Core Viewpoint - The emphasis on sustainable information disclosure is increasing globally, with multi-party collaboration being a key driver for the development of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices [1][2]. Group 1: Policy and Regulatory Developments - The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment jointly issued the "Corporate Sustainable Disclosure Standards No. 1 - Climate (Trial) (Draft for Comments)" in April, marking a significant step in aligning with China's "dual carbon" goals and participating in global climate governance [1]. - The People's Bank of China is revising the "Guidelines for Sustainable Information Disclosure by Financial Institutions" to enhance comparability with international standards and expand the scope of disclosures [2]. Group 2: Corporate Practices and Reporting - As of May 2025, 2,461 out of over 5,400 listed companies in China's A-share market disclosed ESG reports, achieving a disclosure rate of 45.7%, the highest on record [3]. - Among state-owned enterprises, 462 out of 470 listed companies have published ESG reports, resulting in a disclosure rate of 98.3% [3]. - Companies are increasingly adopting the "Four Pillars" framework proposed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) for ESG reporting, focusing on governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets [3]. Group 3: Industry Collaboration and Challenges - China National Railway Group is working on building a carbon-neutral ecosystem across its supply chain, emphasizing green evaluations and collaborative technology applications [4]. - Experts suggest that further collaboration and capacity building are needed to enhance sustainable information disclosure capabilities among companies and third-party service providers [4]. Group 4: International Standards and Investor Insights - The ISSB's standards provide transparency for investors, helping them identify risks and opportunities across time dimensions in rapidly changing markets [5].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Beijing International Sustainable Conference emphasized the importance of establishing a collaborative and inclusive sustainable information disclosure ecosystem, aligning with global standards to enhance transparency and investor decision-making [1][3]. Group 1: ISSB and Global Standards - The ISSB Chairman highlighted that ISSB standards provide transparent information for investors, aiding in the identification of value chain risks and opportunities over time [3]. - There is significant progress among jurisdictions representing a substantial share of global capital markets in aligning with ISSB standards, which will enhance the quality of financial information related to sustainability [3]. - The ISSB encourages China to develop a unified national sustainable disclosure standard based on ISSB guidelines, recognizing China's efforts to improve the quality and transparency of climate-related financial information [3][5]. Group 2: China's Commitment to Sustainable Disclosure - The Director of the Accounting Department of the Ministry of Finance stated that China is actively participating in the international governance of sustainable disclosure and aims to create a unified national standard that reflects international best practices while considering local conditions [5]. - The Ministry of Finance plans to establish a comprehensive sustainable disclosure standard system by 2030, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various stakeholders [5]. - The People's Bank of China is revising the "Guidelines for Sustainable Information Disclosure by Financial Institutions" to enhance comparability with international standards and improve environmental information disclosure [7]. Group 3: Contributions and Achievements - The President of the China Enterprise Reform and Development Research Association noted that China has made significant progress in ESG development, contributing to a unique framework and practical path for sustainable practices [9]. - China National Railway Group has recognized the value of ISSB standards in enhancing corporate transparency and investor confidence, actively implementing these standards [11]. - The conference featured discussions on the significance of adopting ISSB standards and building a local ecosystem for sustainable disclosure in Hong Kong [13].

