The 6th Global Corporate Social Responsibility Summit 2022 Concludes Successfully

On July 15, 2022, the 6th Global Corporate Social Responsibility Summit was successfully held in Beijing. The summit focused on key issues of current international interest, such as “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals” and “international brand outreach.” Fourteen distinguished experts from the global public and private sectors were invited to provide insightful analysis and share case studies.

The summit was jointly guided by the Beijing Rongzhi Institute of Corporate Social Responsibility and the Global Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation, hosted by Sidi Muling (Beijing) Brand Management Consulting Co., Ltd., with the support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Management Institute. The event featured engaging topics and a strong lineup of guests. The highlights of the summit included: first, speeches from guests focused on the contributions of Chinese companies toward advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); second, an international dialogue on achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals; and third, experts proposed methods and pathways for enhancing the global sustainable influence of Chinese businesses.

Dr. Xiaoguang Wang, Director of the Corporate Social Responsibility Promotion Center of the China Federation of Industrial Economics and Dean of the Beijing Rongzhi Institute of Corporate Social Responsibility, Ms. Jing Zhao Cesarone, Head of the Global Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation, and Yunhu Liu, Director of the Global Collaborative Project Working Committee on UN SDGs, delivered welcome speeches on behalf of the summit. Mr. Shengwu Qu, Acting President of Council for Promoting South-South Cooperation, delivered the closing remarks. Yihao Zhang, Deputy Director of the News Center of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), and Pasupha CHINVARASOPAK, Minister Counsellor of the Thai Embassy in China, were invited to attend and deliver keynote speeches. The summit was moderated by Xianfeng Fu, Deputy Director of the Beijing Rongzhi Institute of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Dr. Wang emphasized that the purpose of hosting the Global Corporate Social Responsibility Summit is to encourage companies to play a greater role in advancing the SDGs across different countries, to enhance the exchange and improvement of corporate social responsibility practices and management methods globally, and to help companies find their positioning and value in the global push for sustainable development, thus discovering greater growth opportunities. He shared three key perspectives:

1. Promoting sustainable development is a crucial foundation for strengthening global industrial and supply chains, as well as corporate collaboration.
2. For companies to contribute to the realization of the SDGs, there is a need for innovation in market mechanisms and a favorable external environment.
3. Corporate social responsibility and the promotion of sustainable development require a combination of both internal and external intiatives.

In conclusion, Dr. Wang pointed out that for companies to achieve sustainable growth in the new development stage, they must recognize the basic trends of the times, organically integrate social, industrial, and corporate development needs, and identify and seize new blue ocean markets. This, he stated, is the core essence of corporate social responsibility. 

Ms. Jing Zhao Cesarone noted that as companies around the world embark on the path of green transformation, the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concept has garnered significant attention from both businesses and investors. ESG represents a universal standard applied across modern global economic sectors. The global outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, along with shifts in public health, safety, and work models, has greatly disrupted how companies and capital markets perceive social impact investment. Currently, ESG investments are highly prioritized in global markets, and the demand for more comprehensive and higher-quality ESG data is expected to grow in the coming years. The importance of social impact as a key indicator has also demonstrated that intangible assets can be standardized, priced, and traded. Social impact investing is an intrinsic need for the transformation and upgrading of national governance, and its outstanding performance serves as an effective means of mitigating significant risks. Through the ESG model and framework, more companies can substantiate the economic and social value generated by their practices with concrete data.

Mr. Yunhu Liu pointed out that the recently released United Nations 2022 Sustainable Development Goals Report highlights that the 17 SDGs are at risk due to the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing conflicts around the world. The report underscores the severity and scale of the global challenges we face. Mr. Liu emphasized that carbon peaking involves intense pressure, while the timeline for carbon neutrality is short and requires significant effort. The global push for carbon neutrality is reshaping industries, creating profound impacts.

He identified ten key challenges for corporate sustainability:

1. Climate change: Global warming is triggering various crises, and addressing climate risks has become a shared consensus.
2. Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality: Achieving these dual carbon goals requires a balanced approach that promotes energy conservation, emission reduction, and clean energy development.
3. Food security: The strategic importance of food security is growing, and maintaining control over food resources is crucial.
4. Global supply chains: The volatility of global supply chains is increasing, making it essential to build resilient and stable supply networks.
5. Green finance: Investments in green finance are growing, with rising expectations for corporate innovation and information transparency.
6. ESG: Interest in ESG continues to rise, with ongoing improvements in ecological and environmental conditions.
7. Digital technology: Digital technologies are transforming business models, with intelligent systems driving high-quality corporate development.
8. Talent supply: Structural imbalances in talent supply are increasing, exacerbated by an aging population.
9. Biodiversity: Protecting biodiversity is fundamentally about protecting humanity.
10. Implementation of SDGs: Adopting sustainable lifestyles is an inevitable choice for humanity.

