Roundtable on “Strengthening Integrity & The Role of ESGs in Albania’s path to EU Integration”

Roundtable on

“Strengthening Integrity & The Role of ESGs in Albania’s Path to EU Integration”

In collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania, with the main focus on business Integrity and the role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices.

Save the date and mark your calendar!

Thursday, 5^th December 2024 from 08:30-11:00!

Join us in person for our roundtable event focused on ESGs, under our main Project “The Journey Together to the EU”.

In the Framework of the WEEK OF INTEGRITY

In Partnership with:

As part of the ongoing campaign “The Journey Together to the EU,” the Impact Assessment Institute (IAI), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania, is organizing a roundtable session focusing on business integrity and the role of ESGs (environmental, social and governance) practices.

Integrity in business and sustainable practices are integral component to aligning with the European Union’s business standards and fostering a robust, resilient economy in Albania.

The event will be held on December 5, 2024, from 08:30-11:00 at the Marriott Hotel Tirana as part of Albania’s Week of Integrity (December 1-13, 2024), an initiative led by ICC Albania in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration and Anti-corruption and other partners.

Background and purpose:

The main objective of this roundtable is to promote and emphasize the importance of ESG principles in the Western Balkans – particularly in Albania. Suppliers to EU-based companies – more and more – need to be able to demonstrate both integrity and sustainability in their operations. In its path towards EU Membership, for Albania, aligning with these principles means reinforcing transparency, ethical standards, and the implementation of ESG frameworks, all of which are essential for building trust and credibility within the EU market.

Objectives:

The roundtable will discuss the essential role of ESG frameworks which is crucial for companies operating within the EU Single Market. Specifically, it will address:

The opportunities that ESG practices create for fostering business integrity, growth and competitiveness;
The crucial role of ESG in safeguarding workers’ rights and building competitive management styles for companies;
The broader significance of ESG in promoting ethical business practices, from the treatment of workers and the environment to the role a company can play in its community;

Expected Outcomes:

The event aims to:

Enhance awareness and understanding of ESG principles and their benefits for businesses in Albania.
Provide practical insights on implementing ESG standards, share experience of other EU countries (in this case Netherland), to help companies align their operations with EU regulations.
Highlight the role of ESG practices in Albania’s ongoing EU Integration process, emphasizing the need for economic growth through sustainable and responsible business models.
Conclude with actionable recommendations on how Albania can strengthen its approach to ESG, ensuring that businesses are well-prepared to meet EU demands as the country progresses on its path to EU Integration.

Event Format:

The roundtable will be hosted by Mr. Erik Akse and will be opened by His Excellency Mr. Reinout Vos, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Albania.

Following this, Mr. Marhijn Visser, Deputy Director of International Affairs and ESG Lead at the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers, will deliver a keynote address introducing EU ESG legislation and share valuable insights and experiences from the Netherlands on adopting and implementing ESG practices, including conducting business with EU businesses and Dutch companies in particular.

The third session, will feature Mr. Dritan Nako, Executive Director of ESG Network in Albania, who will discuss some of the key points such as: Albanian ESG Network, Vision, Mission, Goals; Participation in the transposition process of the ESG directives; the need for a Sustainability Parliamentary Committee or other Administrative Institution focusing on Sustainability; mandatory or voluntary Reporting on Sustainability; and the role of ESGs as a standard operation criterion in the market.

Following the above session, there will be interactive discussions, allowing participants to engage and share insights on various aspects of ESG practices. Each session will include a dedicated segment for questions and answers, encouraging a dynamic exchange of ideas and learning opportunities.

The event will conclude with a summary of key points and recommendations, focusing on how Albania can further develop its approach to ESG practices. These recommendations will underline the importance of aligning with EU standards, promoting sustainability, and fostering social responsibility. The discussion will highlight the adoption of best practices in the region and strategies to build a sustainable and competitive business environment.