ARTS AND CULTURE
Sustainability and ESG consultant Dilek Bağdatlıoğlu has authored a book, Çevresel, Sosyal ve Yönetişim Hedeflerini Dengelemek; Bankalar ve Şirketler ÇSY ve Sürdürülebilirlik Konusunda Ne Yapabilirler? (Balancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Goals; What Can Banks and Companies Do Regarding ESG and Sustainability?, Akıl Fikir Yayınları), about the need of working to solve ESG issues in all countries around the world, including Türkiye.
Dr. Bağdatlıoğlu’s book is a practical guide to companies; it describes which action is needed on each of the main components of ESG, making it easier for companies and banks to plan, implement and report on these goals, and aims to help companies and banks to accelerate their ESG efforts. It demonstrates that it is in the interest of companies and banks to have ESG goals and pursue them.
Bağdatlıoğlu believes Turkish companies are progressing in adopting ESG goals, especially among larger corporations, though there is still some way to go: “A recent survey we conducted found that 335 companies among the largest 500 in Türkiye do not report on ESG. Moreover, the quality of the ESG reports is uneven among those who do report. With growing international pressure, regulatory reforms, and an increasing focus on sustainability among the Turkish public, Turkish firms can close the gap in the coming years, particularly in areas like renewable energy and governance.”
Bağdatlıoğlu remembers RC as a source of inspiration: “RC's education encourages engagement in community affairs and an openness to the latest developments in scientific and social issues. I had actually already been active in the social aspects of ESG for many years.”
