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Preparations have started for the inaugural edition of the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Africa conference, the first face-to-face event of its kind in Africa. The event, which will take place from 25-26 October 2022 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton, South Africa, will look at ESG from an African perspective and tackle issues companies and leaders face in trying to embed ESG within their organisations.
Pre and post the conference, ESG Africa Events, the organiser of the conference, is also running a series of masterclasses aimed at reaching a common understanding of what ESG is and how to implement ESG within organisations. Facilitated by industry experts, these are aimed at equipping attendees with the tools and understanding they need to focus on key elements of ESG.
Next up, on 27 September 2022, is the important social masterclass on ‘Unpacking the ‘S’ in ESG’. Hosted by ED Platform, it will provide key insights into the social element in ESG; what it means, why it is important and how to go about meeting the criteria set out under this element.
Following on from this, Herbert Smith Freehills will present on the Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidelines on 7 October.
The conference itself is supported by key industry bodies, including; the Good Governance Academy, BUSA, the National Business Initiative, the African Sustainable Development Association, SKULTCHA ,the South African National Energy Association (SANEA) and the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).
“The strong endorsements we have received, underscore the need for a face-to-face event which can bring companies together from across the continent, to discuss, debate and to find solutions to how we drive ESG forward, in a way which is both relevant and impactful in an African context” says Joshua Low, co-founder of the event.
“We have a steering committee made up of key industry bodies and the private sector, who have helped us shape the programme. The first day of the event will be themed ‘leading the change’ and will unpack how leaders can go about embedding ESG into their cultures and overall strategies. The second day will focus on ‘how Africa takes a stance on ESG’ and will examine how ESG can be made more relevant and applicable in an African context’ says Wendy Poulton, Director of Strategic Mindsets and co-founder of the event.
“We believe that the event will be the first of its kind as it tackles ESG from an African perspective and through the lens of leadership and culture change, but also through its ability to unpack issues across measurement and reporting, the legal implications of ESG, the role of the ‘S’ in ESG, and a number of governance issues which companies face” says Marie Parramon Gurney, CEO and Chief Impact Officer at SKULTCHA, a purpose driven company.
“Companies are increasingly realising the benefits of taking ESG seriously, to improve the sustainability of their organisation, drive growth, and remain competitive. Over and above mitigating critical legal risks, this comes in the form of reducing costs, increasing their ability to attract and keep talent, increasing innovation across the organisation, managing risks, and ensuring long term growth,’’ says Justine Sweet, independent Environmental Legal expert.
