A strategic session dedicated to ESG principles and sustainable development took place at the SEZ "Lipetsk".
"The Lipetsk region will support the global principles of environmental, social and corporate governance", – greeted the guests of the event the head of the regional administration Igor Artamonov.
He noted that the achievement of sustainable development goals such as "good health and well-being", "low-cost and clean energy", "innovation and infrastructure" is a global trend and the regions should not be left behind.
"There are several dozen European companies successfully operating in SEZ "Lipetsk". We want companies to come to our region that develop business on the principles of ESG or the principles of environmental friendliness, social responsibility and high quality of corporate governance. This is important for our residents, which means it is important for us," Igor Artamonov said.
The Lipetsk region is one of few federal regions which has an ESG-rating and regularly confirms it - was said at the strategic session.
The participants of the meeting shared their successful practices and solutions in the field of sustainable development and investment attractiveness, and also discussed the topic of responsible financing, which implies providing subsidies to companies on condition of environmental improvement, climate change mitigation and more efficient use of resources. Representatives of NLMK Group talked about their long-term environmental and social strategy, Lanxess suggested that the residents of the Lipetsk special economic zone should use their experience in motivating the board members according to the sustainable development criteria. "Syngenta" shared the European experience of working in this direction.
Sberbank Central Business Unit, which acted as an intellectual partner of the event, presented regional ESG projects, including financing of social and industrial infrastructure, development of separate waste collection culture and financial literacy trainings.
"We must become a model region in our country for the implementation of ESG principles. For us it's not just letters, it's a balance in the environment, economy and social sphere. We will study all investors’ projects through the prism of ESG directions and evaluate the company's impact on the environment," Igor Artamonov emphasized.
All proposals regarding implementation of environmental, social and corporate management principles will be taken into account and included into the 2030 Long-Term Development Strategy for the Region.
ESG approach implies consideration of certain parameters when working out sustainable development strategies and includes three components: environmental, social and corporate governance standards. Environmental factors determine how the strategy contributes to reduction of environmental impact and environmental protection, takes into account decarbonization trend. The social criteria focuses on the development of social and human capital, inclusiveness and equal opportunities. The management responsibility factors relate to management principles, information transparency, accountability, compliance, internal control and consideration of the rights and interests of a wide range of stakeholders.
