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Landscape

The terrain we walk

People Partnerships Business Nonprofits & NGOs Finance Governments Media & communications Education & research

People

Public consciousness

  • Collective consciousness – The idea that people share beliefs, values, and awareness as members of a society or community, which shapes how they collectively perceive and respond to issues. In communications, linked to concepts like “social proof”.
  • Cultural values – Shared norms and beliefs, resulting from collective consciousness, that shape the ways societies view issues like sustainability, equality, and governance.
  • Civic engagement – The level of involvement individuals have in community activities, reflecting their societal priorities and values.

Global commons

  • The natural world – Shared global resources (such as the atmosphere, oceans, forests, and other waters and lands) exist in balance and in a cycle of renewal and regeneration that perpetuates all life on earth.
  • Digital infrastructure – Internet connectivity and technological access, while unevenly distributed, are vital for modern communication and economic development.
  • Knowledge – The shared pool of human understanding, cultural wisdom, and scientific discovery that shapes how societies innovate, adapt, and solve global challenges. The dissemination of knowledge, free of attempts to control its use, can be transformative.

Partnerships

For-profit partnerships

  • Investor-business partnership – Joint efforts between (impact) investors and businesses where capital is provided to enterprises aiming for both financial returns and social or environmental benefits. These collaborations help scale innovations in areas like renewable energy, equitable finance, or sustainable agriculture.
  • Business partnerships – Two or more companies aligning and pooling resources to achieve social or environmental goals while generating mutual business benefits. Benefits may include enhancing brand reputation, ESG compliance, supply chains optimization, competitive advantages, or other synergies.

For-profit / nonprofit partnerships

  • Business-nonprofit partnership – Businesses and nonprofits align and pool strengths to pursue social and/or environmental accomplishments. These collaborations often increase the nonprofit’s access to resources and capacity to fulfill its mission, while benefiting the company’s brand reputation, stakeholder trust, and ESG goals.

Public / private sector partnerships

  • Government-nonprofit partnerships – Collaborative programs where government agencies provide funding, resources, or policy support to nonprofits working to address systemic issues (e.g. education, healthcare, or environmental protection). These partnerships leverage the nonprofit’s specialized expertise and on-the-ground networks to achieve broader public goals.
  • Government-business partnerships – Agreements where businesses collaborate with governments to achieve public goals, such as sustainability programs, infrastructure development, or workforce development programs. These partnerships often include financial incentives, tax benefits, or regulatory support to align businesses’ economic activities with public objectives, innovation, and long-term benefits.

Partnership models

  • Multi-sector partnerships – Complex alliances involving for-profit, nonprofit, investor, and/or governmental groups working together to address systemic challenges by leveraging diverse resources, expertise, and perspectives.
  • Networks – Open frameworks bringing together diverse organizations to advance a common cause.
  • Collaborations – Affiliations around shared goals where partners complement each other’s strengths.
  • Coalitions – Formal groups with dedicated members working collectively toward specific outcomes.

Business

Impact enterprises

  • Impact startups – Early-stage companies founded to solve societal or environmental problems through innovative business models.
  • B Corps – Companies certified by B Lab, a nonprofit whose seal is the most-recognized overall standard of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency in business.
  • Social enterprises – Companies that prioritize social benefit through smart business models.
    • Equitable finance – Addressing financial inclusion, often by providing microloans, fair credit, or financial literacy to underbanked or underserved populations.
    • Health – Improving access to healthcare, medical supplies, or health education for underserved communities.
    • Education – Offering affordable or free access to education, skills training, or digital learning resources.
    • Arts & culture – Promoting arts and culture through business models that empower marginalized artists or preserve cultural heritage.
    • Technology – Bridging the digital divide through accessible technology or tools that address social and environmental challenges.
    • Housing & infrastructure – Building affordable housing, providing disaster-resilient infrastructure, or tackling homelessness.
  • Eco enterprises – Businesses focused on environmental restoration or renewable practices.
    • Climate tech – Driving technological solutions for renewable energy, emission reduction, carbon capture, and climate adaptation.
    • Energy – Delivering clean, renewable energy solutions to off-grid or low-income communities.
    • Sustainable agriculture – Supporting sustainable farming practices, organic production, soil regeneration, urban farming, food security, or providing resources to smallholder farmers.
    • Conservation & restoration – Protecting forest and other ecosystems, restoring degraded ecosystems, or preserving biodiversity. Business models often involve generating carbon credits and/or partnership with the public sector.
    • Circular economy – Reducing waste in economic activities through recycling, upcycling, composting, or closed-loop production systems.
    • Water management – Addressing clean water access, wastewater treatment, or water conservation technologies. Business models often include partnerships with governments or utilities and revenue from service contracts or technology licensing.
    • Green building & construction – Designing and constructing sustainable, innovative, energy-efficient, and low-carbon materials and/or infrastructure.
    • Sustainable fashion – Creating eco-friendly apparel and accessories using recycled or ethically sourced materials.
    • Eco-tourism – Promoting travel that minimizes environmental impact while supporting local conservation efforts.