Core Insights - The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment have jointly released the "Corporate Sustainable Disclosure Guidelines No. 1 - Climate (Trial) (Draft for Comments)", marking a significant step towards a unified sustainable information disclosure system in China [1] - Nearly 2,500 A-share listed companies have disclosed ESG reports for the 2024 fiscal year, with a disclosure rate exceeding 45%, indicating a shift towards high-quality development [1] - Despite progress, challenges remain in data quality, coverage of small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chain, and the overall effectiveness of information disclosure [1] Group 1: Sustainable Disclosure Framework - Sustainable information disclosure serves as a "responsibility tool" to address regulatory and public concerns while also acting as a "capability tool" to enhance supply chain resilience and risk governance [2] - The guidelines aim to integrate sustainability issues into corporate strategic planning and operational decision-making, promoting information sharing and risk management across supply chains [2] Group 2: Implementation Strategies - The strategy emphasizes a phased approach focusing on high-emission industries such as manufacturing, energy, and chemicals, with detailed disclosure guidelines and regulatory frameworks [3] - Companies are encouraged to build digital platforms for sustainable information sharing and risk monitoring, enhancing their ability to identify and respond to environmental and compliance risks [3] Group 3: Role of Leading Enterprises - Leading companies are urged to establish carbon accounting and sustainable performance auditing systems, encouraging suppliers to disclose key ESG performance indicators [4] - The creation of a "transparent supply chain" is promoted through collaborative efforts in carbon footprint tracking and green technology cooperation [4] Group 4: Support Mechanisms - Downstream companies are encouraged to utilize digital technologies to track market demands and environmental standards, improving responsiveness to green requirements [5] - Financial incentives such as tax reductions and subsidies are proposed to support green procurement and the transformation of supply chains, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises [5]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of a unified sustainable information disclosure system in China marks a new phase in promoting sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, with a focus on enhancing the quality of ESG disclosures by state-owned enterprises and listed companies [1][2]. Sustainable Information Disclosure System - The Ministry of Finance and nine other ministries have developed the "Enterprise Sustainable Disclosure Standards - Basic Standards (Trial)" to create a nationwide unified standard for corporate sustainable information disclosure, emphasizing reliability, relevance, comparability, verifiability, understandability, and timeliness [1][2]. - The framework includes governance, strategy, risk and opportunity management, indicators, and targets, with a commitment to continuously improve the national sustainable disclosure standards [1][3]. Characteristics of the Disclosure System - The overall framework of the Basic Standards and the Compilation Guidelines is consistent, focusing on improving the quality and transparency of corporate sustainable information disclosures [3]. - The Basic Standards apply to all enterprises in China, while the Compilation Guidelines specifically target listed companies, providing systematic regulations and best practice recommendations [3][4]. Recommendations for Central Enterprises - Central enterprises should enhance the quality of their ESG disclosures by effectively integrating social responsibility reports and ESG reports, focusing on technology innovation and safety support [5][6]. - Continuous improvement of corporate governance is essential, emphasizing the protection of minority shareholders and the establishment of effective board structures [6]. - In the context of climate change, central enterprises must strengthen ESG risk and opportunity management, focusing on direct and indirect impacts on sustainability [7]. - Utilizing digital technology to build internal ESG data governance mechanisms is crucial for optimizing management processes and enhancing decision-making capabilities [8]. - Central enterprises should take a leading role in biodiversity protection, aligning with sustainable development goals and improving methodologies for biodiversity assessment [9].

Core Insights - The ESG disclosure rate in A-shares has reached a historical high of 45.72% as of April 30, marking a significant increase from 36.96% over the past three years [1][2] - The banking sector leads with a 100% ESG disclosure rate, followed by non-bank financial institutions at nearly 90% [1][2] - High-emission industries such as steel, coal, transportation, and oil & gas have also seen their disclosure rates exceed 60%, indicating a slight year-on-year increase [1][5] Industry Performance - The financial industry continues to dominate ESG disclosures, with the banking sector achieving a consistent 100% disclosure rate [2][5] - Non-bank financial institutions have a disclosure rate of 84.52%, reflecting strong compliance within the sector [2] - Other high-emission sectors are improving, with steel, coal, and public utilities all surpassing 60% in disclosure rates [5] Regulatory Developments - New guidelines and regulations have been introduced, including the "Self-Regulatory Guidelines for Listed Companies on Sustainable Development Reports" and the "Basic Standards for Corporate Sustainable Disclosure" [6][10] - As of April 30, 2024, 457 companies are required to disclose ESG reports, with a current compliance rate of 94.53%, up from 91.24% the previous year [11][13] - The transition from voluntary to mandatory ESG disclosures is being emphasized, with a focus on ensuring that companies meet regulatory requirements [10][11] Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the overall improvement, 25 companies have yet to disclose their ESG reports, highlighting the urgency for compliance as the mandatory disclosure deadline approaches [1][13] - The quality of ESG disclosures remains a concern, with issues related to completeness and effectiveness noted, as many reports still lack quantitative data and specific action plans [13][14] - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in ESG compliance, but there are opportunities for them to gain competitive advantages through green certifications [15][16] Future Outlook - The rapid development of ESG policies in China reflects a commitment to aligning with international standards, with a focus on integrating ESG into corporate strategies [8][9] - The approach to ESG disclosures is expected to evolve, with a gradual shift towards more stringent requirements for larger companies, which will set a precedent for SMEs [9][17] - The emphasis on a phased implementation of ESG standards aims to reduce the burden on companies while enhancing their data management capabilities for future compliance [17][18]

