Every year, Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of global investment manager BlackRock, addresses CEOs of investee companies to focus on pivotal issues for sustainable long-term returns. But what does this mean for Asian businesses? Our Founder and Director of The Purpose Business, Pat Dwyer articulates how business leaders in the region can take meaningful action on ESG.

Pat’s takeaway points

• Climate risk is no longer just an environmental issue - it’s investment risk. The environmental and social in ESG are interconnected

• With Asian countries declaring national net-zero targets, it is imperative for businesses to set their own climate risk roadmap and decarbonise their operations

• Managing your environmental and social impacts means governance over your data to manage, measure and report progress. ESG data will inform business valuation and ability to scale impact

• Social issues were brought to the forefront in Asia particularly in diversity, equity and inclusion. More than board representation - this needs to shape strategic talent development and succession planning

• There has been a shift in putting purpose, the ‘why’ of your business, in 2020 and this will only continue in the coming years. Asian companies can future-proof their business with a clear articulated purpose, unlocking innovation and partnerships

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