Executives are prioritising sustainability in new strategies, OBG report

Executives are prioritising sustainability in new strategies, OBG report

Muscat: A survey carried out by global research and advisory company Oxford Business Group (OBG) assesses the observations of international C-suite executives on a broad range of issues related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their decision-making. Titled "Renewed focus: How the Covid-19 pandemic shaped priorities around ESG principles", this marks the first time the landmark survey has focused on ESG. Results comprise more than 350 respondents from across the regions covered by OBG, with questions concerning their current approach to ESG and incumbent challenges to growth. In its research, OBG surveyed executives based across the economic sectors, with financial services and energy highest in terms of representation. The findings are supported by in-depth analysis from OBG's Editor-in-Chief Oliver Cornock and the firm's four Regional Editors, who explore the specific characteristics of the markets they cover and track their ESG journeys. Significantly, more than 60 per cent of global respondents said the pandemic had moderately or significantly impacted their understanding and/or appetite for ESG, in a sign that the health crisis had spotlighted vulnerabilities in supply chains and other areas, and encouraged companies to put sustainability at the heart of new