CONFERENCE: ESG Corporate Reporting and Voluntary Sustainability Standard for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises – VSME

A common framework for addressing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) challenges in a practical manner aligned with Europe

At a key moment for the sustainable transformation of industry, this conference is conceived as a meeting place to present the BasquESG initiative and raise awareness among Basque industrial SMEs about the opportunity to be part of this initiative, promoted by the Basque Government’s Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability.

The conference focuses on understanding sustainability and ESG corporate reporting as levers for transformation, contributing to progress towards an ecosystem of industrial SMEs that are more competitive, resilient and aligned with the European framework.

During the event, the European and Basque context in terms of ESG will be analysed, as well as the objectives and main characteristics of the BasquESG initiative and the role of public-private support as a key strategy for moving towards a more competitive and sustainable Basque industry.

This conference will be held in the three Historical Territories of the Basque Country to facilitate attendance and participation by the entire network of Basque industrial SMEs.

Araba: 19/02/2026. Basque Country Technology Park. Vitoria-Gasteiz Campus, Central Building. 9:30–11:30 a.m.

PROGRAMME
09:30 Institutional opening
Nagore Peñalva Bengoa. Director of Circular Economy. Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government.

09:40 ESG sustainability report
Batirtze Gaztelu Alonso. Technician. EUSKALIT

10:00 European context of ESG and Voluntary Sustainability Standard for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (VSME).
José María Fernández. Director of Circular Economy. IHOBE

10:20 a.m. BasquESG initiative
Gorane Ibarra González. Head of the BasquESG project. IHOBE

10:40 a.m. Deployment of activities and support for SMEs
Fernando Sierra Hernández. Director of EUSKALIT.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Coffee networking