Corporate responsibility & sustainability

  • Regulatory compliance – Mandatory actions businesses take to adhere to laws and regulations like environmental standards, labor laws, and governance requirements.
  • Voluntary corporate efforts – Voluntary efforts by businesses to benefit society and/or the environment, often helpful to the company’s brand, marketing, and public perception. They can include conscientious operations, philanthropy, employee volunteer programs, community engagement projects, and innovative business models.
  • Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) measures – The integration of social and environmental responsibility into a company’s operations, reporting, and decision-making. ESG, originally a concept for conscientious investors and stakeholders, has evolved into a cornerstone for regulatory policies, corporate strategy, and long-term growth initiatives.
  • Anti-ESG – The belief that ESG practices place an undue burden on businesses, impose unnecessary costs, reduce shareholder returns, and hinder economic growth.

Supply chain & operations

  • Ethical sourcing – Practices ensuring materials and labor come from sources with (1) responsible environmental practices and (2) fair labor and human-rights practices.
    • Labor practices – Policies and practices that affect people in a supply chain’s workforce, including wages, safety of working conditions, and labor rights.
    • Environmental footprint – Ecological effects throughout the supply chain, encompassing agricultural practices, carbon emissions, waste generation, and resource use at every stage of production, from sourcing raw materials to product delivery.

Nonprofits & NGOs

Small nonprofits

  • Community-level impact – Organizations that address local challenges around education, housing, environmental restoration, health, or other issues. They often use grassroots efforts, local partnerships, and volunteer networks to benefit and change their communities.
  • Specialized nonprofits – Small organizations focusing on niche issues (e.g. mental health awareness, support for marginalized groups, or cultural heritage preservation). Their focus isn’t necessarily on a geographic location, but rather on a specific cause.

National & global NGOs

  • Advocacy for systemic change – Large-scale organizations addressing widespread (often global) challenges such as poverty, climate change, and human rights. These NGOs work through policy advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and collaborations with governments and corporations.
  • Humanitarian relief – NGOs that specialize in emergency responses to natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises, providing critical aid and infrastructure recovery in affected regions.
  • Development-focused NGOs – Organizations working to tackle systemic barriers to progress and quality of life (e.g. access to clean water, education, economic activities, or healthcare) in underserved regions.

Foundations & philanthropy

  • Private foundations & funds – Independent, grant-making entities that support nonprofits and NGOs. They range from small local funds to large global foundations.
    • Corporate foundations – A type of private foundation funded by businesses to align philanthropic efforts with corporate values. While often owned or initiated by corporations, these foundations remain independent from direct business operations, offering funding for nonprofits and providing benefits such as tax deductions and enhanced reputation for the parent company.
    • Independent foundations – Foundations that are typically funded by an individual, family, or corporation but are legally independent and not controlled by a corporate entity.
      • Community foundations – Localized philanthropic organizations that pool resources from donors to support nonprofits addressing regional needs, such as scholarships, community revitalization, or environmental restoration.
      • Large private foundations – Large national or international foundations that provide significant grants to support nonprofit initiatives or programs. Some also fund intermediary organizations that award subgrants to fulfill shared philanthropic goals.
  • Individual philanthropy – Contributions from high-net-worth individuals or grassroots donors, ranging from multimillion-dollar pledges to crowdfunding campaigns, often fueling both small and large-scale nonprofit initiatives.

