Public expectations have shifted priorities around ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) from a corporate choice to a necessity, demanding businesses take the lead in building a sustainable and responsible future. At the same time, new ESG regulations are driving increased accountability and transparency, in a climate where trust is often lacking.
SEC Newgate’s ESG Monitor research study examines the views of more than 14,000 people across 14 countries to gain insight into their awareness and perspectives on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.
The results reveal strong expectations from the public for companies to behave responsibly and play a more active role in society and address key questions like:
- How important are ESG issues to individuals? Which matter most to people?
- Are governments and businesses meeting community expectations and demands when it comes to ESG actions?
- Should companies prioritise the interests of all stakeholders, or is it more important for them to focus primarily on shareholder needs in the context of responsible business practices? Should businesses publicly address environmental and social issues or are these topics too divisive?
- To what extent should companies communicate their ESG commitments and issues and what can they do to avoid scepticism?
The key findings of the Global ESG Monitor 2024 were presented online on Wednesday 16 October – following the introduction by Fiorenzo Tagliabue, Group CEO of SEC Newgate – by Sue Vercoe, Managing Partner of SEC Newgate Australia. The roundtable, moderated by Naomi Kerbel, Director of communications at SEC Newgate UK and former TV journalist, featured the participation of:
- Philippa Nuttall, Editor of Sustainable Views, Financial Times
- Marcel Martin, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC)
- Marlena Babicka, Global Sustainability Manager, Avon Inc.
- Michal Nachmany, PhD – Founder and CEO of Climate Policy Radar and Visiting Fellow at Grantham Research Institute at London School of Economics
- Andrew Adie, Head of Green & Good and Reputation, SEC Newgate UK
The ESG Monitor revealed a growing public distrust towards companies and governments on ESG issues with 65% of Italians stating they have a negative perception of the Country’s direction, a growing figure compared to 2023 (61%).