Governance, in its etymology, represents practices that govern or direct a group of people, an organisation or a country. The term governance can apply to corporate, international, or national governance, or to the interactions between alternative sectors of society. Traditionally, good governance has been used to refer to public sector organisations, however, it now also covers private businesses as well as the social sector. Ideally, good governance is partaking, conspicuous and accountable.
Good governance is imperative for sustainable growth and welfare in a global world. It is a concept, policy and practice without boundaries. Governance isn’t just about making the right decision; it is about the process of decision-making. It is about promoting corporate fairness, transparency and accountability.
As part of its social responsibility initiatives and to promote good governance practices world over, Cambridge IFA is spearheading a comprehensive initiative to promote governance and sustainability in the form of the Global Good Governance Awards or 3G Awards, which is organised annually.
While good governance has been well-established in the developed countries of the world, it is only due to the initiatives like 3G awards that it is observed to be gaining grounds in the most of the emerging and other less developed countries of the world. Economic growth and good governance go hand in hand. The direction of causality may be subject to debate and discussion but there is no denial of the fact that growth and governance help and strengthen each other. The 3G Awards recognise this strong relationship and the participants expect that explicit recognition of good governance will help economic growth and subsequent prosperity.
The 3G Awards celebrates individuals, governments, public and private institutions, and NGOs that demonstrate making governance and sustainability a strategic priority. As a premier awards programme, the 3G Awards highlight excellence in good governance and commitment to social welfare in 3 major streams: Government & Politics, Corporate Sector and Social Sector & Philanthropy.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” meaning to good governance but one key theme that stands out amongst the various definitions of good governance is ‘sustainability’. The interrelationship between good governance and sustainability is central to long-term success be it public sector programmes, corporate profitability or social sector programmes.
Prof Humayon Dar commented, “in 2016 when we founded the Global Good Governance Awards and held our inaugural 3G award ceremony in Istanbul around the United Nations humanitarian forum, we planned to set up a formal body to acknowledge, reward and celebrate contributions of the government’s private businesses and social sector organisations to sustainability, social responsibility, transparency and good life. Since then we have held 3G award ceremonies in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta.”
In essence, good governance and sustainability is about better-managing assets and resources with the objective of making them more inclusive, transparent and participatory.
The 3G Awards promote good governance and commitment to social welfare by:
- Recognising leadership efforts of individuals, governments, corporations and NGOs in practicing good governance principles in their functioning;
- Recognising implementation of innovative practices, programmes and projects that promote the cause of good governance, transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility; and
- Enthusing governments, corporates and NGOs in focusing on good governance and social responsibility practices.
Since its debut, over 150 awards have been presented to exceptional individuals and institutions drawn from more than 25 countries in different continents. These include public sector individuals and organisations, businesses from the airlines industry, tourism, financial services, manufacturing, education and energy; and social sector organisations serving different causes in health, women empowerment and children welfare.
The inaugural 3G Awards ceremony was held in the historical city of Istanbul, Turkey in 2016, followed by Dubai in 2017 and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2018. The 3G Awards 2019 ceremony was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia and was attended by more than 200 guests and participating organisations from over 18 countries.
This year’s award ceremony was scheduled to be held on April 7, in Bali but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, technology was used to host an online awards ceremony that was watched by thousands of people from all over the world on different platforms from the comfort of their offices or homes. This year’s 3G winners came from around the world but the focus has been on encouraging participation from the emerging markets.
The 5th Global Good Awareness (3G) Awards online award ceremony was organised by Cambridge IFA and was held virtually in London, the capital of the world. This would certainly not be the first or the last online award ceremony as the awards committee would be making this a regular feature alongside the physical award ceremony post-COVID-19.
In his welcoming address, Prof Humayon Dar said, “COVID-19 has taught us many lessons but one message is loud and clear, we share our destiny. No one can claim to be living in isolation from others when a global calamity hits it affects each and every one of us. COVID-19 has just reminded us that there would be even bigger climatic disasters if we do not act responsibly and in a collective manner. The good news is that many environmental, social and governance-related disasters can be averted and avoided if we plan ahead and act accordingly.
We are happy to see the contributions and commitment of governments, corporations and social sector organisations from Asia to the worthy causes of good governance, sustainability and social responsibility. I, on behalf of the awards committee and on my personal behalf congratulate the winners and encourage others who have yet to be acknowledged by us to join us in our efforts to make the world a better place to live in. Let’s continue the celebrations.”
The award nominees went through a rigorous process of selection, and winners were selected based on the 3G scorecard developed by Cambridge IFA, consisting of 5 pillars: Transparency, Social Responsibility, Sustainability, Impact and Innovation.
Transparency: commitment to operate ethically and legally with integrity, transparency and accountability.
