PwC Middle East conducted a survey to better understand the level of ESG maturity in the Middle East region and to explore the main ESG issues facing organisations. Here is a summary of the findings:

1. There is a lack of alignment between corporate and government ESG priorities. However, climate change and diversity & equality do rank highly for the government and corporates, which shows some synergies. 
2. Only 18% of respondents say their companies had teams and systems in place to cover the full remit of ESG functions.
3. Businesses want clearer government policies and regulations to support ESG efforts. 86% of large companies said increased ESG regulation would strengthen and accelerate the implementation of their own ESG strategies.
4. The top 3 priorities for Middle East organisations over the next 12 months are: Diversity & equality (32%); Climate change (31%); Safety & standards (29%); Organisational culture &values (27%); Transparency & reporting (26%).  

Download report: PWC