New Delhi: The Policy Times Chamber of Commerce, in association with RLG India as the Title Partner, held the 3rd Sustainability Summit 2024 on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the India International Centre (IIC) in Delhi. The prestigious event sought to facilitate critical discussions on achieving India’s ambitious net-zero targets, focusing on corporate ESG strategies, waste management, and environmental compliance.
The summit witnessed an esteemed and diverse gathering of over 150 participants from various sectors, including industry leaders, government officials, academics, researchers, and other stakeholders. The agenda was carefully set to address the key aspects of sustainability and corporate responsibility, providing a platform for insightful discussion and networking.
The chief guests at the 3rd Sustainability Summit 2024 were:
- Shri Ved Prakash Mishra, Director of the HSM Division at MoEF&CC, Govt. of India, who addressed the audience during Session 1 on Inc’s ESG Strategy & BRSR Reporting.
- Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, who delivered the chief guest address during Session 2, themed “Viksit Bharat @2047 vis-à-vis Mission Net Zero for ‘Indian Inc.'”.
- Smt. Roopa Mishra, Joint Secretary (SBM) at the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, who spoke during Session 3 on Circularity to Sustainability: Policy & Implementation.
- Sh. Ateesh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India, who addressed the audience during Session 4 on Green Innovations, Technologies, Strategies, and Financing.
Ms. Radhika Kalia, Managing Director of RLG India, delivered the theme address during Session 1.
India’s target to achieve net zero by 2070, announced at COP26, places a significant responsibility on Indian corporations. Corporate ESG strategies, waste management rules (EPR, green credits, etc.), and other environmental compliances have been recognized as elements crucial for decarbonization. Further, amid rapid population growth, climate change, and resource depletion, sustainability is seen as vital for a better future.
India aims to reduce GDP emissions intensity by 45% and meet 50% of its energy needs from renewables by 2030. Integrating ESG factors into corporate strategies is essential for achieving these goals. Corporate entities, responsible for around half of total energy consumption, are key to India’s decarbonization efforts. The event sought to address the aforementioned issues, among several others, while enabling deliberation on setting globally recognized standards for net-zero emissions.
On the occasion, Ms. Radhika Kalia, MD, RLG Systems India Pvt. Ltd., said, “In light of the urgent need to deliberate upon and address issues related to climate change and achieve sustainability goals, the 3rd Sustainability Summit 2024 has been organized to provide a pivotal platform for insightful discussions and collaborative efforts. This sustainability summit 2024 is more than just a gathering of experts and thought leaders; it is a clarion call for collective action, a rallying cry for businesses, governments, and individuals to embrace sustainability as a guiding principle for a better, more resilient future.
The path to true sustainability is not an easy one, but it’s a journey we must undertake with unwavering commitment. It will require collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. But the rewards – a thriving planet, resilient communities, and a sustainable future for generations to come – make the effort worthwhile. I commend the Policy Times Chamber of Commerce and RLG Systems India for leading this critical