Liu stressed that in today’s complex and challenging international environment, achieving high-quality economic, social, and environmental development requires companies to continuously innovate, establish sustainable development frameworks, and provide solutions for accelerating the global transition to a green, low-carbon economy, thus contributing to global sustainable development.

Shengwu Qiu stated that the global COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the achievements of global economic and social development, presenting more severe challenges to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He emphasized that the core objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals align closely with China’s development philosophy of innovation, coordination, green growth, openness, and mutual benefit. Furthermore, in addressing climate change, China upholds the concept of a community of life between humanity and nature, actively implements the Paris Agreement on climate change, continuously optimizes its industrial energy structure, and remains committed to a green, low-carbon, and circular development path.

Pasupha CHINVARASOPAK pointed out that the global outbreak of COVID-19 is impacting all aspects of human life, including the material world. The pandemic has highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive and integrated approach to health. By improving air quality, water and sanitation facilities, waste management, and protecting biodiversity, we can enhance environmental health, which will help reduce the spread of pandemics and improve overall social well-being and resilience. In response to global challenges, Thailand has implemented the concept of the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model as a key to national sustainable growth. The BCG model consists of three development frameworks, firstly is bio-economy which involves the conversion of renewable biological resources into valuable products. Secondly, the circular economy which focuses on the reuse and recycling of materials to maximize the value of limited resources, with “zero waste” as a key principle. Lastly is a green economy that aims to maintain a balance between economic, social, and environmental factors to achieve sustainable development. 

Topic 1: International Cooperation on Carbon Reduction and Carbon Neutrality

This session was moderated by Xu Peng, Director of the Carbon Asset Management Committee of the Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Promotion Center of the China Federation of Industrial Economics and Chairman of CarbonX (Beijing) Consulting Co., Ltd. The three guest speakers were: Shiyuan Qu, Research Fellow at the National Institute for Macroeconomics Research and former Deputy Director of the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission; Jiayu Zhang, Founder and Investor of Noah Holdings; and Paul Michael Wihbey, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).

Qu discussed energy transition and sustainable development from five aspects:

• What is energy transition? It involves replacing traditional energy sources with new-generation energy sources, utilizing clean, efficient, and low-carbon energy to replace fossil fuels, and substituting electricity for other forms of energy.

• Why energy transition? To address global climate warming; to advance economic and social sustainable development; and to play a decisive role in the sustainable development of cities.
• Goals of energy transition: By 2030, to halt the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, and to gradually reduce emissions after 2030, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by around 2060.
• Seven approaches to achieve energy transition: Clean development and utilization of fossil energy; improving energy utilization efficiency; developing renewable energy; advancing new energy technologies; expanding energy storage; developing CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) technology; enhancing power grids and the Internet; reform and opening-up.
• Recommendations: Carefully understand and implement central strategies and decisions (1+N); proceed steadily and orderly, avoiding radical carbon reduction movements; ensure energy security; promote reform and opening-up, and strengthen energy diplomacy.

Jiayu Zhang emphasized that supporting energy transition is essential for achieving a sustainable socio-economic system. As global climate issues become more severe, China has actively responded to climate change, making significant efforts in emission reduction and energy transition. She highlighted that financial institutions must empower the nation’s “dual carbon” goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) through ESG to promote high-quality economic development.

She outlined four key actions financial institutions should take to help achieve the “dual carbon” goals:

1. Begin by addressing their own operational management and business development.
2. Offer appropriate ESG products and services.
3. Build an ESG ecosystem and leverage their influence.
4. ESG investment in China is still in its early stages, so it is crucial to engage public investors and guide more social capital towards sustainable development.

Paul Michael Wihbey discussed the topics of carbon reduction and carbon neutrality from three independent yet interconnected perspectives, focusing on promoting technological innovation through U.S.-China collaboration on specific projects. He mentioned that, through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of International Affairs, several cooperative projects are underway, including the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center, the Energy Efficiency Action Plan, and the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), established between the U.S. and China in 2016.

Currently, nearly 25% of global carbon emissions come from carbon-intensive industries such as oil and gas, steel and cement, aviation, shipping, and other heavy transportation sectors. Therefore, it is essential to advocate for and develop energy and environmental initiatives critical to the decarbonization process. These include offshore subsea carbon sequestration or storage, small modular nuclear reactors and microgrids, as well as hydrogen as a fuel source for heavy industry, aviation, and maritime sectors.

Topic 2: Implementing Sustainable Development Goals and Enhancing International Brand Influence

This session was moderated by Xiaoguang Wang, Director of the Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Promotion Center of the China Federation of Industrial Economics and President of the Beijing Rongzhi Corporate Social Responsibility Institute. The three guest speakers were:

• Guoming Yu, Distinguished Professor at the Ministry of Education, Chairman of the Academic Committee at the School of Journalism and Communication at Beijing Normal University, and Director of the Communication Innovation and Future Media Experimental Platform at Beijing Normal University.
• Jianzhong Lyu, President of Essilor Group Greater China Affairs, Board Member of the Global Reporting Initiative, Vice Chairman of the China CSR Think Tank, and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Shanghai Foreign Investment Association.
• Yin Chu, Senior Researcher and Professor at the American Studies Center of Zhejiang International Studies University, Vice President of the Digital Economy Think Tank, and Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization (CCG).

