In a compelling and insightful video, Ms. Moneeza Butt — Partner at KPMG Pakistan and Chairperson of the Southern Regional Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) — offers expert guidance on one of the most vital topics for modern businesses: stakeholder engagement and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting.
A trailblazer in Pakistani finance and audit
Moneeza Butt is a prominent figure in the accounting and audit landscape of Pakistan. As the first female partner in the larger audit and advisory firms in the country, she brings over 28 years of rich experience to her role at KPMG. Her professional career is marked by distinction in corporate and tax law, foreign exchange regulations, and audit and advisory services. Beyond technical proficiency, she has consistently led with vision, serving as a mentor, public speaker, and community advocate.
Her long list of accolades includes:
- Global 200 Women Power Leaders 2025 (Audit & Accounts)
- Best Woman Practitioner 2024 (SAFA Women Leadership Awards)
- Most Influential Finance Women Leader 2023 (Berkeley Middle East UAE)
- Top 20 Most Influential Pakistani Women on LinkedIn (2022)
Moneeza is not just a leader in business, but also an active supporter of women’s empowerment, youth education, and community development, working with organizations like ILM Foundation, Indus Hospital, Pink Ribbon Karachi, and the Hunar Foundation.
ESG: Beyond compliance — toward corporate citizenship
In the video, Ms. Butt explains how ESG has moved beyond being a niche concern into a foundational framework for long-term business success. She emphasizes that ESG is about value creation, trust-building, and innovation — not just meeting regulatory benchmarks.
She outlines two key pillars:
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building trust through inclusive, meaningful dialogue with internal and external stakeholders.
- Transparent ESG Reporting: Clearly measuring and communicating sustainability progress.
Engaging stakeholders: The heart of ESG
Moneeza explains that effective stakeholder engagement:
- Builds credibility and trust
- Helps identify material ESG risks and opportunities
- Enhances strategic decision-making
- Fosters innovation and collaboration
She categorizes stakeholders into internal (e.g., employees, management) and external (e.g., investors, regulators, communities) and provides practical strategies for tailoring engagement to each group’s expectations — particularly in the context of Pakistan’s emerging ESG ecosystem.
Mastering ESG reporting
With increasing global pressure for transparency, Moneeza details the leading ESG frameworks, including:
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
- Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
- Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
- IFRS S1 and S2 standards
She advocates for ESG reporting that includes measurable targets, honest reflections on challenges, and a future-focused improvement strategy. The message is clear: authentic reporting drives real change, enhances reputation, and attracts investor confidence.
Navigating challenges and future trends
Ms. Butt candidly addresses common ESG challenges, including:
- Diverse stakeholder demands
- Data fragmentation and reliability
- Navigating complex regulatory frameworks
- Securing leadership commitment
She also highlights emerging trends:
- Stricter international reporting standards (e.g., EU CSRD, SEC climate rules)
- The rise of AI-driven ESG analytics
- Increased focus on social equity and ethical practices
A call to action
Concluding the video, Moneeza delivers a compelling message: ESG isn’t a “check-the-box” exercise — it’s a transformative journey. Businesses that engage authentically with stakeholders and report transparently are not just ticking compliance boxes — they are building resilient, innovative, and sustainable futures.
