Explore key insights from the Synesgy Global Observatory on ESG performance, highlighting trends, opportunities, and the strategic value of sustainability for global businesses
Composition and Scale of the Sample
The Synesgy Global Observatory examines 500.000 companies from 144 countries, collectively generating €8 trillion in revenue and employing 55 million people.
The majority (91%) of these companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 76% classified as micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees.
Hereafter, we summarize the key findings, offering insights into global ESG trends and challenges.
A look at the key Findings
ESG Performance as a key assessment tool
Analyzing companies’ ESG performance has become a benchmark for assessing corporate sustainability and competitiveness, revealing progress and persistent challenges across regions.
The Synesgy Global Observatory’s data on ESG practices underscores significant regional disparities in key ESG areas.
For example, when it comes to environmental performance, globally only 45% of companies operate renewable energy facilities, with Africa trailing at 25% and South and Central America leading at 57%.
Gender parity in workplaces remains a challenge, as women occupy just 36% of managerial roles worldwide and transparency on child labour policies is limited, with only 8% of companies publishing such commitments.
Moreover, compliance with international standards further highlights gaps, with just 30% adhering to ISO 14001 environmental management guidelines.
While companies worldwide increasingly integrate ESG principles into their operations, these figures reveal that considerable progress is still needed to ensure consistent, impactful, and transparent adoption across regions and sectors.
Sectoral Distribution
Talking about economic sectors, the manufacturing sector dominates the sample, accounting for 16% of companies and €2.997 trillion in revenue, followed by services, which represent 31% of companies and €900 billion in revenue.
Conversely, sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fishing account for only 3% of companies, with a total revenue of €21 billion.
Additionally, the study analyses, across 23 countries, 2.000 heads of supply chains, with a combined annual revenue of €121 billion and over 809.000 employees. In this group, the manufacturing sector also leads in revenue (€52 billion) and company representation (32%).
Stakeholder Engagement
ESG initiatives are becoming a strategic pillar for banks and insurance companies, as well as for businesses. Stakeholders leverage ESG data to evaluate the strength of their suppliers and clients, promoting sustainability throughout the value chain.
Notably, 79% of the stakeholders analyzed in the Banking, supply chain and insurance sector manage a portfolio of fewer than 500 companies, indicating a focus on targeted, high-impact relationships.
Future Perspectives
The Synesgy Global Observatory is not only a snapshot of the current state of ESG performance but also a guide for the future.
With growing interest from financial institutions and supply chain leaders, companies are increasingly called to integrate ESG principles as a core component of their strategies to create long-term value, positioning businesses as leaders in the global market.
In summary, the report delivers a clear message: investing in ESG is not just a matter of social responsibility but a competitive necessity.
Companies embracing this transformation today will be tomorrow's market leaders.
