Below is an excerpt from ISS-Corporate’s recently released paper “Global Sustainability Pulse: Regional Shifts and Strategic Priorities”. The full paper is available for download from ISS-Corporate’s resources page.
Between August 25 and September 19, 2025, ISS-Corporate conducted a global survey of corporate issuers to assess evolving priorities in corporate sustainability. The survey sought to capture corporate perspectives on the development of sustainability strategies, reporting practices, and key focus areas in response to market and regulatory shifts over the past year. It also explored expectations for how these priorities may continue to evolve in the years ahead.
A total of 220 respondents participated, representing companies of various sizes across all major regions and sectors. Of these, 93 were based in the Americas, 65 in Asia Pacific, and 62 in EMEA.
The findings reveal dynamic shifts in the sustainability landscape, shaped by regulatory developments and broader market trends. They also highlight notable regional differences in how companies are approaching sustainability today—and how they anticipate doing so in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Global Momentum Holds: Despite shifting political and regulatory landscapes, most issuer respondents globally reported maintaining or expanding their sustainability efforts.
- Regional Divergence Emerges: EMEA and Asia Pacific respondents reported stronger growth in sustainability strategy, disclosure, and thematic focus, driven by regulatory clarity and broader stakeholder engagement, while respondents from the Americas appeared more cautious amidst regulatory scrutiny and shifting political dynamics.
- U.S. Perspective – Perception vs. Reality: While regulatory and political headwinds exist in the U.S., the perception of a pullback is greater than the reality with approximately three quarters of respondents either holding steady or increasing their sustainability efforts.
- Thematic Focus Expands: Climate was the dominant priority reported globally, while nature and circularity are gaining traction in EMEA and Asia Pacific. Human rights and human capital management are emerging focus areas in Asia Pacific, reflecting evolving regional needs.
- Infrastructure Investment Rising: Companies across regions are prioritizing investments in data collection and reporting tools, signaling a continued push toward more robust and auditable sustainability systems.
By:
Kosmas Papadopoulos, CFA, Executive Director, Head of Sustainability Advisory – Americas, ISS-Corporate