Finance

Impact investing

  • Impact-first investing – Investments that focus on measurable positive societal or environmental outcomes over financial returns. These investments might fund renewable energy, social enterprises, or equitable finance solutions to create tangible benefits for underserved communities or ecosystems.
  • Return-first investing – Investments that seek financial returns while backing environmentally or socially beneficial ventures.
  • Microloans – Small-scale loans designed to provide financial access to individuals or small businesses in the world’s underserved or low-income regions. These loans typically empower entrepreneurs (often women or other underrepresented groups) to start or grow businesses, fostering local economic development and social progress.

ESG investing

  • Thematic funds – Investment funds that focus on specific ESG themes (e.g. renewable energy, gender equity, or affordable housing). These funds allow investors to align their portfolios with causes they care about, while supporting sectors driving long-term sustainability and innovation.
  • Screened investments – A strategy that excludes companies or sectors failing to meet certain ESG criteria, such as fossil fuel producers or unethical labor practitioners, ensuring capital flows toward more socially responsible businesses.
  • Shareholder engagement – Investors actively influencing corporate ESG policies and practices through shareholder resolutions, proxy voting, and dialogues with company leadership to promote sustainability and accountability.

Blended finance

  • Public-private co-investing – Structures that combine public funding (e.g., government grants or international aid) with private capital to scale impactful projects. These partnerships often address large-scale issues like climate adaptation, infrastructure development, or sustainable agriculture.
  • Concessional capital – Capital provided by public or philanthropic sources at below-market rates that aims to lower the risk of loss, or increase the likelihood of return, for private investors. This approach helps attract private investments in social or environmental ventures, especially in developing markets.
  • Outcome-based financing – Financing models, such as social impact bonds (SIBs) or development impact bonds (DIBs), where private investors provide upfront funding. Governments or donors agree to repay investors, often with a return, only if the program achieves predetermined measurable outcomes. For example, a SIB might fund a job training program, with repayment tied to the number of participants who secure employment. This approach transfers risk to investors while incentivizing innovation and accountability in program delivery.
  • Green bonds – Fixed-income instruments issued to fund environmentally friendly projects, such as renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, or pollution reduction. These bonds often attract patient capital, as they finance long-term environmental initiatives while providing steady financial returns.

Governments

Environmental policies

  • Sustainability requirements – Regulations requiring companies and industries to adopt sustainable practices, for example, energy efficiency standards, renewable energy quotas, or restrictions on single-use plastics. These mandates aim to ensure environmental and social sustainability at a systemic level, often tied to broader national or international climate goals.
  • Carbon pricing mechanisms – Policies such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems designed to put a monetary cost on greenhouse gas emissions. These mechanisms incentivize businesses to reduce emissions while generating revenue that can be reinvested into sustainability or climate-adaptation initiatives.
    • Carbon credits – Governments and policy bodies set thresholds for the greenhouse gas emissions a company is permitted to generate. If a company exceeds this limit, it must either pay a fine or purchase carbon credits—certificates that represent a reduction or removal of greenhouse gasses. Typically, carbon credits can be generated by: [1] businesses that reduce their emissions below the allowed threshold, enabling them to sell surplus credits, or [2] sustainability projects like reforestation, renewable energy development, or soil carbon sequestration. These credits are traded on carbon markets, creating revenue streams for credit generators, helping businesses offset their emissions, and accelerating investments in sustainable initiatives.

Social & labor policies

  • Community-focused policies – Government programs addressing housing access, education equity, or healthcare availability to promote overall societal health and productivity.
  • Fair labor standards – Laws and regulations that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours for employees. These policies protect workers’ rights and promote ethical practices within industries and supply chains.
    • Worker protections & benefits – Initiatives such as minimum wage laws, paid family leave, and unemployment benefits designed to strengthen job security and overall worker well-being.
    • Diversity & inclusion policies – Policies designed to eliminate discriminatory hiring and promote fair representation of social groups defined by race, gender, ethnicity, disability, and other factors. These policies aim to reverse systemic inequalities in hiring, promotions, and leadership.

