ESG as a Global Norm: Unilever’s Role in Promoting Sustainability Through International Governance
Downloads
This study aims to analyze Unilever's implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as part of the company's sustainability strategy and its contribution to sustainable global governance. ESG has evolved into a global framework implemented by multinational companies, including Unilever, that are committed to reducing environmental impact, improving social well-being, and adhering to the principles of good governance. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach and an institutional analysis perspective. Data were obtained through literature review and interviews with relevant parties, including companies, governments, and local communities. The results show that Unilever has successfully adapted global ESG norms into local policies in Indonesia through the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) and Unilever Compass programs. However, despite progress in reducing carbon footprint and improving social well-being, challenges still exist in implementing ESG in areas beyond the direct control of companies, especially when it comes to plastics and recycling. The conclusion of this study is that multinational companies, such as Unilever, play an important role in influencing global sustainability policies by collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, but local challenges still require special attention in achieving global sustainability goals.
Acharya, A. (2004). How ideas spread: Whose norms matter? Norm localization and institutional change in Asian regionalism. International Organization, 58(2), 239–275.
Ballor, G. A., & Yildirim, A. B. (2020). Multinational Corporations and the Politics of International Trade in Multidisciplinary Perspective. Dalam Business and Politics (Vol. 22, Nomor 4, hlm. 573–586). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/bap.2020.14
Biersteker, T. (2011). An EU Agenda for Global Governance.
Byrne, D. (2025). A brief history of ESG: From pioneer to mainstream. Corporate Governance Institute. https://www.thecorporategovernanceinstitute.com/insights/guides/a-brief-history-of-esg-from-pioneer-to-mainstream/
Carney, M. (2021). Value(s) Building a Better World for All. Penguin Random House Canada Limited.
Clark, I., Booth, K., Elshtain, J., Hill, C., Holsti, K., Litwak, R. S., Nicholson, M., Roberts, A., Spence, J., Strange, S., & Vasquez, J. A. (2003). GOVERNANCE WITHOUT GOVERNMENT: ORDER AND CHANGE IN WORLD POLITICS.
Dincer, H., Hacioglu, Ü., & Yüksel, S. (Ed.). (2018). Strategic Design and Innovative Thinking in Business Operations. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77622-4
Global Peace Summit. (2024, Juli 18). What ESG Means for Global Governance and Social Responsibility. Global Peace Summit. https://globalpeacesummit.org/esg-global-governance-social-responsibility/
Keck, M. E. ., & Sikkink, Kathryn. (1998). Activists beyond borders : advocacy networks in international politics. Cornell University Press.
Ko, J., Leung, C. K., Dodoo, A. N., & Agbajor, F. D. (2025). Regional disparities and trends in national ESG performance across africa: A comparative analysis (1990–2020). Innovation and Green Development, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.igd.2025.100231
McNabb, D. E. (2021). Research Methods for Political Science_ Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Method Approaches (Vol. 3). Taylor & Francis.
Milia, J., Niatri, A., Etik, W., Fany, S., Muhammad, A. A., Loso, H., Salsabilah, J., Rizky, A. L., Fahmi, N., Sitti, P., Nur, N., Intan, S., Kartika, T., & Salam, N. (2025). GLOBALISASI DAN POLITIK GLOBAL CV LAUK PUYU PRESS. CV LAUK PUYU PRESS.
Rosenau, J. N. (2006). The Study of World Politics. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203087787
Unilever. (2021). Unilever Sustainable Living Plan 2010 to 2020.
Unilever. (2023, Mei 5). Leading and delivering on sustainability through our Compass commitments. Unilever . https://www.unilever.com/news/news-search/2023/leading-and-delivering-on-sustainability-through-our-compass-commitments/
Unilever Indonesia. (2025). About Unilever Indonesia. Unilever Indonesia. https://www.unilever.co.id/en//our-company/about-unilever-indonesia/
Veerabadrappa, T. (2018). The Role Of Non-State Actors In Shaping International Policy. www.ijrar.org
Weiss, G. T. (2013). Global Governance:Why?What?Whither? (1 ed.). Polity Press.
Copyright (c) 2026 Andi Septiani, Akim Akim, Irman Gurmilang Lanti
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
