SCG Company Hosts, ESG 2022 Conference to Promote ESG Framework and Sustainable economic Growth in ASEAN
Bangkok: On July 19, 2022, SCG (SCG) held the first ESG 2022 conference in Thailand with the participation of the private sector and the public and public organizations around the world to cooperate on the work of the ESG framework (environment, society, and governance)to expedite the search to find solutions to crises caused by global warming, the consequences of Covid-19, inflation, and rising energy value.
Under the title Achieving the ESG Framework and Sustainable Economic Growth , the conference has discussed several issues, including climate change, a low-carbon society, a green economy, renewable energy, and development. Sustainability also has reflected the importance of working together to save the world.
At the ESG Conference in 2022: the Achieving SCG and Sustainable Economic Growth . Mr. RoGrote Rangsiyopash, The President and CEO of SCG has explained that SCG has organized a conference on sustainable development sustained for 11 years and now it has become a conference which has focused on the environment, society, and governance.
We are trying to expand cooperation by the guidelines of the ESG framework because it is the only way to alleviate the ongoing crisis that is happening to all of us. Previously, the forum provided a venue for global collaboration to bring change and practical crisis solutions. One obvious success is the development of a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the cement industry and concrete in Thailand with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). The collaboration aims to lead Thailand's cement industry towards the goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050 following the line with global goals.
Another example is collaborating to address sustainable plastic waste in the ocean with the Alliance for the Elimination of Plastic Waste (AEPW). It is a world-renowned non-profit organization with companies in the plastics industry, There are started from manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers to plastic waste controllers.
Mr. Roongrote added that Despite past time insights and the activities at home, local communities, and global cooperation we have not been able to keep up with the escalating global crisis and approaching people more and more. This crisis includes unpredictable weather, severe droughts, floods, lack of resources, food crisis, and global energy shortages.
These crises are exacerbated by the new wave of Covid -19 disease emerging infectious diseases, as well as inflation and poverty making widening social inequality. Recently the earth's temperature is rising by 1.1 degrees Celsius, and there is without immediate cooperation to find a solution, and if the Earth warms by 1.5 degrees, humanity will not live in the same situation as before. So this is an emergency for everyone that requires all sectors to take action. Action can range from simple action modifications before expanding to collaborations aimed at immediate resolution. Therefore, the ESG 2022 seeks to accelerate greater cooperation and overcome the global crisis in all aspects, including the social environment and governance, which is the foundation for all operations.
The ASEAN Secretary-General His Excellency Mr. Dato Lim Jock Hoi highlighted ASEAN mechanisms in addressing climate change and its impact on the ASEAN economy. He said that, According to the Asian Development Bank, if business continues to grow as normal as it is now, the impact of climate change on Southeast Asia will reduce ASEAN GDP by 11% by the end of this century. Therefore, ASEAN needs to continue its joint efforts to find a balance that we can sustain in future economic growth and ensure the protection of our natural resources and the ability to continue to provide resources that people need. However, all this work requires participation from everyone. Every private sector is played an important role as a key implementer for sustainable initiatives in the region as well as maintaining environmental, social, and governance standards.
In addition, the ESG in 2022 Conference also reflects the need to reduce social inequality. Women and young people have a role to play in promoting economic growth and resolving other crises. Because women are the most important role in caring for and providing for their families, this is an important economic driver for both the community and the nation.
At this conference, there are sharing sessions to motivate women to reflect on their potential. This sharing will help women prepare, increase knowledge and develop skills that will help them to able to overcome difficulties in life through increasing sources of income, career stability, and self-sufficiency. This is in line with the objectives of APEC 2022O of Thailand to promote women's economic empowerment.
In addition, this conference invites the new generation to demonstrate recognition of their potential and role in promoting the ESG framework. They can contribute diverse ideas and skills that can reduce inequality gaps and improve the quality of life for ASEAN's disadvantaged population. Some successful cases include young representatives from Indonesia who have developed solar panels for low-income families and representatives from Thailand who have developed sign language interpreters to make it easier for disabled people.
Mr. Roongrote added: Reducing the crisis is the first important for everyone and every sector. All together must take the action now and work together to produce tangible results. I firmly believe that the results of this ESG in the 2022 Conference can be implemented as has been planned. SCG is committed to coordinating with all stakeholders and monitoring progress. This is because of the fruitful results, only cooperation can move forward and benefit all parts of the value chain. These will contribute to building a green economy in line with the BCG (biological economy, circular economy, and green economy) to help make the world sustainable for the young generation in the future.
For In Cambodia, SCG has implemented the ESG framework in various forms of activities. SCG signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal University of Agriculture to conduct a basic survey for an ecosystem project and rehabilitation Cement plant in Kampot province. In the production process, SCG has steadily increased its use of renewable energy over the past few years, such as solar energy and biomass. SCG products also reduce carbon emissions by developing new formulas and using fewer clinkers in its production. In terms of social activities, SCG has provided more than 1,500 scholarships to high school students in Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Kampot provinces for eight consecutive school years since 2014.
In addition, SCG has expanded its scholarships for university students by offering 20 scholarships for medical and non-medical subjects in 2018 and 2019. In addition, SCG has donated large sums of money to Kantha Bopha Hospital, the Cambodian Red Cross, the Ministry of Health during the Covid -19 epidemic, and other government agencies during natural disasters.