Government funding

  • Public funding for non-profits – Grants, subsidies, or contracts provided by governments to support non-profit organizations tackling social and environmental challenges. This funding enables non-profits to scale operations, implement community programs, and conduct research, often in areas like disaster relief, education, or environmental restoration.
  • Public funds & incentives for businesses – Financial support mechanisms such as subsidies, tax breaks, or low-interest loans available to companies aligned with public social and/or environmental goals. These incentives also stimulate economic activity by reducing the upfront costs of starting, running, or growing a business.

International frameworks

  • Global & regional bodies – Policies and goals are often set by international policy-making bodies like the United Nations, European Union, and other regional organizations. (See the Global regions tab of this page.)

Media & communications

2.0 (social) media & communications

  • Digital campaigns – Social media initiatives that use platforms to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and drive action on societal or environmental issues. Campaigns often incorporate storytelling, user-generated content, audience engagement, and influencer partnerships to maximize reach and return.
  • Online cause networks – Virtual communities that organize around shared values or causes, leveraging social media for petitions, fundraising, or awareness-building efforts. These networks often transcend geographic boundaries, uniting supporters globally.

Traditional media & publications

  • Investigative journalism – Traditional outlets dedicated to uncovering and reporting on critical social and environmental issues, often looking at corporate misconduct, government corruption, or human rights violations. Investigative reporting helps hold powerful entities accountable and drive public awareness around systemic challenges.
  • Specialized outlets – Publications that focus exclusively on topics like sustainability, ESG, or social inequalities, providing in-depth coverage and insights for niche audiences.

Public relations

  • Traditional & digital PR – PR involves shaping public perception through media coverage, crisis management, and strategic messaging. While traditional PR focuses on securing placements in outlets like newspapers or TV, modern PR also utilizes digital platforms, including social media and influencer partnerships, to engage directly with audiences and narratives in real-time.

Grassroots movements

  • Grassroots movements – Activist-led organizations that use local and global media to amplify marginalized voices, promote systemic change, and pressure institutions to address inequalities or environmental issues.
  • Media-driven advocacy – Organizations or campaigns that rely heavily on media coverage, documentaries, or viral content to drive their messaging and build public support. These efforts often blend storytelling with data to create compelling calls to action.

Education & research

Universities

  • Academic research hubs – Universities serve as engines for discovery, advancing research on climate change, renewable energy, social equity, and sustainable development. They often collaborate with governments, nonprofits, and businesses to translate academic findings into real-world solutions.

Research institutions

  • For-profit research institutions – Consulting firms and “think tanks” whose research aims to create innovative breakthroughs, ESG insights, and policy recommendations for clients, often tailored to generate value for businesses or governments.
  • Nonprofit research institutions – Nonprofit research groups focus on similar outputs (innovation, policy, and insight) but aim to create public goods rather than profit, often funded by grants or donations.

Business research & development (R&D)

  • Corporate R&D divisions – Businesses invest heavily in research and development to drive innovation, develop new products, and improve sustainability practices. These divisions often focus on cutting-edge technologies, such as renewable energy, AI-driven solutions, or material science advancements, to stay competitive while addressing environmental and social challenges.
  • Startup-driven R&D – Smaller companies and startups, often backed by venture capital, drive innovation by developing niche technologies and disruptive solutions. Focus areas include climate tech, renewable energy, AI, and biotech, with R&D efforts targeting high-impact challenges and opportunities for scalable growth.

Government research & development

  • Public sector research programs – Governments fund and operate research initiatives to address national priorities such as climate resilience, public health, and technological advancement. These programs often collaborate with universities, nonprofits, and private industry to translate research into policy, innovation, and infrastructure development.

Global frameworks

Europe

US & Canada

Latin America

Africa

Asia-Pacific

Middle East

Global frameworks

The United Nations (UN)

The UN doesn’t enforce regulations but plays a central role in shaping global standards and initiatives.