Group 1 - The ISSB has officially released the International Financial Reporting Sustainability Disclosure Standards, marking a significant shift from voluntary to mandatory disclosure requirements for sustainability-related financial information [2] - The ISSB standards will take effect for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2024, but the specific impact on companies will depend on the adoption and enforcement timelines in different jurisdictions [2] - A consultation draft for amendments to IFRS S2 regarding climate-related disclosures was published on April 28, 2025, with a feedback period of 60 days ending on June 27, 2025 [2] Group 2 - The ISSB has identified implementation challenges faced by companies, particularly in disclosing greenhouse gas emissions under IFRS S2, and aims to revise the disclosure requirements to enhance operability without weakening the existing standards [3] - The revisions will focus on optimizing exemption clauses to create a more cost-effective disclosure mechanism while balancing investor information needs and compliance costs for companies [3] - The revisions will particularly impact financial sector companies and those bound by specific jurisdictional requirements related to greenhouse gas measurement methods [6] Group 3 - The amendments to IFRS S2 will include specific requirements for banks and insurance companies to classify counterparties and disclose related financing emissions [5] - Companies will have the autonomy to choose whether to apply the exemption provisions based on their operational circumstances, and this choice will not affect their compliance statements under ISSB standards [6] - The ISSB plans to collect and analyze stakeholder feedback on the consultation draft and aims to complete the revisions to IFRS S2 by the end of 2025 [6]

Core Points - Climate information disclosure is becoming a key focus for corporate sustainability reporting, with the Ministry of Finance recently releasing the "Corporate Sustainability Disclosure Standards No. 1 - Climate (Trial) (Draft for Comments)" [1] - The draft emphasizes the need for companies to disclose greenhouse gas emissions categorized into Scope 1, 2, and 3, and to build a disclosure framework around four pillars: governance, strategy, risk and opportunity management, and metrics and targets [1][3] Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The draft is the first specific standard focusing on climate issues, following the basic sustainability disclosure standards released in November 2024 [1] - The Ministry of Finance plans to establish a unified sustainability disclosure standard system by 2030, with the climate standards expected to be finalized by 2027 [2] - The draft aligns closely with international standards, facilitating the integration of domestic practices with global frameworks [2] Group 2: Disclosure Requirements - Companies are required to disclose governance structures overseeing climate-related risks and opportunities, including how performance metrics are integrated into compensation policies [3] - The strategic dimension requires companies to disclose how climate-related risks and opportunities impact their strategies, financials, and resilience to climate change [3] - In terms of risk and opportunity management, companies must outline their processes for identifying, assessing, and monitoring climate-related risks and how these processes fit into their overall risk management systems [4] Group 3: Emission Accounting - The draft specifies that companies must disclose their total greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on Scope 3 emissions, which are often the most challenging to quantify [4] - Financial institutions are particularly required to disclose information related to their financed emissions, which typically represent a significant portion of their total emissions [4] - Unlike the international GHG Protocol recommended by IFRS S2, the draft localizes the accounting standards, requiring companies to follow national carbon emission accounting standards [4] Group 4: Implementation Challenges - The climate information disclosure poses challenges for companies in measuring, analyzing, and planning their greenhouse gas emissions [6] - Companies are encouraged to adopt a gradual approach to implementing the standards, starting with qualitative disclosures if quantitative data is not available [7] - The draft suggests that companies with the capacity should actively explore pilot projects and develop feasible disclosure plans [7]

