SANTO DOMINGO– In the current volatile environment, known as permacrisis or a scenario of permanent crises, sustainability is, in addition to being an ethical commitment to people and the planet, a competitive advantage that drives business success, said German Granda, PhD in economic sciences.
As part of its eighth anniversary, the “Alejandro E. Grullón E.” Chair of Sustainability, an initiative of the Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) and the Popular Foundation, offered the keynote address “Sustainability on the business agenda: transformation and competitiveness”, led by the founding partner and general director of Forética, Dr. Granda.
The expert detailed how governments and regulators worldwide have profoundly increased regulatory pressure on sustainability, becoming what he called a "regulatory tsunami on ESG issues" (Environmental, Social and Governance).
Similarly, the speaker stated that in the coming years the rules of the business game will change radically to adapt to these international regulatory demands and that companies that do not transform will cease to be competitive.
To help them face these challenges, major economic blocs are deploying incentives for companies that implement impact reduction initiatives within their operations, the specialist said, adding that business leaders must promote “a consistent agenda that brings differential value to the business” and, to do so, it is necessary to understand that “sustainability is linked to Governance with a capital G”.
He argued that capital markets and society demand that companies rise to the challenge and be able to accelerate their long-term strategies and transformation.
Achievements of the “Alejandro E. Grullón E.” Chair of Sustainability
The conference, which took place in the auditorium of the PUCMM Santo Domingo campus, was welcomed by the rector of PUCMM, Reverend Father Secilio Espinal, who highlighted the commitment of the Mother and Teacher to the development of the country, through socially responsible action models.
Likewise, the Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Reputation and Responsible Banking of Grupo Popular and Vice President of the Board of Directors of Fundación Popular, Dr. José Mármol, expressed that the “Alejandro E. Grullón E.” Sustainability Chair is an important tool to create shared value through the strategic alliance between academia and business, strengthening and expanding the training of Dominican business leadership in matters of sustainability and sustainable development.
In its eight years of institutional life, the “Alejandro E. Grullón E.” Chair of Sustainability has impacted more than 8,000 people through training activities, enabling them to face major global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change and environmental degradation.
Forética, a leader in ESG
Forética is an internationally recognized organization in the promotion and integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects in organizations.
Dr. Granda is secretary of the Spanish Business Council for Sustainable Development, member of the State Council for Corporate Social Responsibility of the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy of Spain, and trustee of the Bequal Foundation.
For 25 years he has collaborated in strengthening social and sustainability programs in companies in Spain and internationally.
