An Indo-Dutch CSR & Sustainability forum was held on 15 September and co-hosted by the Center for Responsible Business (CRB). The forum specifically focused on the Supply-Chain aspect of the CSR/Sustainability question.
H.E. Ambassador Stoelinga had the honor of inaugurating the Indo-Dutch CSR & Sustainability forum – the first of its kind in India! The Indo-Dutch CSR & Sustainability forum was co-hosted by the Center for Responsible Business (CRB), specifically focused on the Supply-Chain aspect of the CSR/Sustainability question. Prior to the forum, business questionnaires were sent to approximately 35 Dutch companies active in the Indian market and another 17 Indian companies who are active in the Netherlands.
MNEs, SMEs, Startups, and NGOs alike were present and gave valuable input to the discussion. This made for a broad and inclusive discussion about the private sector and their role in combating CSR and sustainability.
CSR is characterized by the 3 P’s of sustainable business: People, Planet and Profit. These three P’s illustrate the three main focus points that companies look into when directing their efforts at minimizing their industrial footprint and negative impact on the world. Governments alone cannot come up with a solution. Private entities can, and indeed must play an important role in this process.
During the forum, Dutch companies operating in India and vis-versa, shed light on their best practices and how they see the future of CSR & sustainability in India. Valuable lessons can be taken away from the Forum with which we can procure a better, safer, and more prosperous world.
A follow-up Forum will be organized in January, with the goal of creating a bi-annual platform where a diverse group of organizations can add to the discussion.