Core Viewpoint - The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concept is becoming a key force in promoting sustainable development amid global climate crises and social inequality, with a focus on leveraging regional financial advantages and industrial clusters to enhance sustainable information disclosure and achieve high-quality economic development [1] Group 1: Policy and Standards - Regions in China should actively explore the establishment of sustainable information disclosure policies and standards that align with international norms and domestic needs, drawing from global standards like GRI and TCFD [2] - Local financial institutions should integrate these policies into their business processes, ensuring compliance in project approvals and risk assessments to provide scientific decision-making support [2] - The development of policies should consider the characteristics and needs of financial institutions, encouraging their participation in the policy-making process to ensure feasibility and effectiveness [2] Group 2: Information Disclosure Mechanism - Establishing a unified ESG information disclosure standard is essential to enhance the normativity and mandatory nature of disclosures across industries [3] - Financial institutions should incorporate ESG factors into due diligence and risk assessment processes, ensuring that information disclosure is closely integrated with business operations [3] - Collaboration with local governments and regulatory bodies is crucial for building an effective information disclosure mechanism, utilizing fintech to optimize disclosure processes [3] Group 3: Financial Market and Industrial Cluster Advantages - Financial markets in China should leverage their comprehensive elements to direct more capital towards low-carbon emission sectors, strengthening the carbon finance ecosystem [4] - Financial institutions are encouraged to develop green credit businesses and explore green bonds and carbon finance, linking financial services with local industrial upgrades [4] - Collaboration among financial institutions is vital to develop green financial products and services, enhancing credit support for low-carbon sectors [4] Group 4: Innovation in Green Financial Products and Services - Continuous innovation in green financial products and services is necessary, promoting various carbon-related financial instruments to support the green transformation of the economy [5][6] - Financial institutions must ensure comprehensive and accurate disclosure of environmental benefits and risks associated with new products, enhancing transparency for investors [6] - The development of unique green financial products should consider market demands and regional characteristics, improving their attractiveness and credibility [6] Group 5: Talent Development and International Cooperation - Green finance talent should be included in the list of scarce talents, with efforts to attract and cultivate professionals with international perspectives [7] - Strengthening exchanges with international financial centers can introduce advanced concepts and practices, enhancing local financial institutions' capabilities in sustainable information disclosure [7] - Financial institutions should focus on building a skilled workforce knowledgeable in both finance and ESG principles, participating in international exchanges to improve competitiveness [7]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the growing importance of sustainable development in the global economy, highlighting the increasing demand for sustainability-related disclosures in capital markets [2][4]. - The establishment of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and the release of the International Financial Reporting Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISDS) mark a significant advancement in global sustainability reporting [4][14]. Development History - The ISSB was established in November 2021 during the 26th UN Climate Conference, with the IFRS Foundation announcing its formation [5]. - In March 2022, the ISSB released two exposure drafts for ISDS, seeking public feedback until July 29, 2022, leading to the final issuance of S1 and S2 standards in June 2023, set to take effect on January 1, 2024 [5][6]. Key Features of ISDS - ISDS aims to provide a global baseline for sustainability disclosures, focusing on investor needs, financial materiality, and interoperability with other frameworks like the TCFD [4][14]. - The standards include general requirements for sustainability-related financial disclosures and specific guidelines for climate-related disclosures [4][11]. Application Scope - ISDS is designed for a wide range of entities, including multinational corporations, public companies, large state-owned enterprises, and SMEs, facilitating compliance with various sustainability reporting requirements globally [14]. - The framework aims to enhance transparency for investors and regulators, helping companies manage sustainability risks within their supply and value chains [14]. Future Plans - The ISSB plans to develop industry-specific sustainability disclosure standards covering broader topics such as biodiversity and water resource management, ensuring precise disclosures for different sectors [11][12]. - Ongoing collaboration with global organizations aims to address implementation challenges and enhance the market adaptability of ISDS [12].

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of new ESG disclosure regulations in China's A-share market marks a significant step towards enhancing sustainable information disclosure, with a notable increase in the number of companies participating in ESG reporting [1][2]. Group 1: ESG Disclosure Progress - As of April 20, 2023, 1,131 A-share companies have disclosed their ESG reports, achieving a disclosure rate of 20.9% [1]. - Financial institutions lead the way in ESG disclosures, with 93.55% of financial listed companies in A-shares publishing independent ESG or social responsibility reports [4]. Group 2: Policy and Regulatory Environment - 2024 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for mandatory ESG disclosures in China, driven by multiple policy initiatives aimed at establishing a unified sustainable disclosure system [2]. - The Shanghai region is highlighted as a key player in ESG information disclosure, with 80% of financial institutions recognizing its importance [4]. Group 3: Challenges in ESG Disclosure - Financial institutions face significant challenges in carbon emission accounting, particularly in scope three emissions, which complicates sustainable information disclosure [5]. - Companies are confronted with multiple standards and regulatory requirements, complicating compliance efforts [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Opportunities - High-quality ESG information disclosure is expected to unlock more green funding, facilitating the low-carbon transition of the real economy [8]. - Shanghai is positioned as a leading hub for green finance, potentially influencing global standards and practices in sustainable finance [9].