Download Beyond ESG – Global Perspectives on Communicating Impact here

Published by PROI Worldwide, report features agency leaders from 11 countries analyzing the shift in landscape for communicating impact

New York, December 11, 2025 – As corporate responsibility has evolved from philanthropy to CSR to today’s multifaceted discussions of impact, one thing is clear: companies are now judged as much by their values as they are by their financial performance. A new report released today by PROI Worldwide confirms that while the terminology to describe corporate activity may be in flux, the expectation that businesses contribute meaningfully to society remains very strong.

RF|Binder Executive Managing Director Ted Deutsch serves as Chair of the ESG Working Group for PROI and the firm spearheaded the development of this report to explore how the current ESG dynamics are playing out in different parts of the world. While the premise of ESG may be contested in the U.S., what does the conversation look like in Asia and the Middle East? In South America? In Central Europe?

Across 65 countries, independent agency communications leaders within the PROI Worldwide network are helping organizations navigate this new reality. The 13 articles confirm that communications around environmental, social and governance topics require nuance, local insight and authenticity. Whether confronting political polarization, avoiding “greenhushing” or redefining what leadership looks like, RF|Binder and other PROI partners counsel companies on how they can articulate their progress with clarity and credibility.

Among the key findings from the new PROI report:

• ESG as a term is disappearing but impact is not: While some companies shift away from the terminology, the core principles of sustainability, equity and governance remain essential to long-term strategy.
• Authentic communication is now a strategic imperative: Companies that “win” articulate their impact credibly, avoiding both overstatement and greenhushing in an environment that draws greater scrutiny.
• Local insight drives global impact: On-the-ground communications expertise helps organizations navigate regional nuances in expectations, politics and language.
• Data is becoming the new standard: Companies are increasingly expected to back sustainability claims with measurable progress and verified data; vague or overly optimistic claims trigger backlash or other penalties.
• Corporate purpose is taken into consideration when looking at corporate performance: Organizations are increasingly evaluated by how their values and actions contribute to societal progress, not just financial results.

“While certain markets are shying away from acronyms and terms that are seen as overly political, this PROI report confirms that companies are still focused on driving change through sustainability, corporate culture and good governance,” said Ted Deutsch, Executive Managing Director of RF|Binder and chair of PROI’s ESG Working Group. “The challenge now lies in communicating this with authenticity. Fortunately, PROI firms are independent, innovative and ‘best-on-the ground’ agencies who have a deep understanding of their markets. Our agency leaders are shaping and interpreting the evolving conversation on corporate impact across the globe.”

Under the leadership of founder and CEO Amy Binder, RF|Binder has been a trusted voice in impact communications for 25 years. Our work spans the full spectrum of the field, from partnering with major corporations and institutional foundations, to supporting the launch of SASB, to producing some of the earliest corporate impact reports aligned with GRI and SASB standards. Along the way, the firm has also collaborated with many of the pioneers who helped shape the impact investing landscape.

The new PROI report shares perspectives from partners around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. It offers a global view of how impact is being understood, measured and shared today. Beyond the conversation about ESG itself, these insights reveal what truly drives trust, reputation and long-term value.

The full report is available for download . If you are seeking support in developing or strengthening your organization’s sustainability or impact communications strategy, contact contact Ted Deutsch or RF|Binder Founder and CEO Amy Binder.