PR and Communications Professionals Convene for a Masterclass on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability

Accra, June 27, 2024 – In celebration of World PR Day, the Global Media Alliance hosted a comprehensive PR and Sustainability masterclass at the Ghana Institute of Engineers in Roman Ridge, Accra. This event brought together PR and communication professionals from diverse industries within the public and private sectors, industry leaders, and students to delve into the critical intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in Public Relations (PR).

ESG and Sustainability in Public Relations are crucial because they align the company's public relations efforts with environmental and social responsibility. This alignment enhances brand reputation, builds trust with stakeholders, and demonstrates an organization’s commitment to making a positive impact on society and the planet. Therefore, integrating ESG into PR strategies is essential for aligning an organization’s brand's communication with its commitment to environmental, social, and governance issues. This integration enhances brand reputation, builds stakeholder trust, and demonstrates a company's dedication to sustainable and ethical practices.

The masterclass covered various topics essential for integrating ESG into PR strategies, including sustainability principles, ESG guidelines, sustainable messaging and storytelling, and sustainability policy and regulation. The event underscored PR and communication professionals' vital role in ESG reporting and the broader sustainability discourse. ESG reporting practices involve disclosing information about a company's operations in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas. This includes measuring a company's ESG initiatives against industry benchmarks and targets and providing stakeholders with insights into the company's sustainable and responsible practices.

Prince Osisiadan, CEO of SUCCA Africa and a certified trainer with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) led an insightful session on ESG reporting and disclosures. He emphasized the crucial role of PR and communication professionals in making ESG reports accessible and understandable. “Even though the entire ESG report may not be compiled by the PR or communication team, they must ensure that the report is presented in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner,” Osisiadan noted. He stressed that ESG reports are often filled with jargon and technical terms, which can hinder comprehension for stakeholders. Thus, breaking down these reports into simple, digestible terms is imperative for effective communication.

Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communication Manager at Telecel, facilitated a session on sustainable storytelling and messaging. She highlighted the importance of crafting narratives that resonate with audiences and effectively communicate a company’s sustainability efforts. Mr. Osei-Asenso Antwi, Senior Manager of Governance, Risk, Compliance, and ESG Services at KPMG, also conducted a session on sustainability principles, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational concepts and their application in various organizational contexts.

As ESG considerations become increasingly integral to corporate strategy, events like this masterclass are essential for equipping PR and communication professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate their organizations' commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. The Global Media Alliance's initiative marks a significant step in aligning brand communication with the evolving expectations of stakeholders regarding environmental and social responsibility. The masterclass was sponsored by Telecel, with additional support from Women in PR, Ghana Shippers Authority, Kasapreko, and Twellium Industrial Company. This collaborative effort reflects a growing recognition of the importance of ESG in the PR and communications field. For more information on upcoming events and initiatives by the Global Media Alliance, please visit their website https://gmaworld.com

By: Azure Imoro Abdulai

[email protected]

?

?