[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] Naver (NAVER(035420)) has received the Presidential Commendation, the highest government award, in recognition of its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management achievements.

Naver announced on the 30th that it received the Presidential Commendation in the Comprehensive ESG category at the “2026 Government Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Management,” held on the 29th at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and organized by the Korea Productivity Center, these awards recognize companies and organizations that have contributed to industrial competitiveness and the promotion of social value through sustainable management.

Naver was recognized for its sustainable management achievements across all three pillars of environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

In the environmental category, Naver was recognized for its “2040 Carbon Negative” strategy—aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040—and its efforts to expand renewable energy. Naver became the first domestic internet platform company to join the global sustainability initiatives RE100 and EV100. The company is increasing its supply of renewable energy through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and is also pursuing environmental management system certification and in-house resource recycling initiatives.

In the social category, the evaluation focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to block illegal and harmful content, as well as the company’s personal information protection and information security systems. Investments in impact funds to foster mutual growth with small business owners and the expansion of “Clova CareCall,” a digital care service for the elderly and others, also received positive evaluations.

Naver became the first company in the value-added telecommunications services industry to receive the highest rating of “Very Excellent” in the user protection evaluation. To ensure responsible AI service operations, the company established the “NAVER AI Safety Framework 2.0” and created a dedicated organization.

In the corporate governance category, the company received high marks for the independence of its board of directors, its operational framework, and its efforts to enhance shareholder value. Naver has received an AA rating for two consecutive years in the Fair Trade Commission’s Compliance Program (CP) evaluation and has also obtained ISO 37301 certification, the international standard for compliance management.

Naver stated that its ESG management performance is also being evaluated by domestic and international organizations such as Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), the Korea ESG Standards Institute, and the Committee for Shared Growth.

At the awards ceremony, Lim Dong-ah, Naver’s Head of External Affairs and ESG Policy, accepted the Presidential Commendation on behalf of the company.