Features of sustainable development of regions in the conditions of low-carbon and ESG economy transformations

The existing problems of ensuring a decent quality and standard of living for the population, functionning of enterprises with an emphasis on energy saving and energy efficiency, and the current environmental situation increase the urgency of achieving sustainable development goals. Aim. To identify the features of sustainable development of regions in the context of low-carbon transformation and the formation of the ESG-agenda (E – Environment, S – Social, G – Government). Methodological tools. General scientific research methods, such as: comparative and retrospective analysis, classification, generalization. Results. The author has supplemented the periodization of sustainable development and identified three stages in it: the formation stage, institutional, functional. These stages make it possible to translate the problems of climate change into a practical plane, orient the investor in the direction of the ESG-agenda, increase social responsibility at various levels of management. The paper introduces the initiatives of Russian regions within the framework of the ESG-agenda. Conclusions. At the functional stage, adherence to the principles of sustainable development in the Russian Federation continues, taking into account ESG-factors. This is reflected in the initiatives of interaction between regional authorities and business. Further research in the field of sustainable development will be associated with a more detailed elaboration of the model for taking into account the low-carbon aspect and ESG-factors in sustainable development of regions.