In the recently held GT Capital Thought Leadership Series at the Grand Hyatt, Manila, the Aboitiz Group emphasized the fundamentals of corporate sustainability by highlighting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the company’s alignment with the global framework.
As a board member of the UN Global Compact Network Philippines, Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ FVP and chief reputation and sustainability officer Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar presented essential strategies for enterprises to maximize their impact in fostering positive societal change and environmental stewardship.
Hontiveros-Malvar cited the connection between responsible business practices and global sustainable development. The principles, communicated through voluntary reporting mechanisms, facilitate transparent communication of corporate values aligned with the 17 SDGs.
“Sustainable development is a concept that focuses on meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It recognizes the interconnections between economic development, social inclusion and environmental protection,” she said.
“In other words, sustainable development aims to achieve a balance between economic growth, social well-being and environmental stewardship,” she added.
Hontiveros-Malvar also touched on the nation’s progress in terms of SDG integration, underscoring the necessity of coordinated efforts between government and non-government actors to optimize resource management and maximize SDG progress.
“In the last few years we celebrate many businesses that have come together to create this era of action and attract others to join this global movement. May all of us continue to act responsibly, find opportunities and continue to inspire and advocate. We are united because this is bigger than just one business. We are stronger together and better together. And when we act collectively, imagine the change we can drive, and the better future we can shape as one. The possibilities are endless,” she said.
Together with UN GCNP, the Aboitiz Group places utmost importance on sustainability as part of the group’s transformation into becoming the Philippines’ first “Techglomerate” by utilizing innovation, sustainable solutions and community empowerment.
The integration of sustainability into the Aboitiz Group’s DNA has been showcased through various programs that demonstrate the group’s commitment to sustainable practices that benefit both society and the environment.
Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. is the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, with investments in power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land and cutting-edge fields like data science and artificial intelligence.