Ms Leena Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA)’ flagship initiative – the IICA Certified ESG Professional: Impact Leader Programme’s second batch during an Inaugural Event held today.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Nandan lauded IICA for such timely initiatives in the domain of ESG, she reaffirmed the continued support of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to the IICA. While addressing the concerning impacts of Climate Change she emphasized the significance of resource efficiency which is being promoted by MoEFCC by adoption of the mandate of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Further, she enlightened the gathering about the Green Credit Programmer of the MoEFCC, and highlighted the need for promoting adoption of green initiatives by the Corporates and including green credits in the ESG Reporting.
. She also highlighted about Mission Life of the Government of India and reminded the gathering about the onus on the present generation to leave a safe and secure future for coming generations. She said that IICA trained budding ESG professionals have potential to aid in taking several agendas of Government further to next levels.
Shri Praveen Kumar, DG&CEO, IICA said that the ESG Programmer further adds to the legacy of IICA to take timely initiatives to cater the needs of transformation in industries through building capacities of the corporate functionaries. He highlighted that IICA has also formed a ‘National Association of Impact Leaders’ which is a membership-based association only for ESG professionals, certified by the IICA. The association will provide a platform for professional advancement and engagement to its members. In future this association may also act as a regulatory body to strengthen the ESG Profession in India.
Dr. Garima Dadhich, Head School of Business Environment, IICA said that Impact Leader Programme is first of its kind in India designed specifically for creating most needed ESG professionals. Ms Geetanjali Master from UNICEF emphasized the long association of UNICEF and IICA for promoting humane aspects of ESG. Mr. Shankar Venkateswaran, Adjunct Faculty, IICA, enlightened the gathering about the present trends in the domain of ESG. He also emphasized the social concerns that underlie environmental impacts. Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey highlighted that the responsibility and capability of leading businesses with minimal negative impacts on the earth and its people while also not compromising on financial targets, distinguishes an ESG impact leader. The event was attended by fifty budding ESG Professionals who are senior corporate officials enrolled in the programmer.
