Introduction to Social Impact

Social impact within the framework of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria has become increasingly vital for organisations in today’s global landscape. One reason for its importance is the growing recognition that businesses are not just economic entities but also social actors with considerable influence on societal well-being. For instance, the United Nations Global Compact reports that over 13,000 companies across 170 countries are actively aligning their operations with principles that promote human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption efforts. This shift reflects an understanding that addressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and social justice is crucial for sustainable development and long-term business success. This course has been developed to provide learners with an understanding of the concept of social impact in the context of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), the role of the ‘Social’ (S) pillar in ESG principles and its significance for sustainable development, key areas of social impact, including access to finance, healthcare, communication, health/nutrition, and human rights, and applying ESG and social impact principles and fostering a proactive approach to social responsibility and sustainability. This course is part of the Kineo ESG Suite.