Gender-Responsive ESG Disclosure Framework

International Recognition

The Gender-Responsive ESG Disclosure Framework, jointly developed by UN Women China and the International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF) of the National Academy of Financial and Economic Strategy (NAFES) at Central University of Finance and Economics, was featured and commended in the latest Implementation Report of the UN Women Executive Director's Strategic Plan 2022–2025. Covering progress across more than 110 countries and regions worldwide, the report explicitly highlighted the China Office's ESG framework initiatives under the "Financing for Gender Equality" section.

Prior Research Foundation

The two parties have engaged in systematic joint research on gender-related disclosure metrics among Chinese commercial banks since 2024. In 2025, they published *Analysis of the Status of Incorporating Gender-Related Indicators into ESG Disclosure of Chinese Commercial Banks: An Empirical Study Based on 32 A-share Listed Commercial Banks*, which examined the disclosure practices of A-share listed commercial banks and established the data and analytical foundation for subsequent framework development.

Formulation of the Action Guidelines

Building upon empirical findings, both parties jointly formulated the *Gender-Responsive ESG Action Guidelines for Chinese Commercial Banks*. Aligned with the operational context of Chinese commercial banks, the Guidelines connect China's "Five Priority Areas of Finance" with international sustainable finance standards, offering a practical roadmap for the industry to implement gender-responsive ESG practices.

Advances in International Cooperation

This global recognition marks another key milestone in ESG research and practice following the inclusion of the *Report on the Development Trend of Gender Finance in China* in UN Women Headquarters publications. IIGF will continue to deepen cooperation around gender-responsive ESG standards, business practices, and financial support for women's sustainable development.