UNNC and UNGC launch landmark ESG Case Collection in Beijing

Beijing, 29 November: The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) have officially launched a joint sustainability case collection in Beijing. Entitled "20 Case Examples of Private Sector's Sustainable Development in China for 20 Years", the report highlights exemplary ESG practices among corporates in China and will be disseminated globally in multiple languages through UN channels.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the ESG concept, UNNC joins hand with UNGC, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, to showcase the ESG practices of enterprises in China, illustrating their significant role in the transformation towards sustainable development.

With the ESG concept gaining international recognition and aligning with China's development goals, many companies in China are integrating ESG into their global strategies.

"In this book, we present narratives of resilience, adaptability, and foresight, which we hope will offer valuable lessons for more businesses moving towards sustainability in the future," noted Dr Huimin Song, Chief Editor of the Case Collection and Director of Nottingham Case Innovation Centre.

After a rigorous review by a committee comprising high-level representatives from the UN organisations and experts from UNNC and the University of Nottingham Malaysia, 20 cases were finally selected for their economic value, operability, replicability, innovation, and inclusion, including that of Tencent, HONOR, Danone China and multiple other renowned enterprises in China, providing a benchmark for enterprises to better understand and implement the ESG goals.

"There is a growing preference among consumers and investors for companies with robust sustainability credentials," introduced Professor Kok Wei Khong, Dean of Nottingham University Business School China and Chair of UNNC Environmental Sustainability Committee. "This collaboration provides a platform for international cooperation, allowing for the alignment of sustainable practices across different regions and industries. Chinese enterprises that integrate these sustainable practices may achieve market differentiation and gain a competitive advantage and attract more international investment from those seeking responsible investment opportunities aligned with global sustainability trends."

This collaboration showcases UNNC's commitment to advancing sustainability and its capacity to produce relevant, actionable knowledge, as well as its reputation and authority in the ESG arena, further commented Professor Khong.

UNNC has embedded sustainable development into its strategies, operations and education, such as proposing zero-carbon initiatives, fostering sustainable culture, and advancing ESG education and green technology.

Building on these efforts, UNNC further extends its impact to broader societal circles. Recently, UNNC formulate China’s first group standard about ESG for the manufacturing sector in partner with Expert Committee of Ningbo Intelligent Manufacturing Association, Ningbo Orient Wires & Cables Co. Ltd., and Ningbo Zhedong Environment and Energy Exchange.

Professor Garibaldi emphasised the importance of harnessing the collective insights of the private sector, academia, and civil society to address future challenges. Through this partnership, UNNC is materialising this key factor into tangible outcomes.

UNGC's extensive network, comprising over 23,000 members across 160 countries and regions, enables UNNC to enhance cross-border knowledge sharing and collaboration, influencing corporate behaviour and policy-making worldwide.

This global ESG ecosystem, involving businesses, academia, and government, facilitates resource sharing, outcome transformation, and educational advancement. Through this platform, UNNC is poised to contribute significantly to ESG development and create a lasting impact.