National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct Concludes in New Delhi

New Delhi: The National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct, organized by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, concluded yesterday, emphasizing the critical role of Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) in India’s journey toward a sustainable and developed nation.

Held in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mission LiFE, and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the conference centered around the theme ‘Escalating ESG for Viksit Bharat.’ Industry leaders, policymakers, and experts convened to discuss how ESG principles can drive India’s transformation into a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In his valedictory address, Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, Director General & CEO of IICA, underscored the growing significance of ESG integration within Indian businesses. He emphasized that ESG is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a strategic necessity to align with India’s broader goals of economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.

“ESG is the cornerstone of responsible business conduct in the 21st century,” Dr. Pandey remarked. “The transition towards sustainable business practices will be pivotal in addressing climate change, resource efficiency, and social inclusiveness.”

The two-day event featured a series of panel discussions, sessions, and networking opportunities that explored sustainable finance, ESG reporting, assurance, and ratings. Key stakeholders shared best practices and discussed challenges in embedding ESG practices across India’s business landscape.

The conference opened with a Leadership Dialogue on Sustainable Finance led by Prof. Gourav Vallabh, who introduced the ASP framework—Awareness and Understanding, Skill Development, and Promoting Informed Decision Making. Prof. Vallabh advocated for mandatory capital allocation to sustainable projects and urged a cultural shift in financial behavior. He also called for Sustainability Monetary Measurement Guidelines to ensure ESG goals are met.

Further discussions included a high-level panel on ESG Reporting: Challenges & Opportunities, where Vimal Bhattar from SEBI highlighted the need for robust reporting frameworks to enhance transparency and investor confidence. Another session on ESG Assurance: Global & Indian Insights delved into the role of assurance in ESG reporting, featuring perspectives from Antonis Diolas of ACCA.

The conference concluded with a panel on ESG Ratings & Recognitions: Indian Perspective, where experts from SEBI, CRISIL, ICRA, and Infosys Ltd. discussed the growing importance of ESG ratings in assessing corporate sustainability.

Prof. Garima Dadhich, Head of the School of Business Environment at IICA, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of key partners including UNICEF, ACCA, HCL Foundation, and others. The event highlighted the growing momentum behind ESG integration in India’s corporate strategies, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future.