Launch of the 2026 Corporate Sustainability Assessment and Announcement Program in Vietnam

This marks the 11th consecutive year that the program has been organized under the leadership of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), with the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) serving as its core implementing body, with the aim of recognizing, encouraging, and honoring exemplary enterprises for their sustainable business practices.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice President of VCCI, Chairman of VBCSD, and Deputy Head of the Steering Committee of CSI 2026, delivers remarks at the launching ceremony.

The Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) will continue to serve as the assessment tool for measuring sustainability performance and ranking participating enterprises. In 2026, the program will identify 100 sustainable enterprises, including the Top 10 Outstanding Sustainable Enterprises in the manufacturing sector and the Top 10 Sustainable Enterprises in the trade and services sector.

In his opening remarks, Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice President of VCCI, Chairman of VBCSD, and Deputy Head of the CSI 2026 Steering Committee, shared:

"The 11-year journey is not only a milestone in terms of time but also demonstrates the unwavering commitment of VCCI-VBCSD in accompanying the business community to promote sustainable growth models in Vietnam. It has contributed to transforming corporate management mindsets — from a compliance-oriented approach to one focused on creating long-term value — through the Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI)."

Mr. Vinh also emphasized that the CSI has continued to be designed based on the principles of "simple in form, easy to understand in content, and practical to implement." At the same time, the index is continuously reviewed and adjusted to better align with Vietnam’s socio-economic context and the development level of domestic enterprises.

"It can be said that the CSI has now become a typical 'Made-in-Vietnam Sustainable Corporate Governance Index,' one that aligns with international practices while remaining suitable for domestic realities," Mr. Vinh stressed.

At the launching ceremony, representatives from the Program Secretariat also introduced detailed information regarding the program regulations and organizational structure, including the Steering Committee, Assessment Council, and Secretariat.

The program places strong emphasis on ensuring transparency, objectivity, and fairness for all participating enterprises through an independent Assessment Council comprising representatives from ministries, government agencies, organizations, media institutions, and experts from relevant sectors.

The assessment and appraisal process is designed in a rigorous and scientific manner through three key stages: evaluation of applications through three rounds using the CSI framework; verification through relevant authorities; and final approval by the Steering Committee based on recommendations from the Assessment Council.

Furthermore, all information submitted by participating enterprises will remain strictly confidential, allowing companies to confidently participate with assurance of the program’s transparency and professionalism. These factors have contributed significantly to the program’s enduring value and sustained engagement from the business community over nearly a decade.

Representatives of the Program Secretariat introduced detailed information regarding the organizational regulations and program structure.

In addition, CSI 2026 continues upgrading its online submission and management platform with an entirely new interface and enhanced support features aimed at facilitating the application process for enterprises. The improved platform also enables organizers to analyze data more effectively, identify challenges faced by businesses, and develop support programs that better respond to practical needs.

According to the Program Secretariat, one of the key highlights of CSI 2026 is the continuation of positive initiatives introduced in CSI 2025, particularly efforts to broaden and encourage participation from micro and small enterprises alongside medium and large-sized enterprises.

Accordingly, the program continues maintaining a dedicated CSI version for micro and small enterprises, designed with a simplified and more accessible approach while still preserving the core principles of sustainable governance.

Specifically, the CSI 2026 version for medium and large enterprises consists of 166 indicators across eight sections. Although the number of indicators has increased compared with previous years, the content itself introduces almost no entirely new issues. Instead, it focuses on providing greater detail and restructuring the framework to improve understanding and practical application.

Among the 166 indicators, 97 are compliance-based core indicators, accounting for 58%, while 69 are advanced indicators reflecting practical initiatives, accounting for 42%, indicating higher expectations for medium and large enterprises in pursuing initiatives beyond compliance requirements.

The updated framework also includes a new section on "Implementation of Sustainable Development Commitments," requiring enterprises to provide information and explanations regarding their commitments, implementation efforts, and sustainability outcomes.

Meanwhile, the CSI 2026 version for micro and small enterprises consists of 105 indicators, of which basic indicators account for 82% and advanced indicators only 18%, reflecting the program’s objective of encouraging smaller businesses to gradually integrate sustainability practices through stronger compliance.

In 2026, the program will accept applications from enterprises of all sizes and sectors through an online submission process, free of charge.

Apart from evaluating and recognizing 100 sustainable enterprises, CSI 2026 will also establish additional award categories to recognize pioneering enterprises demonstrating excellence in specific sustainability areas.

The launching ceremony attracted significant attention from business leaders and enterprises.

On the same day, the organizing committee also conducted a training workshop under CSI 2026 to provide further clarification on the CSI framework and broader sustainability-related issues of interest to enterprises.

Among the topics presented was sustainable water resource management delivered by the Water Stewardship Vietnam organization, which also participated in developing water management-related indicators for CSI 2026.

Similar training sessions are expected to take place in Hanoi and other provinces and cities from June to August 2026.

The deadline for application submission is August 8, 2026. Enterprises may obtain additional information and participate through the VBCSD website.

Over ten editions of implementation, the program has attracted more than 4,500 direct participating enterprises, while over 10,000 enterprises have used the CSI as a self-assessment and strategic sustainability planning tool.

Notably, Top 10 Sustainable Enterprises in the manufacturing and trade-service sectors recognized during CSI 2023–2025 collectively generated nearly VND 1.5 quadrillion in revenue, contributed over VND 100 trillion to the state budget, and provided more than VND 1 trillion in social contributions.