Social responsibility: promote best practices in social responsibility, economic viability, and environmental stewardship.
Sustainability: promote sustainable practices and initiatives that embrace the triple bottom line: economics, social equity and environment.
Impact: initiatives or contributions resulted in improved outcomes to community or industry or country.
Innovation: development of new ideas, practices, or products that promote and/or improve business practices in the realm of governance.
Individuals and institutions from over 15 countries across 5 continents were honoured for their leadership roles and sustainable practices in good governance and social responsibility.
The top 3G Leadership Award was received by Dubai Electric and Water Authority (DEWA), (Government sector) for implementing in letter and spirit the best principles of good corporate governance along with the 3G Personality of the Year 2020 (Good Governance & Sustainability) conferred upon HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, for his contribution to Governance and Sustainability.
“DEWA has built up a tradition of Global Good Governance based on the four principles of Trust, Accountability, Transparency and Fairness. The Good Governance model of DEWA is fully aligned to the Dubai Vision, UAE Vision and the Dubai 8 Principles and 50 Year Charter. A comprehensive and enduring Global Good Governance Framework with goals of efficient and effective governance; support a globally leading sustainable position; ensure stakeholders happiness; drive leading governance culture and nurture an innovative culture, has been developed and implemented by DEWA.”
Dubai Central Laboratory Department (Dubai Municipality) won the 3G Best Public Sector Initiative 2020 for its DCL Products Conformity Certification Scheme.
“This award recognises one of the initiatives of Dubai Municipality for establishing and implementing a Green Building Evaluation System (AL SA’FAT) and Green Buildings Products Certification Schemes to achieve its vision of developing a happy and sustainable city, and mission to plan, develop, and manage an excellent city that provides the essence of success and sustainable living.” – Arif Hussain AL Marzouqi, Products Conformity Assessment Section Manager
Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is the first jurisdiction based on the English Common Law with all the legislation and regulations coherent with the global financial standards in the post-Soviet countries. AIFC won the 3G Emerging Financial Centre of the Year 2020. AIFC’s platform includes the Financial Services Authority and independent from the Kazakhstani judicial system AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre and a centerpiece of the capital market system of Kazakhstan and Central Asia – Astana International Exchange.
“The 3G Awards recognising AIFC further aspires us to be the Centre of Excellence in Best Practice of Corporate Governance in the region of Central Asia.” – Dr Kairat Kelimbetov, Governor, AFIC.
Out of more than 25 awards presented during the online awards ceremony, Indonesia bagged 5; with BTPN Syariah taking home two awards, the 3G Socially Responsible Banking Award 2020 and the 3G Excellence Award in Socio-Economic Development 2020. The other winners include Directorate General of Budget Financing and Risk Management Ministry of Finance for the 3G Best Green Initiative of the Year 2020; PT Principal Asset Management for the 3G Best Social Impact Award 2020 and a regular winner at the 3G awards, Badan Amil Zakat Nasional (BAZNAS) for the 3G SDGs Champion Award 2020 (Social Sector and Philanthropy). Since 2017, BAZNAS has been leading the World Zakat Forum as Secretary General and gathered over 20 international zakat institutions in annual meeting and released global resolutions.
Bangchak Corporation, a Thai energy company, took home the 3G CSR Award 2020 for the third time in a row, and also bagged the 3G Green Innovation Award 2020.
“Bangchak has integrated good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility into our business operations with the belief that operating our businesses with respect to society and the environment can bring sustainability to both the business and the society. This directive not only has enabled us to achieve balance between making profit from business performance and creating values through our care for the environment and society, but it has also safeguarded us from detrimental issues and challenges in the changing world.”
Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance PCL bagged dual awards. The 3G Best CSR Initiative Award 2020, for its commitment to creating a sustainable society through providing jobs, increasing income and improving livelihoods for Thai communities. It also rightly won the 3G Diversity Award 2020 for its unrelenting efforts towards diversity and inclusion.
“It is our human instinct and responsibility to treat all equally regardless of disability, age, gender, culture or race. Furthermore, diversity breeds creativity, innovation and boosts staff morale. Since our inception, responsibility for the communities in which we work and our commitment to diversity and inclusion have been integral to our core business, and this award is testament to the work that all our brilliant people do at Krungthai-AXA Life.”
Another Thai-based company that was celebrated at the 5th 3G Awards ceremony was PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), a leading Asian petroleum exploration and production company, and the recipient of the 3G Best Social Empowerment Award 2020. PTTEP has in place a clear CSR Policy that supports communities, social development and environmental conservation in all its operational areas by supporting the provision of basic needs, education, environment and culture.
