At the end of May, Nina Dombrowska, co-founder of Women on Boards Ukraine, had the honor of representing the Corporate Governance Professional Association Governance Professional Association at the Training of Trainers (ToT) on ESG and Sustainability for Board Directors in Istanbul, Turkey. This significant event, organized by the IFC - International Finance Corporation, aimed to enhance corporate governance, promote sustainable business models, and support global sustainability goals.

Reflecting on the experience, Nina stated, "To address the knowledge gap in sustainability among boards, the Corporate Governance Professional Association of Ukraine is integrating these crucial topics into programs for Corporate Directors. This initiative is designed to boost board competencies and drive stronger ESG integration into corporate strategies. I am happy to contribute to this important development, which is vital for Ukraine's future."

ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance principles, is crucial for modern corporate strategies:

Environmental: Focuses on a company's impact on the planet, including issues like climate change, resource depletion, waste, and pollution.

Social: Pertains to a company's relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and communities, emphasizing aspects such as labor practices, human rights, and social justice.

Governance: Deals with the leadership, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights, ensuring transparency, ethical behavior, and a well-structured board.

As global CEOs increasingly embed ESG into their strategies, and with many boards developing expertise to tackle sustainability challenges, Ukraine needs to prioritize these issues, especially in light of the war's impact.