Celebrating ESG Excellence at UNIC

On January 23, 2025, the University of Nicosia in Cyprus was the vibrant host of the “International Event for SMEs: ESG Excellences,” a key moment for the MESS4GE project that brought together industry leaders, experts, and representatives from across Europe. This dynamic event provided a platform for sharing insights, challenges, and success stories surrounding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

A Pan-European Exchange of Ideas

The event featured presentations from five different countries—Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Ireland—each offering a unique perspective on the state of ESG reporting within their respective markets. These reports not only highlighted the regional challenges but also demonstrated the innovative solutions SMEs are adopting to integrate sustainability into their core operations.

Representatives from each country presented their national ESG reports, offering valuable insights into how SMEs are navigating their sustainability journeys.

KESEA and UNIC’s Collaborative Report

One of the standout moments of the event was the presentation of a special ESG report created by KESEA, a Cyprus-based company, in collaboration with the University of Nicosia (UNIC). This joint effort offered an in-depth look at how a public-private partnership can create impactful ESG solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs. The report highlighted the strategic steps taken by KESEA to enhance their own sustainability efforts while also providing valuable insights for other SMEs looking to start or improve their ESG journey.

Roundtable Discussions: Deepening Engagement

The event also featured an engaging roundtable session, where experts and participants discussed key themes from the presentations. The conversation revolved around the hurdles SMEs face in ESG adoption, including the complexity of reporting standards, the need for better data collection tools, and the challenge of aligning sustainability with business profitability. These discussions sparked fruitful exchanges on how to build a supportive environment for SMEs to thrive in their ESG commitments, with participants emphasizing the importance of collaboration, education, and clear regulatory guidance.

A Milestone for the MESS4GE Project

As the MESS4GE project nears its conclusion, the event served as a reminder of the importance of supporting SMEs in their sustainability efforts. The diverse range of presentations and discussions showcased the significant progress made across Europe, and the project’s impact on fostering collaboration among partners to improve ESG reporting for SMEs.

Looking Ahead

As the event wrapped up, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and optimism about the future of ESG for SMEs in Europe. The successful exchange of knowledge and the relationships built throughout the event will undoubtedly continue to support and inspire SMEs as they navigate the complexities of sustainability.

A big thank you to all the partners, presenters, and attendees who made this event a resounding success. With initiatives like MESS4GE, SMEs are well on their way to becoming key players in shaping a more sustainable future for Europe.

The MESS4GE project is dedicated to establishing a framework for reporting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. With a focus on the horizontal priority of the environment and the fight against climate change, the project aims to generate new knowledge and skills that actively support sustainable development and the battle against climate change. MESS4GE addresses both of these requirements by creating a standardized approach to ESG reporting, providing organizations with comprehensive information for informed decision-making and promoting sustainability. This newfound knowledge can be utilized by researchers, organizations, advocates, and others to enhance monitoring systems, develop conscious policies, and initiate environmental protection measures at all levels.

The project’s main objective is to establish a consistent methodology for ESG reporting across European businesses. This will involve the creation of an innovative, modular, and applicable body of knowledge encompassing corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance aspects. To achieve this, the project will develop a capacity-building package designed to equip professionals, including ESG experts, consultants, and auditors, with the necessary analytical and reporting skills. Throughout the 24-month project duration, this package will undergo pilot testing. These professionals will act as the initial “ambassadors” of the ESG report. This approach aligns with the specific priority of vocational education and training, aiming to contribute to innovation in this field. The project envisions the adoption of new training methodologies by training and vocational education centers to meet the demand for a more relevant professional education sector, one that aligns with societal needs and the job market.