DE&I: ESG key factors in sustainable development

At the 2023 Business Forum: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Key Elements in Sustainable ESG Development, organised by the Vietnam Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (VBCWE), in cooperation with the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) in Hanoi on June 14, delegates discussed the importance of DE&I.

This forum was designed for business associations, social organisations, and members within the VBCWE network, along with leaders who are interested in and practice DE&I promotion in Vietnam.

The event provided an opportunity for leaders and managers to discuss and share goals and successful practices in the sustainable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) development of businesses.

DE&I is an important component associated with the social aspect of ESG, where businesses create an equal environment for employees, and a space where they can be proud, confident, and true to themselves, without gender discrimination, family circumstances, or differences in each person's background.

Le Nhan Tam, chief technology officer at Microsoft Vietnam, provided insights and updates on trends in human resource development related to elements of DE&I as well as opportunities and job quality for women in the era of AI technology.

Representatives of the VBCWE reviewed the results of five years of implementing Gender Diversity and Inclusion (GD&I) in private-sector businesses. Business leaders and managers came together to discuss and share goals and successful practices in sustainable ESG development.

Ha Thu Thanh, chairwoman of the VBCWE said, “During the past five years, the VBCWE has tried to promote the sustainable development of businesses and the business community by becoming a bridge to connect and gather pioneering enterprises that create and uphold the values of diverse and inclusive cultures."

“We accompany businesses in building a happy work environment through the development of a diverse and inclusive culture linked to gender equality. We spread the values of DE&I in the workplace to the business community, inspiring and influencing changes in the perception and actions of businesses."

Over the past five years, with the support of DFAT through the Investing in Women project, the VBCWE made pioneering contributions to promoting gender equality in the workplace, focusing on the private sector.

It has contributed to creating equal and fair value for workers. The VBCWE has been actively promoting diversity and inclusion, increasing employment opportunities and job quality for women, expanding and targeting the female workforce in industrial zones, and focusing on disabled women, women-led enterprises, and employment opportunities related to childcare policies.

At the end of the forum, three businesses: PVCFC, Phuc Khang Construction and Investment Corporation, and Bao Minh Confectionery Company were honoured for their efforts in promoting gender equality in the workplace and receiving global EDGE certification.