Moving ESG from Intention to Impact
On May 20th, 2025, AMCHAM T&T hosted its 3rd Annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Conference under the theme “From Intention to Impact”.
Corporate leaders, government officials, and sustainability advocates convened at the Asa Wright Nature Centre—a venue purposefully chosen to embody the spirit of environmental conservation and sustainable development. The Asa Wright Nature Centre, nestled in Trinidad’s Northern Range, has recently undergone significant sustainability upgrades—including the installation of solar panels and the implementation of eco-friendly infrastructure. This transformation mirrors the very essence of ESG: turning vision into verifiable value.
ESG as a Business Imperative
In his opening remarks, AMCHAM T&T President Stuart Franco emphasised the urgent need for businesses to embed ESG into their core strategies—not as a checkbox, but as a critical driver of long-term resilience and profitability.
“Companies that are integrating ESG into their operations are outperforming their peerand e become magnets for talent, innovation, and investment,” he said. “ESG is how we future-proof our economies. It’s how we protect our communities. It’s how we build institutions that are resilient, responsive, and respected.”
A key message was the need for data-driven decision-making to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
“Without accurate, timely, and disaggregated data, ESG becomes an exercise in guesswork,” Franco warned. “We need a strong statistical infrastructure to measure what matters and hold ourselves accountable.”
He also made a compelling appeal for the business community to align ESG with national development goals: “We must move from intention to impact—not just for brand value or public relations, but for the future of our nation.”
Government Support and Policy Direction
Delivering the keynote address, Senator Dr. the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, reinforced the government’s role in building a sustainable and inclusive economy through ESG-aligned policies.
“ESG is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” the Minister said. “It is how we build a future that is equitable, sustainable, and prosperous for all citizens—not just for the privileged few.”
He challenged businesses to rise above minimum compliance standards: “The private sector must go beyond compliance. ESG must become embedded in company culture—from the boardroom to the back office.”
Minister Swaratsingh acknowledged AMCHAM T&T’s leadership in pushing the ESG agenda and pointed to Trinidad and Tobago’s regional potential. “Conferences like these are vital catalysts,” he said.
Looking Ahead
This year’s ESG Conference marks the first of a three-part series hosted by AMCHAM T&T, designed to translate ESG principles into actionable strategies for companies across sectors. Upcoming sessions will explore ESG reporting frameworks, financing tools, and the role of governance in sustainability implementation. With leadership, data, and collaboration, the journey from intention to impact is not just possible—it’s already underway.
For more information on AMCHAM T&T’s upcoming ESG events and advocacy, visit the official ESG event page https://www.amchamtt.com/event/esg-event-series-2025-1833/page/introduction-esg-conference.