  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – A foundational UN document adopted in 1948 that establishes universal human rights, with protections for freedom, equality, and dignity. It serves as the basis for international human rights, labor rights, and social justice law.
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – A set of 17 global goals designed to address poverty, inequality, climate change, and other sustainability challenges by 2030.
  • COP conferences – Annual gatherings under the UNFCCC where countries negotiate and advance global climate strategies.
  • Paris Agreement – A landmark treaty adopted at COP21 that commits countries to limit global warming to below 2°C and pursue efforts to cap it at 1.5°C.
  • Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) – A UN-supported initiative encouraging investors to integrate ESG factors into decision-making and ownership practices.

Europe

European Union (EU)

The EU is the current global leader in ESG regulations, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

  • European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) – An EU framework for fair working conditions, equal opportunity, social inclusion, and access to essential services like healthcare and education.
  • European Green Deal – The EU’s overarching strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, focusing on reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
  • EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities – Defines what constitutes a sustainable economic activity.
  • Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – Requires companies to disclose detailed ESG information in their annual reports.
  • Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) – Mandates ESG disclosures for financial market participants.
  • Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) – An EU initiative to support regions and industries most affected by the transition to a green economy. It helps ensure social equity is a consideration in this transition.

United Kingdom (UK)

The UK maintains strong ESG regulations post-Brexit, aligning with international frameworks.

  • Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) – An initiative by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) to improve transparency on climate-related financial risks, including physical risks (e.g., extreme weather) and transition risks (e.g., regulatory or market shifts). Disclosures are mandatory for large companies operating in the UK.
  • Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener – The UK’s official plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on renewable energy, low-carbon technology, and energy efficiency.
  • Modern Slavery Act – Legislation requiring companies to report on efforts to prevent forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitative practices within their operations and supply chains. This act aims to increase transparency and accountability, promoting ethical labor practices and social justice.

All European nations include

  • EU countries – Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Sweden, Greece, Portugal, Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Ireland, Croatia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Latvia, Estonia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta
  • Non-EU countries – Russia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Switzerland, Serbia, Norway, Georgia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, Armenia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Iceland, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
  • *Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark but not EU members. They maintain Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) status as non-member affiliates of the EU.

United States & Canada

United States

ESG in the U.S. is evolving, driven by regulatory efforts and investor pressure, and faces opposition in parts of the US socio-political landscape. ESG factors often vary by state, presidential administration, and congress majority party.

  • Civil Rights Act – Landmark legislation (1964) that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Enforced through mechanisms like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it remains a cornerstone for equality in workplaces, schools, and public spaces across the United States.
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – Proposes rules requiring climate-related disclosures for public companies.
  • Scope 1 & 2 emissions reporting – The SEC adopted rules in 2024 requiring public companies to disclose Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) greenhouse gas emissions, with phase-in periods for the regulations and exemptions for certain smaller companies.
  • California-Specific Regulations – California leads with strict climate laws like the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, requiring Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions disclosures.

Canada

Canada emphasizes transparency and sustainability, focusing on Indigenous rights, carbon pricing, and renewable energy. Key frameworks include:

  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) – An effort to address the harmful legacy of Canada’s “residential school system” on Indigenous peoples. The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action focus on reconciliation, Indigenous rights, and social justice through education, policy, and community healing initiatives.
  • TCFD-aligned reporting – Canada encourages companies to adopt the UK’s Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework on reporting climate-related financial risks and opportunities.
  • Federal carbon pricing – Canada’s federal carbon pricing assigns a cost to greenhouse gas emissions, either through a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system. This model incentivizes businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint while helping fund the shift to a low-carbon economy.

All “US & Canada” nations include:

  • Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Saint Pierre & Miquelon

Latin America

Latin America’s regulatory environment is less developed, yet the region is a major focus in ESG conversations due to its socio-political complexities and immense biodiversity.

