The conference was inaugurated by Shri Harsh Malhotra,  Union  Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, and Hon’ble Justice Shri Dipak Misra, Former Chief Justice of India.

In his keynote address, Shri Harsh Malhotra emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering responsible business practices that are crucial for sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in achieving India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. “Indian businesses must lead by example in adopting ethical and sustainable practices, positioning India as a global leader in responsible governance,” he said.

Justice Shri Dipak Misra, in his special address, emphasized the ethical imperatives of corporate governance. “ESG is a philosophical thought that must be imbibed and should not be treated as a mere legal compliance task,” he said. “The Supreme Court of India has recognized the importance of incorporating ESG principles into corporate governance.”

Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, Director General & CEO, IICA, welcomed the distinguished speakers and participants, highlighting the importance of responsible business conduct in driving India’s sustainable development agenda.

The inaugural session featured special addresses by Mr. Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator to India; Ms. Cynthia McCaffery, UNICEF Country Representative India; and Ms. Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive, ACCA.

The conference also released a book titled “Embracing ESG in India” authored by Dr. Garima Dadhich & Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey, and launched an online Data Portal on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR).

Three high-level panel discussions were held during the conference, focusing on themes such as responsible governance, nature restoration, and sectoral adaptation of national guidelines on responsible business conduct. The panels featured prominent leaders from the government, private sector, and civil society. The conference concluded with a consensus on the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to governance that includes collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey emphasized the importance of responsible business conduct in achieving India’s sustainable development goals. “The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs is committed to promoting responsible business practices through policy advocacy, research, and capacity-building programs,” he said.

The National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct 2024 was a significant step towards promoting sustainable development in India and showcasing the country’s commitment to responsible business practices.

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