Guoming Yu stated that international brand communication must now address new characteristics, scenarios, and channels. In this new communication environment, it is crucial to return to reality and grasp the present as the key starting point for effective international brand communication. According to Yu, successful communication starts with fostering recognition, then moving toward differentiation and emphasizing uniqueness—this is a basic rule of international communication.

From a communication perspective, three critical stages must be addressed: visibility, engagement, and understanding. If these three issues are not addressed, achieving brand value and recognition on an international scale becomes difficult. Yu suggested three solutions for these problems: achieving visibility by ensuring channel accessibility; creating engaging content with explosive highlights; ensuring comprehension by resolving cognitive dissonance. 

Jianzhong Lyu emphasized that “International Communication and Influence of Chinese Corporate Brands” is a crucial topic. He analyzed the challenges faced by Chinese companies in brand building and development. Lyu highlighted that prominent Chinese brands need to integrate sustainable business strategies into the process of enhancing their brand influence, while ensuring robust corporate governance to minimize risks and maintain stable operations.

Focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR), Lyu stressed the importance of cultivating a specialized talent pool to ensure the effective implementation of CSR initiatives. He also noted that the challenges companies face while operating overseas can, in fact, strengthen their confidence. By aligning with the SDGs, companies can establish a long-term, sustainable development strategy and vision, which will ultimately lead to greater success for their brand.

Yin Chu emphasized the growing importance of corporate brand communication in the globalization process, especially as more companies face challenges related to new media and cross-border digital platforms. He identified three key issues in current new media communication:

1. User misalignment: In the new media era, accurately targeting the right audience is crucial.
2. Overlooking user emotions: New media serves as a platform for conveying information, facts, and values, but user emotions must be considered.
3. Fragmentation of media: The spread of information is often fragmented across various platforms.
4. Personalization in new media: Communication is increasingly personalized.

To address these challenges, Chu offered three suggestions: first is to foster emotional resonance with the audience, which is the most important aspect of brand communication; then, decentralize and flatten the communication structure in brand communication; lastly, express opinions on emerging media but do not rush to draw final conclusions.

Launch of the Global Business Case for Sustainability

Xianfeng Fu, Vice President of the Beijing Rongzhi Institute of Corporate Social Responsibility, announced the official launch of the GBCS (Global Business Case for Sustainability). He introduced the background of its inception, the involvement of national experts, case development, and its promotional applications. In the future, the case library will promote the integration of corporate sustainable development practices with teaching and research in global business schools, as well as facilitate exchanges and practical cooperation at both domestic and international sustainable development summits.

Recognition of “Outstanding Contribution Enterprises to the SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals)”

Professor Yi Guo, Party Secretary of the International Business and Management School at Beijing Technology and Business University, delivered a speech on behalf of the summit’s international judging panel, explaining the evaluation process. Yunhu Liu, Director of the Global Collaboration Project Committee on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, presented awards to the recognized companies. Representatives from nearly 10 multinational corporations, state-owned enterprises, and private companies shared their remarks on receiving the awards.

List of Awarded Enterprises

• Huayun Data Holding Group Co., Ltd.
  Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Technology Innovation
• Shanghai Shizhuang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
  Outstanding Contribution to Green Lifestyle Leadership
• EssilorLuxottica Group
  Outstanding Contribution to Public Health Services
• State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co., Ltd.
  Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy Services
• Advanced Micro Devices (China) Co., Ltd.
  Outstanding Contribution to Green Action
• Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
  Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Urban Services
• Noah Holdings Limited (Noah Wealth)
  Outstanding Contribution to ESG Investment Services
• Beijing Zhonghetianxia Management Consulting Co., Ltd.
  Outstanding Contribution to Fair Employment
• Glodon Company Limited
  Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Infrastructure Development
• Chongqing Bank Co., Ltd.
  Outstanding Contribution to Poverty Alleviation

Speech by Representatives of “Outstanding Contribution Enterprises to the SDGs”

A representative from State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co., Ltd. shared their experience. Mr. Yuhua Dong, Director of the Publicity Department and Company Spokesperson at State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power, presented the company’s practices in promoting sustainable urban and community development through their new power system. State Grid Zhejiang focuses on the overall energy system, emphasizing that clean and low-carbon energy is the direction, energy supply security is the foundation, energy safety is critical, energy innovation is the driving force, and energy conservation and efficiency improvements are essential. The company is developing a provincial-level demonstration zone for the new power system, innovating and integrating diverse and highly resilient power grids, and accelerating the construction of a green, low-carbon modern energy system.

In the face of unprecedented global changes, let us join hands to turn recovery into a real opportunity, create new possibilities amidst uncertainty, and focus on global rebuilding post-climate change and pandemic to build a sustainable future together!