Ms Leena Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA)’ flagship initiative – the IICA Certified ESG Professional: Impact Leader Programme’s second batch during an Inaugural Event held on yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Nandan lauded IICA for such timely initiatives in the domain of ESG, she reaffirmed the continued support of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to the IICA. While addressing the concerning impacts of Climate Change and India’s commitments towards climate change mitigation and adaptation, she emphasised the significance of resource efficiency which is being promoted by MoEFCC by adoption of the mandate of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Further, she enlightened the gathering about the Green Credit Programme of the MoEFCC, and highlighted the need for promoting adoption of green initiatives by the Corporates and including green credits in the ESG Reporting. She highlighted need for mainstreaming ESG with the economic activities, circular economy, etc. She also highlighted about Mission Life of the Government of India and reminded the gathering about the onus on the present generation to leave a safe and secure future for coming generations. She said that IICA trained budding ESG professionals have potential to aid in taking several agendas of Government further to next levels.

Shri Praveen Kumar, DG & CEO, IICA shared that the foundation batch of IICA Certified ESG Professional- Impact Leader Programme, has been received well by the industry. He said that the ESG Programme further adds to the legacy of IICA to take timely initiatives to cater the needs of transformation in industries through building capacities of the corporate functionaries. He further stressed that adopting ESG by corporates will help them in competing in the changing contours of global economy. He highlighted that IICA has also formed a ‘National Association of Impact Leaders’ which is a membership-based association only for ESG professionals, certified by the IICA. The association will provide a platform for professional advancement and engagement to its members. In future this association may also act as a regulatory body to strengthen the ESG Profession in India.

Dr. Garima Dadhich, Head School of Business Environment, IICA said that IICA Certified ESG Professional: Impact Leader Programme is first of its kind in India designed specifically for creating most needed ESG professionals. She gave an overview of the pedagogy of the programme while highlighting its relevance in catering to the demand for ESG Professionals in India as well as globally. Ms Geetanjali Master from UNICEF emphasised the long association of UNICEF and IICA for promoting humane aspects of ESG. She further highlighted the relevance of child rights in the domain of Corporate Sustainability, especially with respect to their vulnerability to environmental hazards. Mr. Shankar Venkateswaran, Adjunct Faculty, IICA, enlightened the gathering about the present trends in the domain of ESG. He also emphasised the social concerns that underlie environmental impacts. Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey highlighted that the responsibility and capability of leading businesses with minimal negative impacts on the earth and its people while also not compromising on financial targets, distinguishes an ESG impact leader. The event was attended by fifty budding ESG Professionals who are senior corporate officials enrolled in the programme.  

About IICA

The IICA is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India focusing on the niche areas of corporate affairs as a premier institution in the country. It provides policy advocacy, research and capacity building support to Government, Corporates and other stakeholders to drive corporate growth, reforms and regulations.

Extended Producer Responsibility pushed to mainstream ESG and include green credits in corporate ESG reporting. The Ministry emphasized resource efficiency through the mandate of Extended Producer Responsibility and advocated inclusion of green credits in ESG reporting to mainstream ESG across economic activities and advance circular economy practices; simultaneously, IICA launched its Certified ESG Professional: Impact Leader Programme to build professional capacity and formed a membership-based National Association of Impact Leaders to support governance, standards and professional advancement in the ESG field.