Brazil

  • Environmental stewardship & economic growth – As both the “steward of the Amazon” and one of the world’s largest emerging economies, Brazil is challenged with scaling its economy while safeguarding natural resources. This challenge applies to Brazil’s vast agricultural, industrial, and urban development sectors, which are interconnected with global supply chains.
  • Emerging environmental regulations – The country has made recent strides in environmental regulations.
  • Green financing & corporate ESG – The growing market for green bonds and ESG financing, driven by São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3) requirements, is helping align corporate ESG efforts with international standards.
  • Social challenges & opportunities – Brazil is a culturally rich country, with critical social challenges and opportunities. Deep inequality and systemic barriers are contrasted by successful community-based entrepreneurship, microfinancing programs, and indigenous-led conservation projects.

Mexico

  • Social challenges & equity initiatives – Mexico faces social disparities such as income inequality and limited education in rural areas. Government programs like “Sembrando Vida” and community initiatives address these gaps by promoting job creation, education, and sustainable development in underserved regions.
  • Trade & environmental standards – Influenced by the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, Mexico adheres to labor and environmental standards that are integrated into its trade policies, aiming to enhance sustainability and cross-border collaboration.
  • ESG reporting & financial incentives – ESG reporting is encouraged by the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV), giving companies frameworks for transparency and alignment with global sustainability goals.

Chile

  • Social progress and inclusion efforts – Chile has made strides toward social equality and equitable development with initiatives for education access, social safety nets, indigenous communities, and equal representation in the workforce.
  • Renewable energy leadership – Chile is a global leader in renewable energy. Solar and wind resources in regions like the Atacama Desert are being used to power green hydrogen production, positioning Chile as a key exporter in the emerging green hydrogen market. Chile has committed to converting 70% of its energy consumption to renewables by 2030.
  • Mandatory ESG reporting – Under the Financial Market Commission (CMF), Chile has implemented mandatory ESG reporting for pension funds.

All Latin American nations include:

  • Central America – Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize
  • Caribbean – Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts & Nevis
  • Caribbean territories & dependencies – Saint Martin (France) & Sint Maarten (Netherlands), Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire (Netherlands), Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat (United Kingdom), Guadeloupe, Martinique (France)
  • South America – Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana

Africa

Africa’s prominent social equity efforts include microfinance programs for small-scale farmers and innovations like mobile banking, which enhance financial access for millions across the continent. The continent’s ESG focus centers on climate adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable resource use, with countries leveraging solar in North Africa and wind in the Horn of Africa to drive clean energy transitions.

Kenya

  • Mobile financial inclusion – Kenya’s M-Pesa revolutionized mobile banking, providing millions of unbanked individuals access to financial services, empowering rural communities, supporting micro-entrepreneurship, and driving economic inclusion, particularly for women.
  • Renewable energy innovation – Kenya generates 90% of its electricity from renewable sources like geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind power. The Olkaria Geothermal Project is one of the largest geothermal power plants in Africa.

Nigeria

  • Financial inclusion & youth empowerment – Nigeria has made social progress through programs like N-Power, a youth-focused initiative under the National Social Investment Program (NSIP), which offers skills development and job opportunities to address unemployment and poverty.
  • Financial inclusion & innovation – Nigeria’s fintech boom is creating new financial inclusion and opportunities for entrepreneurship, particularly among small- and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Renewable energy expansion – Nigeria’s Solar Power Naija program aims to provide 5 million homes with solar systems and improve electricity access for 25 million people, especially in underserved rural areas.

South Africa

  • King IV Report on Corporate Governance – Pioneering the integration of ESG into corporate governance, the King IV Report emphasizes transparency, stakeholder inclusivity, and sustainable value creation.
  • Renewable energy transition – South Africa has been at the forefront of renewable energy in Africa. Its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) has generated over 7 GW of clean energy capacity and thousands of jobs in local communities.
  • Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) – South Africa’s B-BBEE policy is designed to address the systemic inequalities that have stemmed from apartheid through initiatives like preferential procurement, enterprise development, and skills training.

Pan-African efforts

  • Social equity – Pan-African initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), foster inclusive growth by empowering women entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers.
  • International efforts – Programs like the International Trade Centre’s “SheTrades” initiative provide career training, market access, and financial support for women across Africa and other regions.
  • Growth in renewable energy – Initiatives like the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) aim to scale solar, wind, and hydroelectric power while reducing fossil-fuel dependence and improving domestic energy security.

