Hundreds of leaders from across the world are set to gather in Shanghai to explore a greener and more sustainable future at the upcoming 4th ESG (environmental, social and governance) Global Leaders Conference, held at The Bund City Hall Plaza in the city's Huangpu district from Oct 16 to 18, said organizers Thursday in a news briefing.

Co-hosted by China's State-owned financial conglomerate CITIC Group and online media company Sina, the conference will see a more extensive participation than ever. As of Oct 9, a total of 269 speakers have confirmed their participation, 139 out of which are from overseas.

Among the hundreds of delegates invited are heads of international organizations, business leaders, Nobel Prize winners, scholars from universities and representatives from professional institutes across the world.

Some confirmed distinguished guests include Dilma Rousseff, former Brazilian president and president of the New Development Bank; Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund; Ban Ki-moon, former secretary-general of the United Nations; Nobel Prize for Chemistry winner Aaron Ciechanover; Croatia's former President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic; and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., vice-president of the International Olympic Committee, according to the organizers.

During the three-day gathering, attendees will join in a number of forums, workshops and meetings, exploring into over 50 hot topics such as energy, carbon emission peaking, carbon neutrality, green finance, sustainable consumption, technology and public service.

"ESG is not only an investment concept, but also a driving force for corporate responsibility and social development. It is related to the harmony and advances of communities, the long-term development and social responsibility of enterprises, and even more about the environment on our planet. With the development of globalization, ESG has become a crucial part of companies' sustainable development and a key factor in promoting the high-quality development of the global economy," said Deng Qingxu, chief executive officer of Sina Finance.

It is also worth noting that the conference will take place at The Bund City Hall Plaza in Huangpu district, a refurbished century-old building that has witnessed the city's long history and represented its culture. Formerly known as the Shanghai Municipal Council, it was completed in 1922 and listed as Cultural Heritage Building in 1989.