The ESG certification programme aims at cultivating leaders for sustainable business practices and to shape India’s future in corporate responsibility
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and HP India have inaugurated the first batch of the “HP Future Impact Leader – IICA Certified ESG Professional Programme” in a pivotal event held in Manesar. Haryana. This new programme aims to cultivate leaders to drive sustainable and responsible business practices across India.
Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, Director General & CEO of IICA traced the evolution of corporate responsibility from profit-centric operations to comprehensive sustainability, emphasising that ESG is now integral to business growth and investor relations.
Pandey referenced historical milestones, such as the 1972 UN Conference and the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, to underline the global commitment to sustainable development. He called for mandatory ESG reporting to avoid reputational risks and compliance issues, and praised India's pioneering CSR mandate as a model for global practices.
Rajeev Nair, Head of Legal at HP India, discussed the intersection of legal frameworks and sustainable practices, reinforcing HP’s dedication to environmental and societal impact. Geetanjali Master from UNICEF
India highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships for attaining SDG, while Dr. Garima Dadhich from IICA emphasised the need for skilled ESG professionals to drive this agenda forward.