UTILIZING ESG PRINCIPLES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTERPRISES

Abstract

This article examines the challenge of integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles into the sustainable development strategies of companies in Uzbekistan. Between 2020 and 2025, the share of green investments in Uzbekistan’s GDP grew from 1.8% to 4.2%; however, the gap with international ESG standards remains at 23.4 points. The article identifies the key institutional barriers to ESG integration, analyses the experiences of Germany and South Korea through a comparative study, and presents the concept of the “ESGI-UZ” platform adapted to the conditions of Uzbekistan. The proposed model combines three core mechanisms — digital ESG monitoring, counter-cyclical fiscal incentives, and green finance infrastructure — and demonstrates the potential to raise the ESG score to 65+ by 2030.