Sustainability management system and results for 2024

GRI 2-13, 2-14, 2-24, 2-25

In 2024, Uzbektelecom JSC completed the formation of a fully functional Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) aimed at integrating sustainable development principles into key business processes. The development and implementation of the ESMS was an important step in institutionalizing ESG approaches and improving the maturity of corporate governance in the area of sustainable development.

Four fundamental documents have been approved within the framework of the ESMS, regulating corporate obligations and management approaches in the relevant areas:

Sustainability Policy.
Human rights policy.
Regulations on interaction with stakeholders.
Social financing policy.

Each of these documents has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the current legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, international standards (including GRI, UNGC, SDGs), as well as corporate internal regulations.

Together, these documents form a unified regulatory framework that sets out a systematic approach to managing the Company’s impact on society, the environment, and the economy.

The approved documents establish:

the Company’s strategic priorities and principles in the field of sustainable development;
mechanisms for protecting human rights and complying with business ethics standards;
approaches to managing stakeholder engagement and expectations;
a framework for attracting socially responsible financing.

ESMS Concept

The ESMS is based on eight universal principles that cover key aspects of the ESG agenda and international standards:

Respect for human rights;

Protection of vulnerable groups;

Gender equality and the empowerment of women;

Free, prior, and informed consent;

Precautionary principle;

Accountability and accessibility of complaint mechanisms;

Engagement with stakeholders;

Application of best international practices adapted to the specificities of the telecommunications sector.

Four standards of ESMS

Sustainable development policy

Human rights policy

Regulations on interaction between stakeholders

Social finance policy

Environmental and social risks

The ESMS is integrated into the existing corporate governance system, including the accountability of structural units and key performers. Functional management of the ESG agenda is carried out by the Transformation and Strategic Development Department, which interacts with other relevant departments on the basis of distributed responsibility. Overall coordination is carried out with the participation of the Risk Management Committee, which includes representatives of senior management.

With the introduction of the ESMS in 2024, the Company has institutionalized its ESG agenda at the corporate governance level. This decision has increased the transparency of non-financial reporting, strengthened the responsibility of structural units for the implementation of ESG objectives, and created a basis for regular monitoring of progress in key areas of sustainable development.