The Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) hosted a prestigious environmental, social, and governance (ESG) symposium to encourage sustainable investment. The one-day ESG symposium was hosted by the SECP and UN Women-Pakistan to continue the discussion about ESG practises and to promote sustainable investing.

The symposium drew a vibrant representation from the private sector to share their success stories, to engage in high-level plenary discussions with important institutions, and to hold working sessions with critical stakeholders to discuss aspirations and commitments for enhancing the ESG ecosystem.

In her introductory remarks, Executive Director SECP Musarat Jabeen stated that ESG factors are increasing in popularity as investors and businesses look for long-term value and alignment with sustainability and climate-related goals. Country Representative for UN Women Pakistan, Sharmeela Rasool, stressed the importance of women's economic empowerment principles contributing to inclusive economic growth and the need for best practice benchmarking.

SECP Commissioner Sadia Khan delivered a thorough technical presentation on the development of the sustainability concept, significant SECP efforts, and SECP's feedback on the ESG roadmap. Companies from a variety of industries were represented, which emphasised their process of adopting ESG best practises. The panellists PSX Chief Executive Officer Ehsan Malik, PBC Chief Executive Officer Farrukh Rehman, ICAP Director, and UN Women Pakistan Head Fareeha Ummar participated in the plenary discussion.

The speakers talked about the necessity of concrete future goals for gender-responsive principles and women's economic empowerment, transition hurdles, and the crucial role that institutions play in promoting sustainable business practices. A working session with panellists from the business sector, headed by CFA Society Pakistan Director Muhammad Shoaib, mapped best practices and demonstrated commitment to enhancing areas in the environment, social, and governance aspects.

In his closing remarks, SECP Chairman Akif Saeed expressed appreciation for the different participants' intense attention. He underlined the requirement for coordinated, inclusive, and focused actions in the direction of a sustainable ecology. The ESG regulatory roadmap is the first step in establishing the momentum for accomplishing significant milestones and ambitions in this respect. The symposium has given all stakeholders the push they need to get involved. To develop long-term goals and concrete milestones, SECP will continue to interact with all pertinent parties.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk