HP and IICA have launched an ESG Professional Program. The HP Future Impact Leader – IICA Certified ESG Professional Programme, aims to equip organizations with the skills to lead sustainable initiatives.
The scholarship-based program is a significant step towards building a sustainable and responsible corporate ecosystem.
Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, Director General & CEO, IICA and Chairperson, NFRA, and former Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, delivered the keynote address.
He spoke about the growing importance of ESG in the global business landscape, highlighting its role in attracting investors and stakeholders.
He emphasized the importance of adopting ESG principles in business operations to identify cost-saving opportunities, reduce energy consumption, and minimize operational costs. He shared insights into the need for mandatory ESG reporting practices to avoid future reputational and compliance issues.
Dr. Pandey discussed the role of ESG regulations in India’s growth and development, motivating delegates to integrate ESG principles into their strategies.
He stressed the importance of mandatory ESG reporting practices to avoid reputational and compliance issues in the future.
He cited the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment and the 2015 UN Summit, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development.
According to him, adopting ESG core principles in business operations helps identify cost-saving opportunities, lower energy consumption, reduce resource waste, and minimize operational costs.
He highlighted the call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to redefine the PPP (Pro-Planet-People) in the G20 Delhi Declaration.
He also referred to new research co-authored by Wharton’s Aline Gatignon, which offers insights into how various firms allocate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds across different dimensions.
Why is ESG important?
Rajeev Nair, Legal Head, HP India, underscored the importance of integrating legal frameworks with sustainable business practices. He spoke about HP’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, and how this program aligns with the company’s vision of creating a positive impact on society and the environment.
Geetanjali Master, Public Private Partnership Specialist, UNICEF India, spoke about the need for collaborative efforts required between public and private sectors to achieve sustainable development goals. Her address underscored the importance of partnerships in driving impactful ESG initiatives.
Dr Garima Dadhich, Associate Professor & Head of the School of Business Environment, IICA, shared the critical role of shaping sustainable business practices and the importance of developing ESG professionals and impact leaders.