UNIDO ITPO Shanghai Participates in the 2nd Sustainable Development Forum of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)

On October 12th, the 2nd Shanghai Jiao Tong University Sustainable Development Conference and the inauguration ceremony of the Institute of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG Institute) were held. Over 300 participants, including Wang Zhongwei, former Director of the State Council Counsellors’ Office, Yang Zhenbin, Party Secretary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Ma Dexiu, former Party Secretary, Huang Zhen, Dean of the Academy of Smart Energy Innovation and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Ling Wen, President of the Shandong Association for Science and Technology and a fellow of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, along with representatives from government agencies, social organizations, and businesses, attended the event. Zhao Xiaolei, Head of UNIDO ITPO Shanghai, was invited to attend.

Yang Zhenbin, Party Secretary of SJTU

Yang Zhenbin, representing the university, expressed that Shanghai Jiao Tong University actively responds to national development strategies in his opening remarks. To address the global challenges of climate change and achieve the 'dual-carbon' goals, the university has established the ESG Institute as an extension of its academic discipline framework.

Wang Zhongwei, former Director of the State Council Counsellors’ Office

Wang Zhongwei, Chair of the ESG Institute’s first Advisory Committee, noted in his address that the institute should promote a more comprehensive and profound approach to sustainable development, guiding companies towards sustainability. He emphasized the importance of leveraging information and data technologies to aid businesses in their sustainable transformations and using ESG governance tools in line with China's practical experiences to foster business action. He expressed his hope that the institute would become a platform for innovation, professional services, practical cooperation, and international exchange, contributing to China’s ESG field and its global influence.

Ling Wen, President of the Shandong Association for Science and Technology

Ling Wen introduced the ESG Institute and the Sustainable Development Open Laboratory (SD Open Lab). The institute aims to develop a leading domestic and internationally recognized ESG rating system, create a platform for regular dialogue and collaboration with global ESG rating agencies, and improve the ESG performance of Chinese companies in international evaluations, building an open-source, accessible ESG data repository.

Inauguration of the ESG Institute

During the ceremony, Wang Zhongwei and Yang Zhenbin unveiled the plaque for the ESG Institute, with Ma Dexiu, Huang Zhen, Luo Zhizong, Chief Economist of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, and Zhao Xiaolei, Head of UNIDO Shanghai ITPO, witnessed the event.

In the following high-level dialogue on “Data Governance and Rating Empowering ESG for High-Quality Development,” Zhao Xiaolei emphasized that companies should treat ESG not as an end in itself but as a tool to achieve sustainable development goals. She urged rating agencies to reflect on the true value of ESG ratings, aiming to inspire businesses to strategically transform, build green supply chains, and attract value-driven investments, creating a positive feedback loop of growth. Additionally, she highlighted the need for rating agencies to strengthen their methodologies for measuring the 'S' (Social) dimension, which is harder to quantify than the 'E' (Environmental) aspect. This includes metrics like gender equality, youth employment, and equitable education. As ESG increasingly influences industrial policy formulation, data-driven insights are crucial for effective policymaking. Well-established policy processes provide a solid foundation for strategic decisions. Collaboration between administrative bodies and enterprises is essential to ensure the availability of 'S' data, and She called on relevant departments to enhance the collection and statistical analysis of such data.

Head of UNIDO ITPO Shanghai, Xiaolei Zhao

In conclusion, Zhao Xiaolei remarked that the establishment of the ESG Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University is both timely and significant. Looking ahead, UNIDO Shanghai ITPO will serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors, assisting the ESG Institute in building a high-level international exchange platform. Through the UN stage, they will help amplify the voice of Chinese companies and share China’s success stories.