National conference on governance and finance: Responsible business as the key to sustainable development

In the context of globalization, climate change, and the growing demand for green transition, responsible business has become a core principle for the long-term development of enterprises and financial institutions. On the morning of May 8, 2025, Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) hosted the national scientific conference themed “Responsible Business Towards Sustainable Development in Enterprises and Financial Institutions.” The event gathered leading scholars and experts in the fields of governance and finance to exchange insights and discuss practical issues related to ESG, innovation, and green growth strategies—key pillars of modern management.

Overview of the conference

Responsible Business: An Inevitable Trend in the ESG Era

Amid increasing international integration and rising investor expectations, the demand for transparency, ethical governance, and sustainable growth has become more pressing than ever. In this context, the national conference acts as a strategic response to the need for deeper academic discourse and interdisciplinary collaboration. By bridging theory and practice, the event highlights the urgency of rethinking business and financial models, not only in terms of compliance but as a driver of long-term competitiveness and value creation.

Delegates attending the conference

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Industry, presented commemorative flags to representatives of Electric Power University and Hanoi Metropolitan University, the two co-organizers of the conference.

In the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Nga, Principal of the School of Economics, HaUI, emphasized: “Sustainable development is no longer an option, but an inevitable requirement in the context of globalization, digital transformation, green transition, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Responsible corporate governance and financial management are the two core pillars to realize that goal.”

The conference drew significant attention from the academic and research communities, with 141 papers of diverse topics and academic depth submitted by over 40 universities and research institutes across the country, demonstrating the timeliness and relevance of the topic.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Nga, Principal of the School of Economics, Hanoi University of Industry, delivered a speech at the conference

Current Realities: Enterprises Struggling to Adapt, Banks Leading the ESG Transition

In the keynote session, Dr. Bùi Thanh Minh—Deputy Director of the Office of the Private Economic Development Research Board and Senior Council Member of the Vietnam ESG Forum—shared:
“The green transition has become a global race. However, the readiness level of Vietnamese enterprises remains moderate, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The challenge lies not in awareness but in the lack of supportive mechanisms, insufficient information, and limited internal capacity to implement ESG in a systematic way.”

Dr. Bui Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Office of the Private Economic Development Research Board, delivered a presentation at the conference titled: "The Current Status and Readiness of Vietnamese Enterprises in ESG Commitment and Implementation."

On the other hand, Vietnam’s commercial banking sector has made remarkable progress. According to Dr. Bùi Thị Thu Loan, Head of the Finance Department, School of Economics, HaUI; Vietnamese banks have increased their average ESG score from 1.1 in 2020 to 2.0 in 2024. Pioneering banks such as HDBank, BB Bank, and ACB have demonstrated strong commitments and have begun integrating ESG into their development strategies.

Dr. Bui Thi Thu Loan, Head of the Faculty of Finance, School of Economics – Hanoi University of Industry, delivered a presentation on the topic: "Recent Advancements in ESG Policy Commitments among Vietnamese Commercial Banks."

Three Key Topics – One Shared Goal: Sustainable Development

The conference continued with in-depth discussions across three thematic panels, each addressing critical aspects of sustainable governance:

• Responsible Business Towards Sustainable Development: Highlighting the need to integrate business strategies with sustainable values—not only to meet the expectations of international investors but also as a path to long-term corporate survival.

• Implementing ESG Policies in Enterprises and Financial Institutions: Addressing the fragmented and unsystematic application of ESG, and emphasizing the role of financial institutions in “leading” ESG through green credit mechanisms and sustainable financing.

• Innovation and Green Growth: Focusing on the role of technology and new business models in generating sustainable value—from green logistics and renewable energy to digital governance.

Sustainable development is no longer a choice, it is an imperative. Hanoi University of Industry is committed to accompanying this journey by fostering a modern academic ecosystem that inspires lecturers, researchers, and students to engage in meaningful research and action for the sustainable development of the nation.

HaUI – Advancing as a Leading Applied University for Sustainable Development

With a vision to become a leading applied university, Hanoi University of Industry consistently prioritizes aligning education with professional practice, integrating scientific research with innovation, and upholding social responsibility. Through timely and strategic academic initiatives such as this conference, HaUI continues to build a modern academic ecosystem, inspiring faculty members, researchers, and students to engage in research and action for the sustainable development of the country.