For the first time in Asia, a Sovereign Nation, the Kingdom of Belgium joins hands with the Global Compact Network Belgium and India in partnership with UNICEF to host a unique Seminar in Mumbai focused on the Business Case of Corporate Social Responsibility
INDIACSR News Network
MUMBAI: On November 28th a seminar will be held in Mumbai on “Corporate Social Responsibility – A true business case”. The event is organized in the context of the Belgian Economic Mission to India. The seminar will be attended by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium.
The mission is bringing 344 participants to India, of which 287 are businessmen and businesswomen. Its aim is to further promote bilateral ties between India and Belgium, Belgium being India’s second largest EU trading partner (with a value of over € 12 billion in 2012) after Germany but before the UK and France.
The seminar is being organized with the support of UNICEF, Global Compact Network Belgium, Global Compact Network India, the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the Indo-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Belgo-Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The main aim of the seminar is to bring together Indian, Belgian and International high level experts, academics and business leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges of the sustainability agenda in India, including the mandatory policy for CSR spends under the new Companies Bill.
The seminar will offer a high level knowledge sharing platform and networking opportunity to discuss recent insights on sustainability, including the opportunities and challenges that arise from the mandatory CSR spends under the new Companies Bill in India.
The overarching objective is to discuss how business (Belgian companies investing in India and Indian companies) can build a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Amongst the issues covered there will be the challenges that companies are facing in developing and executing their strategy for fulfilling social responsibilities, and how to improve simultaneously a company’s bottom line as well as social, environmental and governance performance. Also the role of policy makers, NGOs, investors and capital markets will be addressed.
Participants will hear from leading Indian and Belgian corporations about current strategies, challenges and trends on integrating sustainability in the core operations throughout the supply chain. It is important to create this platform where more Indian and Belgian businesses can understand the benefits of CSR and foster partnerships and collaboration with each other to drive results. This event presents a timely and practical agenda, driven by experienced experts who will share insight into the challenges encountered and success stories implemented.
HE Minister Reynders said, “Trade and economic integration have been the most powerful vectors for peace and development in the world over the past 75 years, thereby directly contributing to the enhancement of human rights. Conversely, the promotion and protection of human rights and of the rule of law are also key conditions for the business climate. Corporate Social Responsibility is thus not just a question of fairness and justice, but part of the best way a company can develop its sustainability in the long run. I am therefore encouraging all CEO’s and business people to continue their efforts.”
Ms Iris Van der Veken and Mr. Pooran C Pandey, Chair Global Compact Network Belgium – Chair Global Compact Network India said, “The case for corporate sustainability has strengthened in response to the deep interdependencies between markets, communities and people in today’s globalized world. We acknowledge that it is a journey and that there is still a long way to go until companies everywhere put principles into practice This session can build an important momentum in inspiring all stakeholders to move ahead from incremental progress to transformative impact.”
Ms Christine Edier, Chief of Resource Mobilization, UNICEF India said, “The private sector has emerged as a key contributor in addressing children’s issues in India. UNICEF has been engaging actively with corporates and believes firmly that CSR initiatives can make a strong and lasting impact on the lives of all children. We welcome this platform as an opportunity to bring the private sector together and innovate to achieve key results for children.”
