By Amb. Canon Otto FRSA
Convener, Global Sustainability Summit & Executive Director, Cleancyclers
For decades, the language of sustainability evolved quietly in the background. But today, three letters dominate global boardrooms, investor briefings, and corporate strategies: ESG — Environmental, Social, and Governance.
Across Africa and the world, ESG has become a buzzword, a benchmark, and in some cases, a badge of honour. But beneath the excitement, one question continues to rise:
Is ESG just another global trend?
Or is it the transformation we have been waiting for?
Or will it become the driving force of true, lasting change?
As the convener of the Global Sustainability Summit and through my work at Cleancyclers, these questions come up in every conversation, every policy dialogue, and every innovation meeting. And on SustainabilityUnscripted, they form the heart of many unscripted sustainability stories we amplify.
Let us examine ESG for what it really is — and what it must become.
ESG as a Trend: The Risk We Cannot Ignore
There is no denying that ESG has grown rapidly — faster than most social or environmental frameworks in modern history. Companies now publish ESG reports, investors demand ESG metrics, and global ratings agencies evaluate ESG compliance.
But trends are fragile.
Trends are often cosmetic.
Trends disappear when the spotlight shifts.
The danger?
ESG risks becoming another checkbox exercise — a document produced, a report launched, a partnership announced, but no real change delivered.
At Cleancyclers, we see this firsthand. Some organisations want to “look green” without doing the real work of circularity, recycling, emission reduction, or community engagement. This is the shadow side of ESG as a trend — a glossy narrative with no behavioural transformation.
ESG as Transformation: Where Africa Is Rising
Despite the risks, something powerful is happening — especially across Africa and the Global South.
Governments are adopting new ESG regulatory frameworks.
Investors are integrating ESG into risk assessment.
Young innovators are building cleaner, smarter systems.
Cities are rethinking waste, energy, mobility, and inclusion.
And this is where ESG begins to move from trend to transformation.
At the Global Sustainability Summit, I have witnessed African companies evolve from compliance-driven reporting to purpose-driven operations. This shift is profound. It involves:
- Redesigning supply chains
- Embedding circularity and recycling
- Investing in community impact
- Strengthening governance and transparency
- Prioritizing climate resilience
At Cleancyclers, transformation means treating waste not as a burden but as an asset. It means designing recycling systems that support climate goals, job creation, and environmental resilience. And through SustainabilityUnscripted, we document these journeys as they unfold — raw, honest, and unscripted.
Transformation is the bridge between trends and truth.
ESG as True Change: The Future Canon Otto Advocates For
True change goes beyond reports and regulations.
True change happens when ESG becomes cultural — part of how companies think, decide, operate, and evolve.
This is the ESG future we must build:
✔ ESG that drives climate resilience, not just climate reporting
✔ ESG that strengthens communities, not just corporate image
✔ ESG that leads to recycling, circular systems, and waste reduction
✔ ESG that empowers local businesses, youth, and innovators
✔ ESG that holds leaders accountable for long-term impact
✔ ESG that aligns with Africa’s development priorities
This is the vision I speak about consistently as CanonOtto:
ESG must not be performative. It must be transformative and regenerative.
True ESG change is patient, measurable, and intentional.
It is not trend-driven.
It is legacy-driven.
The Cleancyclers Perspective: ESG Begins on the Ground
From our work in community recycling, solar waste management, circular economy systems, and youth-led sustainability programs, one truth stands out:
You cannot claim ESG leadership from the boardroom if your impact is not felt on the ground.
Cleancyclers champions ESG by doing the real work:
- Collecting and recycling waste
- Supporting communities
- Training young people
- Driving environmental education
- Leading Africa’s shift toward a circular economy
And through platforms like SustainabilityUnscripted, we ensure these community stories are not lost — because they represent the true face of ESG in action.
Final Reflections from Canon Otto
ESG will shape the future of business and sustainability — but only if we shape ESG with integrity, purpose, and courage.
Trend?
Yes. The world is watching.
Transformation?
Absolutely. Systems are shifting.
True change?
That depends on us.
At Cleancyclers, at the Global Sustainability Summit, and on SustainabilityUnscripted, we remain committed to pushing ESG beyond metrics, beyond compliance, and beyond public relations — into the realm of real, measurable planet-centered impact.
Because sustainability is unscripted.
Because change must be circular.
Because the world needs leaders who choose action over applause, and impact over image.
And that is the path we must choose — together.
