EDII Organises CSR Roundtable in New Delhi to Advance Climate-Resilient Enterprises and Sustainable Livelihoods
New Delhi : The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad organised a roundtable on ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Businesses’ at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, bringing together representatives from Government, corporates, CSR and the development sector to discuss building climate-resilient communities through sustainable enterprises and livelihoods.
The roundtable was held in the presence of Smt. Anita Shah Akella, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, who set the rationale for discussion by highlighting the need to look at climate change not only as an environmental concern but also through the lens of policy, business and implementation. She emphasised the importance of examining how climate action can be integrated at the policy level and, importantly, whether sustainability remains only a topic of discussion or is actually embedded in the way businesses operate. She underlined the need to move towards meaningful implementation and sustainable business practices.
The discussion also featured perspectives from sustainability, CSR and industry leaders, including Shri Bibhuti Ranjan Pradhan, Executive Director (Coordination & CSR). As Guest of Honour, Shri Bibhuti Ranjan Pradhan highlighted the importance of collective action and stronger convergence among Government, corporates, CSR partners, institutions and communities to address the challenges posed by climate change. He emphasised that sustainable livelihoods and enterprises must be supported through practical interventions, capacity building, innovation and partnerships that can create long-term impact at the grassroots level.
The Roundtable stems from EDII Director General, Dr. Sunil Shukla’s concern for promoting climate-resilient enterprises and sustainable businesses amidst growing environmental concerns. Dr. Shukla has often voiced his deep concern on how climate change is increasingly affecting livelihoods, businesses and local economies, and how CSR can contribute to building resilience through entrepreneurship, skills, technology, sustainable products, market linkages and enterprise development.
Participants highlighted the need for sustainable businesses to be not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable and market-linked, with stronger collaboration between corporates, CSR partners, institutions, Government and communities.
The event concluded with a commitment to continue the dialogue and explore collaborative solutions that connect climate action with sustainable enterprises, resilient livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.
22 CSR officials joined the roundtable conference, contributing diverse perspectives on strengthening climate resilience, sustainable enterprise development and inclusive livelihoods.
