Global ESG Conference 2025: Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

Global ESG Conference 2025: Promoting Financial Sustainability



On June 27, 2025, the Global ESG Conference took place in Seoul, bringing together over 300 participants from more than ten different countries. This significant event served as a platform for key stakeholders in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sectors to exchange insights and strategies aimed at fostering sustainable finance that underpins a nature-positive and pollution-free future.

The conference commenced with opening remarks by Hwang Byung-woo, Chairman of iM Financial Group, who emphasized the urgency of addressing the escalating climate crisis while navigating the transformative impacts of artificial intelligence on business management. In a world increasingly affected by environmental degradation, he stressed that integrated approaches are essential for achieving both ESG goals and sustainable development.

Among the distinguished speakers was Professor Yong Sik Ok, the President of the International ESG Association, who highlighted the dual importance of economic growth and environmental restoration. His vision aligns with global trends emphasizing the necessity for an investment landscape that responds to heightened sustainability demands. Supporting this vision, Dr. Tanja Collavo from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and Jen Sisson, CEO of the International Corporate Governance Network, offered invaluable insights into the intersection of governance and environmental stewardship.

As discussions unfolded, prominent topics included the evolution of global financial systems, adapting supply chains for sustainability, and fostering ESG-friendly market dynamics. Various congratulatory speeches from notable figures, including Ki Moon Ban of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation and Bruno Oberle, former Secretary General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, reinforced the importance of collaboration among different sectors to advance the ESG agenda.

The first half of the conference focused on the implications of ESG policies on market efficiency and environmental recovery. Experts discussed how companies like iM Financial Group are leading the way in integrating robust corporate governance with ESG efforts. In a paper featured in the Asia Pacific Business Review, Professors Jay Hyuk Rhee and Yong Sik Ok examined how iM Financial's rigorous governance frameworks enhance its credibility in sustainable finance and create long-term value, serving as a potential blueprint for organizations across South Korea and beyond.

A key takeaway from the conference was the assertion that true sustainability emerges when financial practices align with environmental care. Stakeholders recognized that their actions not only yield economic benefits but also contribute positively to the health of our planet.

Looking ahead, the International ESG Association announced its next significant gathering: the 9th ESG Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam, scheduled from December 18 to 20, 2025. This event aims to explore the latest trends in ESG and their implications for sustainable growth in Vietnam.

In summary, the Global ESG Conference 2025 underscored a collaborative approach to finance, emphasizing the invaluable role of strategic governance in realizing sustainable objectives worldwide. As participants reflected on the discussions and made connections, it became clear that aligning financial practices with environmental consciousness will be crucial in shaping a resilient future.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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