“Organisations must equip their workforce with essential skills, such as a deep understanding of ESG principles, innovative problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate across functions.” This statement by Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, highlights the urgent need for skilled professionals in sustainability.
The recent GO ESG 2024 Symposium, organised by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB), gathered over 300 executives and sustainability practitioners to address this pressing issue.
The symposium underscored that closing the sustainability talent gap is a shared responsibility among businesses, educational institutions, and government bodies. Under the theme “Empowering Talent in Achieving the SDGs,” it focused on the vital role of learning and development in preparing the workforce for today’s sustainability challenges. As organisations strive to align their operations with sustainability goals, they increasingly require professionals who are knowledgeable about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and possess practical skills for effective implementation.
In his keynote address, Tan Sri Johari emphasised the necessity for organisations to invest in comprehensive training programmes and mentorship opportunities. Such initiatives are essential for cultivating leaders who can integrate sustainable practices into their operations. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, organisations can ensure that their workforce is well-prepared to navigate sustainability complexities.
A significant development at the symposium was the launch of the Corporate Sustainability Practitioner (CSP) Competency Framework 2.0. Developed collaboratively by Bursa Malaysia and UNGCMYB, this enhanced framework supports credential-building for professionals in Malaysia’s corporate sustainability sector. Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of UNGCMYB, noted that this updated framework equips organisations with vital competencies to identify and nurture top sustainability talent.
The event also featured discussions on regional sustainability challenges. Industry leaders like Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, CEO of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, shared insights on leadership’s role in promoting responsible practices within organisations. Dr. Kasuma Satria Mat Jadi from Aeon provided an HR perspective on aligning workforce skills with sustainability goals.
The GO ESG 2024 Symposium was a crucial platform for empowering talent in sustainable development. It equipped organisations with tools to navigate sustainability challenges and achieve meaningful impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing the sustainability talent gap requires concerted efforts from all sectors; investing in workforce development is essential for driving impactful change in a complex regulatory environment.
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