Keynote Addresses and Inauguration
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Durgadas Uikey, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The exhibition featured stalls showcasing CSR best practices and tribal artisans supported by TRIFED from across India. Distinguished dignitaries including Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER; Shri M. Raja Murugan, MD TRIFED; Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO, IICA; Shri Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India; and Prof. Garima Dadhich, Head, School of Business Environment, IICA, formally inaugurated the conference.
Shri Chanchal Kumar highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in CSR initiatives, urging companies to focus on small, impactful projects with measurable outcomes by 2047. Emphasizing education, skills development, and AI, he stressed that CSR efforts should reach every section of society, particularly in tribal and rural areas. The Secretary also noted the North East’s readiness to attract investments and enhance balanced regional growth.
Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh underscored the rise in CSR spending by Indian companies surpassing the 2% threshold, reflecting a deeper commitment to social welfare. He urged CSR programs to extend beyond financial contributions, advocating for technology, management, and knowledge support to empower local communities. Aligning CSR with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Singh emphasized IICA’s role in capacity building and cross-sectoral partnerships to strengthen tribal development.
Special Addresses and Panel Discussions
Shri M. Raja Murugan highlighted value addition, entrepreneurship, and digital market access to empower tribal artisans. UN Resident Coordinator Shri Shombi Sharp lauded India’s CSR framework as a global model of corporate accountability. Dr. Garima Dadhich concluded the inaugural session by reaffirming IICA’s commitment to CSR governance, capacity building, and inclusive development.
The event hosted three high-impact panels:
- Leadership Dialogue: Featuring corporate and development leaders exploring CSR excellence for tribal development.
- CSR for Sustainable Livelihoods & Tribal Entrepreneurship: Highlighting glocal case studies on skills, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship.
- CSR for Health & Nutrition in Tribal Areas: Discussing strategies for improving healthcare and nutrition outcomes among tribal communities.
Participation and Exhibition
Over 300 delegates from government, academia, industry, and civil society attended the conference. The exhibition showcased exemplary CSR initiatives from leading corporations, PSUs, and foundations promoting tribal entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation, demonstrating India’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.