UNDP and Longhua District Government jointly held an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) training event to strengthen the ability of over 60 micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to engage in global markets and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Integrating ESG principles is no longer just a compliance exercise,” said James George, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in China, in his opening remarks. “It is a strategic imperative that creates long-term value — for companies, communities, and our planet. That’s why we are committed to supporting MSMEs as key drivers of sustainable development, ensuring they are not left behind in the global shift toward more responsible, sustainable, and resilient business practices.”

The training is held under the UNDP-Longhua partnership initiated in August 2024, which explores innovative approaches to accelerate progress on the SDGs in a mega-city context. This included the creation of HUA Hub, the first SDGs Innovation Lab to be established in one of China’s National SDGs Innovation Demonstration Zones. 

“2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and represents a new starting point for advancing globalization,” said ZHANG Zhi, Member of the Standing Committee and Director of General Office of CPC Shenzhen Longhua District Committee. “We look forward to co-building and sharing the HUA HUB platform and international resources with all of you, jointly empowering Longhua's green transformation, supporting Shenzhen in leading reform, opening up, and sustainable development, and adding stronger momentum into the city’s efforts to achieve its dual-carbon goals and become a pioneer of sustainable urban development.”

“Shenzhen’s 45 years of reform and development demonstrate that green, inclusive, and innovative approaches are the healthy path forward for mega-city development. The CICETE is willing to work with UNDP and Longhua District, using HUA HUB as a foundation, to jointly develop cooperative projects and host more international exchange activities that empower enterprises,” said LI Shuyin, Deputy Director General of CICETE. “These efforts will help share Shenzhen’s experiences and best practices with other countries and further enhance the city’s reputation as a green, inclusive, and innovative model.” 

This training also comes ahead of the upcoming event on innovation in future cities, which is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen this September. It was announced as one of the key initiatives under the "Action Plan for Longhua District to Accelerate the Construction of a Modern International Metropolis Benchmark District (2025–2027)." 

It will be the first large-scale international event organized by HUA Hub since its inception. The event will explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing megacities around the world as they strive to become more sustainable and resilient. It will bring together thought leaders, experts, policymakers, private sector innovators, and youth leaders from around the world to discuss critical issues such as social inequality, environmental sustainability, resource management, and digital transformation.