Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, Director General & CEO of IICA and Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), highlighted the importance of integrating ESG principles into Indian businesses. “Adopting ESG is not just a compliance requirement but a strategic imperative for economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship,” he said. Dr. Pandey emphasized that sustainable practices are essential to address climate change and promote inclusiveness.
The conference featured high-level discussions on sustainable finance, ESG assurance, reporting frameworks, and recognizing responsible business practices.
Sustainable Finance and ESG Integration
During the Leadership Dialogue on Sustainable Finance, economist Prof. Gourav Vallabh introduced the ASP framework (Awareness, Skill Development, and Promoting Informed Decision Making) to promote responsible investing. He suggested that businesses allocate capital for sustainable projects and advocated for the development of Sustainability Monetary Measurement Guidelines.
Sustainable finance is the bridge between economic growth and environmental stewardship,”
Ms. Heena Khushalani from Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Gagan Sidhu from the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water also highlighted the role of financial mechanisms in driving India’s transition toward sustainable development ESG Reporting and Assurance: Building Trust
A panel on ESG Reporting:
Challenges & Opportunities discussed the need for robust frameworks to enhance transparency and investor confidence. “Indian companies must align with global ESG standards to stay competitive,” said Dr. Aruna C. Newton, VP at Infosys Ltd.
In the session on ESG Assurance: Global & Indian Insights, speakers emphasized the growing importance of assurance in building trust in ESG reporting.
“Assurance will be key as companies scale their ESG initiatives,” noted Mr. Shivananda Shetty of KPMG India, while Ms. Anu Chaudhary of Uniqus Consultech added that businesses leveraging ESG assurance will gain a competitive edge.
ESG Ratings: Driving Accountability
The final panel focused on ESG Ratings & Recognitions. “ESG ratings are becoming critical in influencing investor decisions and driving companies toward better practices,” said Ms. Rama Patel from CRISIL.
Ms. Sarika Kataria of SEBI discussed regulatory efforts to enhance ESG transparency, stressing the need for robust disclosures.
Prof. Garima Dadhich, Head of the School of Business Environment at IICA, concluded the event, thanking the key partners and participants. “This conference has provided a vital platform for sharing best practices and charting the path forward for ESG integration in India’s business landscape,” she said.
The conference has laid the foundation for future initiatives to integrate ESG into India’s business strategies, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
