Vol. 8 No. 05 (2026): Volume 08 Issue 05

The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into corporate strategies has emerged as a critical determinant of firm performance in global financial markets. This study investigates the multidimensional relationship between ESG practices and corporate financial performance among ASEAN firms listed in the Nikkei Asia 300 Index over the period 2018–2022. Drawing on stakeholder theory and corporate governance frameworks, the research employs a structured analytical approach to examine how ESG disclosures influence profitability, market valuation, and financial stability. The findings indicate that ESG integration positively correlates with financial performance, particularly in firms operating within environmentally sensitive sectors, although variations exist across governance structures and disclosure intensities. The study contributes to the growing body of ESG literature by providing region-specific empirical insights and highlights the importance of institutional and regulatory environments in shaping ESG outcomes. Limitations related to data heterogeneity and measurement inconsistencies are acknowledged, with recommendations for future longitudinal and sector-specific studies.

This article analyzes the issues of improving the institutional and economic mechanism for ensuring population employment in Uzbekistan. The study substantiates that employment provision should not be limited only to the creation of new jobs, but should also be based on the interaction of labor market infrastructure, public and private employment institutions, recruitment services, the education system, digital platforms, and regional employment programs. The article analyzes demographic, economic, institutional, educational-professional, regional, and technological factors affecting employment. It also develops proposals for strengthening cooperation between public employment services and private employment agencies, evaluating the effectiveness of employment services based on quality indicators, developing recruitment services, and expanding digital employment platforms.