Introduction: Ms. Leena Nandan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), inaugurated the second batch of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) Certified ESG Professional: Impact Leader Programme. The event marked a significant step towards building capacity in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Ms. Nandan commended the IICA for its timely initiatives in the ESG domain and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for their efforts.
Addressing Climate Change Challenges: During her address, Ms. Nandan emphasized the impacts of climate change and India’s commitment to mitigation and adaptation measures. She highlighted the importance of resource efficiency, promoted by the MoEFCC through the adoption of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandate. Ms. Nandan also informed attendees about the MoEFCC’s Green Credit Programme and stressed the need for corporates to adopt green initiatives and include green credits in their ESG reporting. She called for the mainstreaming of ESG principles into economic activities and the circular economy, while mentioning the Government of India’s Mission Life initiative.
The Role of IICA Trained ESG Professionals: Ms. Nandan expressed confidence in the potential of the IICA trained ESG professionals to contribute to advancing various government agendas. She highlighted the importance of their role in taking initiatives to the next level and ensuring a safe and secure future for upcoming generations.
IICA’s Contribution: Mr. Praveen Kumar, Director General & CEO of IICA, shared that the foundation batch of the Certified ESG Professional- Impact Leader Programme had been well-received by the industry. He stressed that adopting ESG practices would enable corporates to compete in the evolving global economy. Mr. Kumar announced the establishment of the ‘National Association of Impact Leaders,’ exclusively for certified ESG professionals. This association will provide a platform for professional advancement and engagement, and may potentially act as a regulatory body to strengthen the ESG profession in India.
Programme Overview: Dr. Garima Dadhich, Head of the School of Business Environment at IICA, described the IICA Certified ESG Professional: Impact Leader Programme as the first of its kind in India, designed to meet the growing demand for ESG professionals. She highlighted its relevance both nationally and globally. Ms. Geetanjali Master from UNICEF emphasized the longstanding partnership between UNICEF and IICA in promoting the humane aspects of ESG. She stressed the significance of child rights in corporate sustainability, particularly regarding their vulnerability to environmental hazards. Mr. Shankar Venkateswaran, Adjunct Faculty at IICA, discussed current trends in the ESG domain and emphasized the social concerns underlying environmental impacts. Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey emphasized the responsibility of leading businesses to minimize negative impacts while not compromising financial targets.
Conclusion: The inauguration of the second batch of the IICA Certified ESG Professional: Impact Leader Programme by Ms. Leena Nandan, Secretary of MoEFCC, highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing ESG practices. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce capable of addressing environmental, social, and governance challenges. With the support of the Ministry and the establishment of the National Association of Impact Leaders, the ESG profession in India is set to strengthen further. By fostering sustainability and responsible corporate practices, the programme will contribute to India’s journey towards a greener and more inclusive future.