In a landmark event, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in collaboration with HP India, has launched the first batch of the “HP Future Impact Leader – IICA Certified Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) Professional Programme.” The ceremony, held in Manesar, signifies a major step toward fostering leaders dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible business practices.
Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, Director General & CEO of IICA and Chairperson of NFRA, and former Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted IICA’s significant strides in ESG, emphasizing the role of capacity building in shaping India’s future. Dr. Pandey referenced the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, noting the evolution from profit-focused business to embracing environmental and social responsibility. He underscored the rapid rise in ESG importance over the past two decades, driven by a need for businesses to demonstrate responsibility towards the environment and societies.
Dr. Pandey stressed the importance of ESG in business operations, citing its alignment with the 4Ps of the G20 New Delhi Declaration: Planet, People, Peace, and Prosperity. He highlighted the benefits of ESG practices in reducing costs and avoiding compliance issues, and he echoed the Prime Minister’s call to redefine PPP (Pro-Planet-People) in the G20 Delhi Declaration. He also referred to research co-authored by Wharton’s Aline Gatignon on CSR fund allocation, noting that India’s mandated CSR for certain companies is a global first.
- Mr. Rajeev Nair, Head of Legal at HP India: Focused on the legal and compliance aspects of ESG, emphasizing HP’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
- Ms. Geetanjali Master, Public Private Partnership Specialist at UNICEF India: Discussed the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to achieve sustainable development goals.
- Dr. Garima Dadhich, Associate Professor & Head of the School of Business Environment at IICA: Highlighted the role of ESG professionals in shaping sustainable business practices.
The scholarship-based HP Future Impact Leader – IICA Certified ESG Professional Programme is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to lead sustainable initiatives. This inaugural session represents the start of a transformative journey for ESG professionals, aiming to foster leadership in sustainability.
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, provides training and induction for Indian Corporate Law Service Cadre civil servants. IICA operates as a think-tank and action research institute, offering policy advocacy, service delivery, and capacity building. The School of Business Environment (SBE) within IICA focuses on responsible business conduct in areas such as ESG, CSR, and sustainable finance, providing technical expertise and policy inputs to various stakeholders.
