Role of Environmental, Social, and Governance in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals: A special focus on India

Abstract This review article investigates how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) can contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As environmental concerns increasingly influence investment decisions, the UN's Agenda 2030, encompassing 17 SDGs, 169 targets, and 261 indicators, plays a vital role in the worldwide commitment to sustainable development. The integration of ESG into business strategies and reporting, including India's initiative like the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) is essential for realizing these national SDGs. 40 relevant ESG indicators align with SDG performance, and adopting ESG standards and sustainability reporting provides a competitive advantage and effective SDG accomplishment for stakeholders and investors.