ESG Sustainability and Gender Equality Among the Key Topics Discussed at the RIAF Master’s Programme

The first cycle of lectures delivered by BMV speakers as part of the RIAF Master’s Programme in Risk Management, Internal Audit & Fraud at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice has successfully concluded.

During her session, BMV Chairwoman Maura Magni addressed ESG sustainability issues, with particular focus on gender equality certification and the six key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess and standardise social sustainability practices.

According to Magni, the importance of ESG factors continues to grow at national, European and international levels, accompanied by an increasing body of regulations and standards across different areas of application. Recent examples include the inclusion of environmental protection, biodiversity and ecosystems among the fundamental principles of the Italian Constitution, the adoption of ESG criteria within Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) procurement requirements, and their incorporation into EBA guidelines on credit granting.

Corporate reporting on environmental, social and governance matters enables investors and analysts to better assess both long-term profitability and exposure to ESG-related risks. Gender diversity, in particular, has become a central element of corporate sustainability strategies and requires appropriate management and transparent communication.

Key topics discussed during the session included:

ESG
Meaning, objectives and evaluation criteria.

DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Understanding diversity, equity and inclusion within organisations.

Gender Equality
Analysis of issues such as the Glass Ceiling, Sticky Floor and Gender Pay Gap, together with the Italian Equal Opportunities Code (Legislative Decree No. 198/2006) and the UNI/PdR 125:2022 Gender Equality Guidelines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The six assessment areas used for gender equality certification:

• Human Resources Processes;
• Career Development Opportunities and Inclusion of Women in the Workplace;
• Corporate Culture and Strategy;
• Governance;
• Gender Pay Equity;
• Parental Support and Work-Life Balance Policies.

ESG and CSR
Understanding the differences between Environmental, Social and Governance criteria and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Contact Information

Maura Magni
m.magni@bmvinternational.com