Date: July 23, 2025
Location: Serena Hotel, Islamabad

In a world facing increasingly urgent climate challenges and rising demands for corporate accountability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices have become central to long-term business success. Recognizing this global shift, our BCG consultant, Mohammed Ahmed, had the privilege of attending the ESG Awareness Workshop jointly hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

This workshop marks a significant step in promoting sustainable business practices across Pakistan’s corporate landscape. Held at the prestigious Serena Hotel in Islamabad, it brought together leaders, regulators, and ESG experts to align local companies with international sustainability standards.

Why ESG Matters More Than Ever

As Pakistan ranks among the top climate-vulnerable countries globally, the pressure on businesses to act responsibly has never been greater. ESG practices are no longer optional—they are vital. The workshop emphasized how companies must manage their environmental footprint, integrate ethical governance, and commit to social equity to stay resilient and competitive.

IFC’s ESG Pakistan Project

The centerpiece of the event was the ESG Pakistan Project, a three-year initiative by the IFC. Designed to help Pakistani businesses, especially in banking and capital markets, this project supports the integration of globally recognized ESG standards. Backed by the Facility for Investment Climate Advisory Services (FIAS) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the project also aims to unlock private climate finance and promote green economic growth in Pakistan.

Key Sessions & Takeaways

The workshop featured an insightful lineup of sessions and speakers:

• Opening Remarks: Zeeshan Sheikh, IFC’s Country Manager for Pakistan & Afghanistan, set the tone for the workshop by highlighting the importance of ESG in investment and growth.

• SECP’s Role in ESG Reform: Akif Saeed, Chairperson of SECP, outlined regulatory reforms, including the ESG Disclosure Guidelines 2023 and updates to the Corporate Governance Code 2019. These initiatives reinforce the government’s commitment to sustainability.

• IFC Sustainability Framework: Mohsin Ali Chaudhry presented the core elements of IFC’s sustainability principles and how the ESG Pakistan Project is helping attract climate finance into the country.

• Global ESG Standards: Ralitza Germanova offered a comparative overview of international disclosure frameworks like IFRS, CSRD, and GRI. Her insights emphasized the importance of harmonized standards for global investment.

• Panel Discussion on ESG Challenges: A high-level panel, including voices from SECP, ICAP, ACCA, Karandaaz, and IFC, engaged in a robust discussion on barriers to ESG adoption and potential strategies for progress.

Our Commitment to ESG Excellence

By participating in this workshop, our consultant Mohammed Ahmed has gained a deeper understanding of evolving ESG trends, regulatory expectations, and global frameworks. His engagement reflects our company’s unwavering commitment to staying ahead in sustainability, helping clients not just comply—but lead—in responsible business practices.

Final Thoughts

Workshops like this are crucial for bridging the knowledge gap and accelerating the ESG transition in Pakistan. With the collaborative efforts of regulators, financial institutions, and private enterprises, the country is poised to take meaningful strides toward sustainable development. We are proud to be part of this movement.

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