Narrow Results

The principles of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) have an important role in the transition to clean energy technologies. ESG is vital to finance and investment in extractive industries that provide essential minerals. Yet mining presents significant landscape and livelihood challenges in affected communities. In fact, the industry considers ESG issues to be their greatest business risk. Research evaluates the role of ESG principles in Asian extractive industries, then focuses on the Mongolian context. In Mongolia, the $20 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mega-mine was investigated through extensive fieldwork at the site and in the local community. Research examined the mine’s environmental impact and socio-economic implications for residents. Results identified slow ESG uptake in the country and limited government engagement. From a herder perspective, over time, ESG principles enabled a local voice and a measure of accountability at the mine. It did not mitigate the severe impacts of mining in the community. While the government embraced international extractive agendas, strengthened ESG implementation and stronger monitoring are needed. For greater effectiveness mining communities should be involved in planning as early and open adherence to key principles would improve programme outcomes.

The gas-rich nation, Qatar, became the first Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, after beating South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the US. Qatar invested an enormous amount of money in implementing the measures outlined by FIFA and United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the World Cup was included in Qatar’s sustainable Vision 2030. Qatar has gained international support and wants to host more mega-events despite controversies surrounding its FIFA World Cup, including workers’ deaths during infrastructure construction and protests from western athletes, politicians, and media against the Qatari government and FIFA’s ban on LGBT+ symbols and alcohol in the stadium. Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup left a sustainable legacy by following ESG principles. This paper analysed how FIFA 2022 applies SDGs, ESG, and Islamic principles and their managerial implications. We concluded with lessons to be learnt from FIFA 2022 and Qatar’s investments in green infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and carbon offsetting, as well as how the country’s efforts to leave a sustainable legacy after the event could inspire other nations.