Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) has become one of the most influential and widespread business concepts in recent years, driven by public policy and increasing societal demands for improved corporate accountability. This course will explore the key issues surrounding ESG today, as well as the emerging opportunities and risks implicated by such considerations. Additionally, the program will cover the relevant regulatory requirements and standards related to ESG, which have gained prominence globally, particularly within the European Union in recent years. Furthermore, it will focus on ESG reporting, disclosure, and ratings for businesses, with a special emphasis on investments and financial services operators.
The objective of this course is to provide students with a critical evaluation of the most pertinent emerging ESG issues, opportunities, and risks in the global business landscape. Moreover, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the significance of ESG within today’s corporate environment, including regulatory and reporting requirements in this respect.
• The evolution of ESG, sustainability and CSR
• Environmental, Social and Governance factors
• Systems Thinking and ESG
• Decarbonisation: Carbon markets and regulations
• Climate change risks
• Sustainability disclosures and reporting
• The Double Materiality Assessment
• Sustainable Finance
• Strategic Management of ESG issues.
This course is aimed at financial services professionals globally who wish to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and expertise in ESG. Broad financial services sector coverage, including bankers, insurers, investment managers, central bankers and regulators, risk managers, analysts and consultants
This module will be assessed through a group-based assignment (30%) and an individual 2-hour exam (70%).
This course will be delivered between February 2025 and May 2025. The exam will be held in June. Lectures will be held on Tuesdays between 5.30 pm and 8.30 pm at the University of Malta and in hybrid format. Lectures will be recorded for students’ convenience.
| Title: Award in Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) | Fee |
| Regular Fee: | €695 |
1. Knowledge & Understanding:
• Evaluate the various business risks and opportunities associated with ESG
• Assess the various regulatory and reporting requirements associated with ESG, and their relevance for specific industries and sectors, with a special focus on financial services and investments
• Review and design appropriate ESG plans and initiatives within a financial services context.
2. Skills:
• Utilise a range of quantitative and qualitative skills to analyse ESG issues, risks and opportunities, including thematic analysis and statistical tests
• Critique the various tools and concepts covered in class and propose alternative ideas, both in written and oral form
• Deploy the concepts learned to undertake novel research within ESG, and apply the tools within a practical environment as part of their future careers.·
Dr. Jonathan Spiteri is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Insurance at the University of Malta. He graduated with Honours in Economics (First Class) from the University of Malta in 2008, a Master of Science in Economics (with Distinction) in 2010 and, as an ESRC Scholar, a PhD in Economics in 2016, both from the University of Edinburgh. Jonathan’s research interests include environmental economics and sustainability, macroeconomic analysis, public health, risk and behavioural science, and his academic work has been published in several leading international peer-reviewed journals and books. He also has significant consultancy experience across several private and public sector projects, particularly within the fields of ESG, cost-benefit analysis, macroeconomic policy, and circular economy. Dr Spiteri has served as an expert on several opinions drafted by the European Economic and Social Committee and is a co-opted member of the European Chemicals Agency’s Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis.
Gabriella Borda, MSc, B.Com (Hons), is a visiting lecturer in the Department of Insurance and Risk Management, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy at the University of Malta. She has designed and delivered several short courses and workshops focusing on sustainable development and climate change. Her research interests lie in the areas of governance and sustainable development. 
In 2023, Gabriella was appointed Country Chair for the G100’s Smart and Sustainable Cities Wing, an organisation dedicated to promoting equality, progress, and inclusivity for women worldwide. As part of this initiative, she champions urban development through technology and innovation, aiming to improve residents’ quality of life while emphasising environmental sustainability.
Gabriella provides consultancy services in the application of ESG frameworks and leads projects in climate and sustainable finance. Her expertise includes conducting Greenhouse Gas emissions inventory reviews and capacity-building initiatives. With substantial experience advising a diverse range of industry sectors both locally and internationally, she offers strategic guidance on sustainable development and governance practices.
Prof. Simon Grima is the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Insurance and Risk Management which he set up in 2015 and started and coordinates the MA and MSc Insurance and Risk Management degrees together with the B.Com in Insurance at the University of Malta. Simon is also a Professor at the University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics and a visiting Professor at UNICATT Milan. He served as the President of the Malta Association of Risk Management (MARM) and President of the Malta Association of Compliance Officers (MACO) between 2013 and 2015, and between 2016 and 2018 respectively. Moreover, he is the chairman of the Scientific Education Committee of the Public Risk Management Organization (PRIMO) and the Federation of European Risk Managers (FERMA). His research focus is on Governance, Regulations and Internal Controls and has over 30 years of experience varied between Financial Services, academia and public entities. He has acted as co-chair and is a member of the scientific program committee on some international conferences and is a chief editor, editor and review editor of some Journals and Book Series. He has been awarded outstanding reviewer for Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance in the 2017 and 2022 Emerald Literati Awards. Moreover, Simon acts as an Independent Director for Financial Services Firms, sits on Risk, Compliance, Procurement, Investment and Audit Committees and carries out duties as a Compliance Officer, Internal Auditor and Risk Manager.
Prof. Holger Perlwitz is professor for sustainable energy economics at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. Prior to his academic career Holger worked for 18 years in the energy industry focusing on power & commodity markets, fixed income and risk management. Holger is regarded as a pioneer in the field of fixed income investor relations and has made a significant contribution to the establishment of this discipline in Germany. Between 2015 and 2022, he was responsible for Fixed Income Investor Relations at RWE and Innogy. During that time, he was engaged in Europe’s largest bond transfer – with a total volume of EUR 11 billion – as well as the first German benchmark corporate green bond issued in 2017.
Get Qualified is an initiative that supports the personal development of individuals for the achievement of qualifications and certifications required by industry. The incentive is applicable to individuals following a course of studies leading to a certification, diploma, degree or post-graduate degree courses. Upon successful completion the student will benefit from up to 70% tax credit enabling them to recover part of the costs incurred.
University of Malta (UM)
The University of Malta (UM) has been, over its 400-year history, the hub for international academic exchange on the island. UM is the leading higher education institution in Malta and its structures are in line with the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education area.
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