“Throughout its 35 years, PTTEP has been engaged in oil and gas exploration and production activities to serve social and economic development while protecting and conserving the environment. PTTEP aims to deliver growth and create long-term value to all stakeholders with our vision to become an ‘Energy Partner of Choice’. Winning the 3G Best Social Empowerment Award 2020 reflects our efforts to promote community wellbeing.”
The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation or Kahraama took home two awards – 3G ESG Championship Award (Qatar) 2020 for managing the environment all the while maintain a harmony among economic growth and social development and 3G Creativity and Innovation Award 2020 (Government Sector) for its role in Qatar’s Sustainability through the National Programme for Conservation & Energy Efficiency “Tarsheed”.
Ayala Land, the largest property developer in the Philippines, was named the winner of the 3G ESG Championship Award (Philippines) 2020 for the organisation’s commitment to sustainability, a key driver to its vision of ‘enhancing land and enriching lives for more people.’
Another winner from Philippines was Megaworld Corporation, the largest developer of integrated urban townships and the biggest office developer and lessor in the Philippines today. Megaworld Corporation was the proud winner of the 3G Excellence in Corporate Governance Award 2020 and the 3G Creativity and Innovation Award 2020 (Corporate Sector), for reinventing Philippines’s real estate landscape and being a pioneer of developing large-scale and sustainable ‘live-work-play’ communities.
A South African-based zakat management organisation, the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) won the 3G Capacity Building Award 2020. The organisation plays an important role in alleviating poverty in South Africa through capacity-building programmes that seek to empower, transform and make a difference in the lives of those it serves.
Another winner from South Africa was Kwantu Private Game Reserve, which received the 3G Responsible Wildlife Tourism Award 2020, for the second time in a row. Kwantu Private Game Reserve is an award-winning 5-star game reserve situated at 85km from Port Elizabeth, near the famous Garden Route of South Africa.
Malaysia is one country that has consistently bagged multiple awards in the past four years. This reflects upon the success of the country in implementing a good governance agenda, in public sector organisations, educational institutions, charitable sector and the private businesses. This year ITRAMAS Corporation won the 3G Green Innovation & Solutions Award 2020 for the incorporation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) without neglecting the health of the city through green management of city infrastructures.
As for the 3G Excellence in Sustainable Practices Award 2020, the Awards Committee decided in favour of Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited. The Committee was highly impressed with the Bank’s sustainability policy and practices as part of its business culture and core values, keeping in line with morality and ethics. In tandem with its commitment towards embracing sustainability, the Bank has been engaged extensively in CSR activities that would create a more meaningful impact on the society it serves. The Bank also bagged the 3G Green Champion Award 2020 for providing financial services that enables sustainable growth and economic progress based on responsible financing practices.
“We deliver products and services that promote sustainable development and conduct our business in a fair and responsible manner. We are committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and ethical conduct. We assure our stakeholders that SJIBL sustainability effort will continue as priority in coming days.”
U Microfinance Bank Ltd. (U Bank), a wholly owned subsidiary of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) – Etisalat Company, won the 3G Best Emerging Microfinance Bank 2020 for being at the front line of fighting poverty in Pakistan and its dedication to playing its critical part in the implementation of National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2020 that aims to bring 50% of Pakistan’s adult population into the banking net.“At U Bank we are committed to expand our reach and keep innovation and customer needs at the heart of our efforts as we strive to serve the unbanked population of the country. We strongly believe that access to microfinance services helps build a more inclusive society and create livelihoods for our customers.”
The 3G Innovation in Food Security Award 2020 was won by Solidaridad Asia for its Innovative Sustainability Solutions. The organisation is involved in the design and implementation of programmes related to reclamation of degraded land, wastewater reuse for irrigation, and water management for smallholder agricultural processes, to meet the agricultural need for food, feed, fibre and biofuels.“Solidaridad Asia is delighted to win this prestigious Global Good Governance (3G) “Innovation in Food Security Award 2020” chosen from institutions and individuals from across the world. The award is recognition of Solidaridad’s efforts across Asia to produce more food using less water and land through smart agriculture for future 9 billion population while reducing pollution and habitat destruction.” – Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director, Solidaridad Network Asia.
Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU) won the 3G Green University Campus of the Year 2020 for its commitment to protect the natural resources, green spaces and historical heritage. IZU is one of the leading international research university in Turkey and long-established tradition of intellectualism and experience.
“Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University is committed to promoting environmental awareness and also equipping its students and the community with the education and skills necessary for better environmental care and more responsible attitude to green spaces and resources.”
The regular celebrations of the 3G Awards ceremonies were halted this year and networking a key feature of these ceremonies couldn’t take place. However, it is hoped that the we can all remain committed to the cause of good governance and may the world recover from this pandemic as a much better place for all.
