Topic: From Global Initiatives to Regulatory Systems: How ESG Governance and High-Quality Systems Are Shaping a Sustainable Future for Businesses

Date: March 25, 2026 (Wed)

Time: 14:00-15:30

Venue: T1-302-R1

Language: Chinese

Abstract:

In the context of escalating climate risks, increasing social inequities, and frequent governance scandals, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria have evolved from voluntary global initiatives—such as the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)—into binding regulatory frameworks that are profoundly impacting corporate quality management and long-term value creation. This seminar will explore the integration of ESG governance with traditional quality management systems (such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and the emerging ISO 37000 series), demonstrating how integrated management systems can shift from reactive compliance to proactive sustainability strategies. We will examine the growing adoption of ESG standards in global markets and how ESG-integrated quality systems can lead to significant advancements in risk management, innovation capacity, stakeholder trust, and financial resilience. Ultimately, the seminar emphasizes that by embedding ESG principles within governance structures and quality management processes, companies are not just responding to evolving regulatory requirements but are also gaining a competitive edge in the global economic transformation, positioning sustainability as a core driver of long-term business success rather than a peripheral obligation.

About the Speaker:

Ms. Danfeng Zhang is the Director of the ESG and Sustainable Development Center at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). She also serves as Vice Chair of the CSR Special Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Sustainable Development Committee, Chief Lecturer for the Hong Kong ESG Association, and has been a guest speaker at the University of Southampton (UK) and the University of Copenhagen (Denmark). A qualified trainer and auditor for major international standards such as SA8000, BSCI, Sedex, and various quality, environmental, and occupational health & safety systems, she brings over 20 years of global experience in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. Her expertise spans corporate management system development, ESG strategy implementation, responsible supply chain management, green supply chains, and sustainable disclosure, making her one of the earliest experts in China to achieve multiple international certifications in these areas. Having witnessed and contributed to the evolution of CSR and sustainability governance in China — from early adoption to today’s systematic frameworks — she pursued advanced study in CSR and sustainable development at a top-100 global university in the UK, participated in United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainable operations projects, and has frequently shared insights on Chinese companies’ sustainability practices at international forums. In recent years, she has played a key role in developing sustainability standards and indices, served as a judge for industry awards, acted as a technical advisor, and provided ESG and supply chain solutions to multiple Fortune 500 companies, while auditing and evaluating sustainability initiatives at more than 2,000 enterprises and organizations.