The adoption of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards is relevant not only because investors are more inclined to consider them in their investment decisions but also due to their potential positive impact on sustainable development. While ESG implementation is still mostly voluntary, governments around the world are increasingly integrating these standards into their legal frameworks. Thus, understanding how the law supports ESG adoption becomes essential. However, the law alone is not sufficient to ensure that companies apply these standards. Investment is also needed to guarantee that the impact of ESG practices is long-lasting. In this paper we present our findings on how legal frameworks of 10 countries support ESG standards implementation, and what funding alternatives are available, particularly to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Nobel laureate Esther Duflo and ANDE’s Devin Chesney discussed evidence-driven aid, entrepreneurship, and how to scale what truly works. Read or watch here the interview presented during the ANDE Global Annual Conference in Cancún on September 30.
Ahead of her special screening at the ANDE 2025 Global Conference, we’re inviting ANDE members to submit questions for Nobel Prize–winning economist Esther Duflo.