Sector skills bodies play a crucial role in shaping education using environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles.

These bodies are responsible for identifying and addressing the skills needs and requirements of specific industry sectors. By incorporating ESG and CSR principles into their work, sector skills bodies can contribute to sustainable and responsible education that aligns with the needs of the labor market and promotes socially and environmentally sound practices.

The International Conference on environment, social, governance and sustainable development of Africa 2024 offers a unique opportunity, in assembling all stakeholders from academia to industry to dialogue in an attempt to inform and reshape policy. ICESDA 24 intends discuss case studies, pilot programs, test methodologies and develop benchmarks with which education in whatever form can be gauged.

One of the ways sector skills bodies can shape education using ESG and CSR principles is by developing and reviewing occupational standards and qualifications. These bodies work closely with employers, industry representatives, and education providers to ensure that the competencies and skills included in these standards reflect the evolving needs of the sector. By incorporating ESG and CSR principles into these standards, sector skills bodies can encourage the development of sustainable and responsible practices among future professionals.

Sector skills bodies also facilitate collaborative partnerships between education providers, employers, and other stakeholders in the sector. By bringing together these different actors, sector skills bodies can promote knowledge exchange and best practices on ESG and CSR principles. They can also facilitate the development of training programs, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities that incorporate these principles, ensuring that students and workers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to sustainable and responsible practices in their respective industries.

Moreover, sector skills bodies can promote awareness and understanding of ESG and CSR principles in education institutions. They can develop guidance materials and resources for educators to integrate these principles into their teaching practices and curriculum. This enables students to develop a critical understanding of sustainability issues, ethical practices, and their relevance to their future careers.

Additionally, sector skills bodies can play a role in influencing policy and advocating for the integration of ESG and CSR principles in education. They can engage with government and policy-making bodies to highlight the importance of sustainability and responsibility in education and to propose policy changes that support the integration of these principles. By advocating for the adoption of ESG and CSR principles in education policies, sector skills bodies can contribute to the creation of a workforce that is equipped to address the challenges and opportunities presented by sustainable development.

In the case of Ghana, 12 Sector Skills bodies have been established with representatives  of 19 to 22 in each. These are Agriculture SSB Construction SSB, Tourism & Hospitality SSB, Pharmaceuticals SSB, Automotive SSB, ICT SSB, Renewable Energy SSB, Healthcare SSB, Logistics & Transportation SSB, Oil&Gas SSB, Textiles &Apparel SSB and Beauty & Wellness  SSB. These bodies are coordinated by the Ghana Commission for Technical, Vocational Education and Training and enshrined in the Act 2020 (Act 1030) of the Education Bill.

These bodies, have jointly been funded by GIZ, ILO and the British Council to build capacities of members and develop various curricular. ICESDA 24, offers the Sector Skills Bodies, the opportunity to present their findings through skills gap analysis and gain global recognition in reshaping the future of work. 

Overall, sector skills bodies have a significant role in shaping education using ESG and CSR principles. By incorporating these principles into occupational standards, fostering collaboration with industry stakeholders, promoting awareness among educators, and advocating for policy changes, sector skills bodies can contribute to the development of a skilled and responsible workforce that is capable of driving sustainable development in their respective sectors.

Authored By: Dr. Christian Sewordor Mensah Executive Director, African Center For Business Incubation 

Dep. Secretary, Ghana Agriculture Sector Skills Body and Co-Chair, ICESDA 24

cmensah37@gmail.com