China’s first green and sustainable corporate group standard—the “Universal ESG Standard”—was officially introduced at the “Brands Bring Better Future for the World – Global Forum for Brand Equity Strategists,” held during the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. The unveiling of this standard represents a pivotal advancement in encouraging the adoption of ESG principles among Chinese enterprises.
This standard was initiated by the Shanghai Services Federation (SSF) with UESG China as the principal drafter. It was formally launched in May, having been co-developed by hundreds of renowned global institutions, industry associations, Fortune 500 firms, and publicly listed corporations.
Tingxian Qu, CEO of UESG China, emphasised that the standard introduces a unified operational framework and a robust, scientific evaluation system to identify and classify companies dedicated to green and sustainable development. To bolster transparency and encourage broader participation, UESG China has created a universal ESG information disclosure platform, which assigns designated codes to enterprises and publicly shares ESG data, setting a benchmark for other companies to emulate.
At the event, UESG China and the YRD BI&T Foundation jointly launched a public welfare fund dedicated to advancing universal ESG standards, alongside the ESG Development Action Initiative, aimed at raising corporate awareness around ESG responsibilities. Pianists Lang Lang and Gina Alice also conveyed video messages encouraging collective efforts toward sustainable development.
Several key organizations involved in drafting the standard—such as Li Auto, Nongfu Spring, ARROW, Didi Chuxing, Sinar Mas, ACCA, Siemens Healthineers, SF, 3M China, Bosch China, Shanghai Printing Industry Association, and GCL—were recognised with Annual Outstanding Case Awards for their contributions to the initiative.