All African nations include:

  • Northern Africa – Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania
  • Western Africa – Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde
  • Eastern Africa – Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Madagascar, Zambia, Malawi, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Comoros, Seychelles
  • Southern Africa – Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini

Asia-Pacific (APAC)

APAC is seeing perhaps the world’s fastest growth in ESG investment and policy adoption. Several countries are strengthening labor protections, diversifying leadership, and enforcing stricter ESG reporting standards. The region leads renewable energy growth, with China and India expanding solar and wind capacity, investing in green finance, and developing sustainable infrastructure.

China

  • Labor rights – Labor is a complex issue in China. Labor rights have been shaped by the Labor Contract Law of 2008, which governs wages, safety standards, and overtime regulations. The ‘Common Prosperity’ campaign aims to address systemic inequality by redistributing wealth and improving education and living standards. However, these programs often lack enforcement, and there are widespread reports of employers violating regulations and of forced labor persisting. The government has also faced criticism for suppressing labor activism.
  • Green finance guidelines – China has policies like the ‘Guidelines for Establishing the Green Financial System’ to channel investments into sustainable projects and reduce reliance on coal. Financial tools include green bonds, green credit guidelines, and benefits for the clean energy sector. In 2024, China was the largest issuer of green bonds globally, helping advance projects in renewable energy, pollution control, and sustainable urban infrastructure.
  • Dual carbon goals – China’s ambitious climate targets include peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. To meet these goals, the country is scaling renewable energy while investing in green hydrogen and sustainable infrastructure, such as high-speed rail and energy-efficient urban developments.

India

  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandate – In 2024, India became the first country to legislate mandatory CSR contributions, requiring companies above specific financial thresholds to spend 2% of their average net profits on social, environmental, or community development projects.
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) – A government initiative comprising eight core missions focused on promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience through measures like solar power expansion and water resource management.

Japan

  • Workplace gender equality – Initiatives like the ‘Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation’ and ‘Advancement in the Workplace’ have helped allow more women to enter leadership roles and improve workplace inclusivity. Progress remains slow due to cultural and structural barriers.
  • Corporate Governance Code – Japan’s Corporate Governance Code, introduced in 2015 and updated twice, requires companies to address ESG risks by ramping up measures like board diversity, presence of independent directors, and climate-related disclosures.
  • TCFD adoption – Japanese companies have been leaders in adopting the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, which encourages transparency in climate-related risks and opportunities. With support from the government, over 1,000 Japanese firms have adopted TCFD guidelines.

Singapore

  • Economic leadership in APAC – Singapore is a leading economic force and innovation hub in the APAC region, known for its strong financial systems, intellectual property protections, and digital infrastructure. While its economy is highly developed, challenges such as wealth inequality and high living costs persist.
  • Sustainable development & infrastructure – Singapore is globally recognized as a leader in sustainable urban development. Initiatives like the Green Plan 2030 prioritize green infrastructure, urban greening, and the creation of energy-efficient buildings. Projects like Marina Barrage and Jewel Changi Airport integrate function, aesthetics, and sustainability.
  • SGX sustainability reporting – The Singapore Exchange (SGX) mandates Scope 1 and 2 ESG reporting, based on TCFD recommendations, for listed companies.
  • Green Finance Action Plan – Singapore’s Green Finance Action Plan promotes green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and other financial products, making the country a global hub for sustainable finance. Incentives like the Green Bond Grant Scheme reduce issuance costs, driving investments in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure. Singapore also promotes carbon offset projects and developing regional green finance networks.

Australia

  • Social challenges – Australia has a highly developed economy, yet it grapples with social disparities, particularly in Indigenous rights and economic inequality. The Closing the Gap initiative aims to improve health, education, and economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, though progress has been uneven. Rising housing costs and wage stagnation have contributed to concerns about affordability and economic opportunity, particularly in urban centers.
  • ASIC guidelines – The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) encourages companies to disclose climate-related risks in their financial reports, preferably aligned with global reporting standards like the TCFD. This reporting has become mandatory for large companies and financial institutions as of 2025.
  • Environmental challenges & opportunities – Australia’s historical reliance on coal and resource-intensive industries creates unique challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The country faces pressure to balance economic growth with environmental accountability, as climate change drives more frequent and severe weather events. Recent investments in climate resilience include bushfire recovery programs and flood mitigation infrastructure.
  • Renewable energy transition – Australia is investing in renewable energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and coal. The country has seen growth in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy sectors to meet domestic energy demands and support export opportunities, with projects like Snowy Hydro 2.0 and large solar farms in the province of Queensland. Challenges persist in integrating renewables into the grid and addressing high energy costs, which affect consumers and industrial competitiveness.

