National Conference on Aligning CSR with SDGs Inaugurated in New Delhi

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, hosted the “National Conference and Exhibition on Aligning CSR with SDGs” on October 2-3, 2024, at Hotel Lalit, New Delhi. This significant event, marking the first Annual CSR Day in India on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, focused on integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Auguste Tano Kouamé, Country Director-India, World Bank, alongside Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, Director General & CEO of IICA and Chairperson, NFRA, and Rob Lederer, Chief Executive Officer of the Responsible Business Alliance. The event also saw participation from notable figures, including Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, Professor Emeritus at IICA, and Prof. Gourav Vallabh, Economist & Professor of Finance at XLRI.

The conference was a platform to promote the philosophy of trusteeship, emphasizing CSR’s role in achieving SDG targets and fostering responsible business practices. Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, in his welcome address, stressed the critical role of corporate responsibility in building a resilient and inclusive India. He highlighted the need for public-private collaboration to achieve the goals of Viksit Bharat by 2047, in line with the SDGs.

In his keynote address, Dr. Auguste Tano Kouamé praised India’s approach to CSR, calling for scalable models that could contribute to the global agenda. He urged businesses to view CSR as a long-term investment rather than a compliance requirement, recognizing India’s leadership in aligning corporate initiatives with national development.

Rob Lederer offered a global perspective on responsible business conduct, advocating for continued alignment with international standards as India’s CSR ecosystem evolves. He emphasized the importance of balancing global expectations with local challenges.

Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, in his speech, underscored the role of innovation in CSR, encouraging businesses to develop disruptive solutions that address sustainable development challenges.

During the event, a book titled ‘CSR Ready Reckoner in India’ by Dr. Garima Dadhich and Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey was released. The book provides a comprehensive overview of CSR laws, key trends, and recommendations for effective CSR strategies, compliance, and implementation. It also includes FAQs to aid businesses in navigating the CSR legal framework.

In his valedictory address, Prof. Gourav Vallabh emphasized that CSR should go beyond a corporate obligation, serving as a catalyst for innovation and societal transformation. He introduced the concept of Integration, Leveraging, Collaboration, and Inclusiveness (ILCI), urging businesses to exceed the 2% CSR spending requirement for the greater societal good.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Garima Dadhich, who reaffirmed IICA’s commitment to advancing the CSR agenda and keeping it central to India’s developmental objectives.

The conference drew over 400 participants from government, academia, and the corporate sector, highlighting India’s growing commitment to sustainable development. An exhibition showcased CSR initiatives aligned with the SDGs, focusing on innovations across various thematic areas outlined in Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.