Library | ESG issues

Social

The social pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) assesses a organisation’s impact on people and society. It covers labour practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights and community engagement. Prioritising social responsibility not only benefits society but also mitigates risks, strengthens reputation, and creates long-term value for businesses and investors.

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Atlas of Global Development 2026

The World Bank
An interactive data platform from the World Bank tracking 75 years of global progress across people, prosperity, planet, infrastructure, and digital themes.
Online tool/database
5 May 2026

Extending social protection coverage to workers in the agricultural sector and their families: Lessons from international experience

International Labour Organisation (ILO)
Report examines extending social protection to agricultural workers. Highlighting that rural areas account for more than three-quarters of the extreme poor, it identifies barriers like legal exclusion and informal employment. It presents international solutions, including flexible contribution schedules and mobile service delivery, to achieve universal coverage for rural populations.
Research
14 April 2026

AI systems at work: A changing psychosocial work environment

International Labour Organisation (ILO)
This International Labour Organization report examines the psychosocial risks of AI systems in workplaces. It identifies how algorithmic management and advanced robotics impact mental health, autonomy, and privacy. The paper advocates for integrated regulatory frameworks across labour law and safety standards to protect workers from emerging digital hazards.
Research
30 April 2026

Supporting just transitions through social protection: Key roles for philanthropy

ODI Global
This briefing paper explores how philanthropy can support just transitions to net zero through social protection. It examines the socio-economic risks of decarbonisation, identifies systemic coverage gaps, and highlights catalytic roles for philanthropic capital in capacity building, research, and policy alignment to ensure an inclusive transition.
Research
6 May 2026

Leveraging copper for economic transformation: Policy choices for value addition in Zambia

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
This report examines strategies for Zambia to add value to its copper resources. It identifies expanding smelting and refining as immediate opportunities to increase annual exports by USD 3.7 billion by 2030. Success requires addressing binding constraints, primarily unreliable electricity, high finance costs, and trade logistics inefficiencies.
Research
22 April 2026

The microstructure of AI diffusion: Evidence from firms, business functions, and worker tasks

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This research examines AI diffusion through US firms, distinguishing between organisational adoption and worker-level use. While adoption is growing, it remains concentrated in large, knowledge-intensive sectors. Findings indicate AI primarily augments worker tasks, with capital substitution being more prevalent than labour displacement at this stage of technological integration.
Research
24 April 2026

Automation, learning, and career dynamics

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This research examines how automating technology affects white-collar career dynamics and human capital. It identifies a potential 'human-capital trap' where automation reduces entry-level learning. The paper recommends targeted taxes on automation and subsidies for task-frontier expansion to maintain long-term welfare and professional skill development.
Research
27 April 2026

The green central banking scorecard series

Positive Money
The Green Central Banking Scorecard is a benchmark series that ranks G20 central banks and financial regulators on their progress in integrating environmental considerations into their operations. It assesses institutions across research and advocacy, monetary policy, financial policy, and leading by example categories to encourage a just green transition.
Benchmark/series
14 January 2025

Rust in motion: The political environmental trap of vehicle tax exemptions

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This research examines Brazil's vehicle tax exemptions, finding that lower age thresholds increase fleet age, pollution and infant health risks. It identifies a 'political environmental trap', where raising exemption ages leads to significant electoral penalties for incumbents, despite the policies resulting in a net welfare loss.
Research
2 September 2026

Oxford-GlobeScan global corporate affairs survey series

University of Oxford
This benchmark series provides an overview of opinions, trends, and challenges within the corporate affairs function. Produced annually, the research captures insights from senior professionals globally to track the evolution of the corporate affairs agenda, focusing on reputation, sustainability, geoeconomics, and stakeholder engagement.
Benchmark/series
9 July 2026

Reuters Institute digital news report series

Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
This research series provides a comprehensive annual analysis of digital news consumption globally. It tracks audience trends across 48 markets, focusing on trust, platform usage, and the transition to digital formats. This benchmark series informs stakeholders about the evolving information environment and changing news habits across diverse demographics.
Benchmark/series
8 June 2026

Unlocking catalytic capital in Australia

GoodWolf Partners
This report examines the role of catalytic capital in Australia, exploring how flexible, risk-tolerant investment can mobilise private capital for social and environmental impact. It defines the current market, identifies barriers to growth, and provides case studies of successful deployment across philanthropic, government, and institutional sectors.
Research
19 August 2026

Hot summer economics: Economic effects of the hot European summer of 2026

Triodos Bank
This report examines the economic impact of the 2026 European heatwave, estimating a 1% reduction in EU-wide GDP. It details effects on labour productivity, agriculture, and energy sectors while warning of a 'doom loop' where climate damage leads to the weakening of environmental policies to protect short-term growth.
Research
8 August 2026

Super-duper El Nino and the bigger problem

This report analyses the 2026 super El Nino, identifying it as the strongest in the modern record. It discusses accelerating human-made global warming, the doubling of Earth’s energy imbalance, and severe health implications. Findings highlight that rising temperatures significantly increase mortality risks for vulnerable populations across Europe and Asia.
Research
21 August 2026

Empowering consumers as partners in sustainability: Case studies on financial regulation and implementation

Fair Finance Asia
This report by Fair Finance Asia examines financial regulation through case studies in Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Cambodia. It highlights systemic gaps in consumer protection, cybersecurity, gender-responsive inclusion, and ESG accountability. Recommendations are provided for regulators and banks to strengthen consumer engagement and promote sustainable finance practices across Asia.
Research
15 July 2026

Off the books: Practical guidance for business

Walk Free
This report provides practical guidance for Australian businesses to identify and address migrant worker exploitation. Based on a survey of 9,963 temporary visa holders, it highlights risks like ABN misclassification, casual employment, night shifts, and misleading payslips. It offers due diligence tips and remediation steps to ensure compliance.
Research
3 August 2026
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