ESG Roundtable: Multi-Dimensional connections for a sustainable future

Bridging the gap between theory and practice, the ESG Roundtable titled “Promoting Commitment and Implementation of ESG Policies among Stakeholders” was held on the afternoon of March 18, 2026, by the School of Economics, Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI). The event became a key convergence point for banks, businesses, and academia to collaboratively address sustainable development challenges.

The roundtable on “Promoting Commitment and Implementation of ESG Policies among Stakeholders” assembled a diverse group of experts, representatives from financial institutions, businesses, and prominent social organizations, providing a platform for collaborative discussion

The conference is part of a long-term collaboration project (2023–2027) between Fair Finance Asia and HaUI. Strategic partners such as Oxfam Vietnam, NetZero Vietnam, MSD Vietnam, and the Banking Academy contributed to creating a rich and comprehensive discussion ecosystem. Designed in a roundtable format to eliminate barriers between speakers and participants, the sessions focused on three core pillars: identifying gaps, evidence-based analysis, and practical perspectives.

Moderated by Mr. Nguyen Duc Thai, CEO of SAPP EDU, the experts analyzed the gap between current ESG policy frameworks and the practical capacity of Vietnamese businesses to implement them. Particular attention was given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which face the greatest challenges in the transition toward sustainable practices.

Dr. Bui Thi Thu Loan presented the draft “2025 ESG Policy Commitment Assessment Report for Commercial Banks”, providing critical data to help banks define ESG strategies and enabling businesses to better understand sustainable finance trends and rigorous criteria from financial institutions.

At the roundtable, Dr. Bui Thanh Minh engaged in a discussion with business representatives on the practical application of ESG in Vietnam, outlining measures to strengthen legal and policy frameworks in line with local conditions.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Khuyen, Vice President of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Investment and Startup Club, shared insights in her report titled “Promoting ESG Commitment and Implementation – A Business Perspective.”

The roundtable successfully raised awareness and gathered multi-dimensional feedback to advance the ESG agenda. Contributions and discussions from the event provide a foundation for proposing effective ESG policy implementation solutions, helping businesses move beyond “paper commitments” to generate tangible, positive impacts on Environment, Social, and Governance outcomes.

The open discussion format served as a crucial mechanism for addressing implementation barriers while strengthening collaboration between the government, businesses, and academia in an era of international integration.

The success of the roundtable lays the groundwork for future strategic partnerships, marking the next chapter in HaUI’s international integration journey. With a proactive and creative spirit, the School of Economics commits to continue serving as a guiding beacon for ESG values, working with stakeholders to create a prosperous and responsible economic future.