In a clear message for Maltese SMEs and financial services providers, ESG Consultant Dr Roberta Lepre highlighted that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are no longer a regulatory burden, they are an emerging source of competitive advantage.
This theme emerged strongly during one of the breakout sessions at the recent Finance Malta conference, “Redefining Finance: A Quality-Driven Future for Malta.”
The session, moderated by Dr Lepre in her capacity as Managing Director of Weave Consulting and partner of the EU co-funded Train4ESG project, underscored the strategic importance of ESG integration for Malta’s evolving financial landscape.
Across the Mediterranean, businesses are discovering that robust ESG integration strengthens resilience, opens new markets, attracts capital, and enhances corporate reputation. Malta, financially sophisticated, and increasingly focused on sustainable growth is well-positioned to seize this momentum.
Driving Malta’s ESG Agenda
The ESG session opened with a keynote from Vaiva Kiaupaite-Gruisniene, Senior Lecturer at TalTech University in Estonia, who sketched the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainability reporting and stressed the strategic role financial institutions must play in accelerating ESG uptake.
Her address set the tone for a frank, high-level discussion featuring Dr Marie Briguglio (University of Malta), Norbert Paul Vella (PwC Malta), and former international banking CEO Mark Watkinson.
From the outset, the panel, moderated by Dr Lepre, was challenged to examine whether Maltese enterprises are truly moving beyond compliance and embracing ESG as a driver of business growth.
This prompted a deeper reflection on how Malta’s financial sector can channel capital, skills, and innovation toward long-term national wellbeing, and on what competencies finance professionals require to influence sustainability transitions effectively.
Central to the debate was a practical consideration on how to simplify ESG adoption so that it becomes attractive, manageable, and relevant to SMEs operating in a resource-constrained environment.
The Behavioural Dimension of ESG Adoption
Behavioural science also featured prominently in the conversation. Dr Briguglio emphasised that meaningful ESG uptake depends on making the process straightforward, engaging, and immediately applicable.
Given that ESG competes with numerous operational pressures, training and resources must be accessible and practical.
Mobilising early adopters and entrepreneurs as visible role models can help shift cultural norms by demonstrating that ESG creates measurable value today, not only for future generations.
The discussion also underscored the role of government as a critical enabler.
Policy alignment, clear incentives, and long-term strategic direction are essential if Malta is to turn its environmental and climate challenges into opportunities for investment and innovation.
With tourism and services forming the backbone of the economy, boosting climate resilience and improving water management are no longer optional, they are competitiveness imperatives.
A Strategic Path Forward for Malta
The session concluded with a clear takeaway: ESG has evolved into a strategic lever for innovation, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity. But realising its full potential will require structured training for finance professionals, strong policy frameworks, and practical tools that empower SMEs to embed ESG meaningfully in their business models.
Finance professionals, advisors, and SME leaders seeking to deepen their ESG expertise are invited to register for the Train4ESG programme. Open to participants across the European Union, the course provides a practical and accessible pathway to developing the skills needed to integrate sustainability into core strategy.
