commerce, and FMCG. Students gained insights into how companies navigate ESG frameworks, analyze sustainability reports, and benchmark their ESG commitments against industry standards. This insightful discussion prepared MBA students for the evolving corporate landscape, emphasizing transparency, ethical governance, and sustainable business practices.