MTB to host key conference
THE Management Training Bureau (MTB) will on November 10, 2023 host a sustainability conference as part of initiatives to grow awareness on the matter, which is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for business processes worldwide.
Times have changed and investors are now keener than before to scrutinise the environmental, social and governance issues in an entity, particularly those they intend to invest in.
Running under the theme “Future Now, Building Economies of Tomorrow Today”, the meeting seeks to promote sustainable business models. It will be about demystifying the sustainable approach to business.
Sustainability or circular economy is an emerging concept that encourages environmentally friendly policies in businesses, where the model of production and consumption involves reusing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials as long as possible, in contrast to the traditional linear methods that were characterised by the make-and-dispose idea.
The meeting can be attended by representatives of businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to multinational corporations, to share awareness and experiences on sustainability. It also seeks to establish how sustainability enhances business processes more than it is a cost to enterprises.
The conference is set to be attended by investors, policymakers and other stakeholders interested in matters to do with sustainability.
According to MTB, many companies are seeing the sustainability drive as an added cost to their businesses, without realising that operating in a sustainable manner ensures a better place and future for companies.
Investors are now incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) data into the investment process to gain a complete understanding of the companies in which they invest.
They are increasingly applying these non-financial principles as part of their analysis process to identify material risks and growth opportunities in a company.
Toxiconsol Consultancy founder Mr Tawanda Muzamwese, Institute for Sustainability Africa chief executive officer Rodney Ndamba; Econet general manager (sustainability) Fidelia Gandiya: ESG Network Zimbabwe executive director Willard Razawo; Business Council For Sustainable Development Zimbabwe co-executive director Dr Dingane Sithole; POSB chief compliance officer Patience Chinomona; and Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe capacity building director Cliff Gondo are all set to give insights into sustainability at the conference.
MTB executive director Dr Nelson Maseko indicated that the ESG concept was almost similar to the usual operation in securities, where the quality of operations by companies is constantly interrogated by investors.
“Sustainability is still a grey area. Most individuals and entities do not really understand the concept of sustainability. We want to unpack what sustainability is.
“We would want all stakeholders that attend to get to know what sustainability is all about.
“This is a high-impact subject that some entities or organisations have not been taking seriously but it is something we all need to embrace. In the long run, as a training institute, we would want to roll out training programmes that deal with sustainability,” said Dr Maseko.
The world’s natural state continues to deplete given the use of fuels and mechanisms that lead to the emission of toxic greenhouse gases, which have been cited as major contributors to climate change.
No wonder the calls to adopt a circular economy that promotes climate change adaptation measures like adopting renewable energies and use of recyclable products.
The meeting endeavours to explore the latest trends, challenges and opportunities that businesses face in the area of sustainability.
It intends to connect businesses with experts in the sustainability field, which might encourage them to take action on issues relating to sustainability.