Abstract Environmental Social Governance (ESG) has emerged as a vital framework guiding organisations towards environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and ethically governed practices. In the context of growing climate change, widening social inequalities, labour exploitation, and governance failures, ESG offers a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. This paper examines the conceptual foundation of ESG, its three core pillars, and its significance in advancing sustainable development. It further analyses global and Indian trends in ESG adoption, identifies major implementation challenges, and suggests strategies for strengthening ESG practices. The study is based on qualitative analysis of secondary data from academic literature, policy documents, and sustainability reports. The findings indicate that effective ESG integration enhances organisational accountability, environmental performance, social welfare, and long-term economic resilience. The paper concludes that ESG is not merely a corporate compliance mechanism but a transformational development strategy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and core social work values.