All APAC countries include:

  • North & East Asia – South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mongolia
  • Southeast Asia – Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Timor-Leste, Brunei
  • South Asia – Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives

Middle East

The Middle East, known for its oil-export economies, has begun incorporating ESG principles into its economic diversification. The region’s challenges include water scarcity, extreme heat, violent conflicts, and human rights issues. It has potential for leadership in renewable energy and sustainability innovation.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Labor & social development – The UAE has introduced labor reforms, including improved worker protections, abolition of the Kafala system for migrant workers, and mandatory health insurance for workers. Enforcement of these efforts and worker rights advocacy remain ongoing challenges. The UAE has also made investments in education and social infrastructure.
  • UAE Net Zero 2050 – In 2021, the UAE became the first Gulf country to commit to a net-zero target by 2050, focusing on renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable urban planning as seen in projects like Masdar City, a planned sustainable city.
  • Diversifying an oil-dependent economy – While traditionally reliant on oil exports, the UAE has been diversifying its economy by investing heavily in sectors like tourism, clean energy, and green finance. This includes the establishment of the Dubai Green Fund and the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant, which is one of the world’s largest solar projects.

Saudi Arabia

  • Labor & social development – Saudi Arabia has made reforms to its labor laws, including changes to the Kafala system to improve rights and mobility for the country’s large migrant workforce. Economic diversification initiatives have also focused on increasing workforce participation among women, although major social barriers persist in achieving equity and inclusivity.
  • Vision 2030 – Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a reform framework designed to reduce economic dependence on oil, which comprises about 40% of the nation’s GDP. The initiative includes targets to generate 50% of the country’s power from renewable sources by 2030 and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. Vision 2030 encompasses investments in sectors like tourism and green technology, including large-scale solar and wind projects, as well as plans for a zero-carbon city named NEOM (an acronym translating to “New Future”).
  • Environmental challenges & water scarcity – Environmental issues such as desertification and water scarcity remain critical concerns. Saudi Arabia has invested in water desalination technology, including some of the world’s largest plants, and renewable energy-powered systems to address its water needs. Efforts also include tree-planting programs to combat desertification, though their scale is currently limited relative to the challenges.

Pakistan

  • Poverty alleviation & economic challenges – Pakistan faces social challenges like poverty, income inequality, and limited education access. Programs like the Ehsaas Programme, a large-scale social safety net, aim to reduce poverty through direct cash transfers, education initiatives, and job training. However, such programs face challenges in implementation and meeting the needs of a growing population.
  • Geopolitical challenges and regional tensions – Pakistan’s geographic location has historically made it a focal point of global and regional conflicts, from the Cold War to the ongoing tensions with India over Kashmir. These conflicts have affected defense expenditures, diplomatic relations, and social instability, impacting Pakistan’s economic development and social progress. Today, challenges like cross-border militancy and the humanitarian impact of ongoing tensions continue to shape the country’s trajectory.
  • Climate resilience & renewable energy – Pakistan is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, experiencing severe floods, rising temperatures, and water scarcity. The government has launched initiatives like the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project, which aims to restore forests and combat deforestation, alongside increasing investments in renewable energy projects, particularly in solar and wind, with the goal to produce 60% of the country’s energy from renewables by 2030.
  • Global green diplomacy – Pakistan has been a vocal advocate for climate justice, particularly in securing funding for climate adaptation in developing nations through forums like COP conferences and hosting events such as World Environment Day 2021.

All Middle Eastern & Central Asian nations include:

  • Middle Eastern countries – Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain
  • Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

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