A confluence of engaging view points on Achieving SDGs through CSR in
developing economies – Role of G20 Nations.
The invigorating Summit was further enhanced with intellectual stimulation, nuggets of wisdom, information, and a priceless exchange of viewpoints between experts in a powerful panel discussion featuring luminaries and was skillfully moderated by widely acclaimed and distinguished professional, Dr Shabnam Asthana- Managing Editor, CSR Times.
The invited experts on the panel were Dr Somnath Singh, Deputy Director, UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI). With the UN Global Compact Network India being a custodian of the successful implementation and achievement of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) he was asked to share his overview of the organization and strategies of UN GCNI in achieving SDGs and how it was helping the Nation to prove its contribution at a global level.
As a development professional and an academic practitioner with over 22 years of experience in diverse sectors spanning – Government, Corporate, Civil Society Organizations, Academia, and the UN system. His valuable inputs covered the focus areas of Education, Public health, gender, microfinance, and Business Integrity amongst others. He put across his well-researched and rich experience-based viewpoint which was well received by the audience and other panelists and sparked a free-flowing engaging discussion.
Kavita Srivastava, Director – Strategic Partnerships, American India Foundation
As part of a well-reputed NGO “AIF” which has been working in collaboration with various sectors like banking and the corporate world for over 25 years to uplift the weaker section of society, Ms. Srivastava was asked to comment on the role of NGOs in achieving SDGs and the strategies they should adopt to achieve those. Ms. Srivastava gave her input based on her 25 years of experience in fundraising and banking at various International and domestic nonprofits and banks. Her suggestions and comments encompassed change and development based on her work tenure which spanned SOS Children’s Villages of India, CRY (Child Rights and YOU) Save the Children, Magic Bus India, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
K.C. Sreenath, K.C. Sreenath Development Professional
Was asked to comment on how the NGO/Development sector was helping the country in achieving core SDGs, SDG -1 and SDG-2 SDG-3, SDG-4, and SDG-5 that was directed toward transforming the lives of the people in the country.
K.C Sreenath with demonstrative work experience with grassroots national and international organizations and as a Communications Professional with more than thirty years’ experience in the development sector, drew on his wealth of experience to put forth pertinent points.
Neeraj Sethi, Country Director for Baker Hughes in India was asked about his views and observations on the contribution of businesses towards achieving SDGs and his recommendations to Indian businesses to help the country in providing security for the planet and the environment and making the lives of its people safe and secure.
He addressed the question as an international business leader with extensive experience in the upstream Oil and Gas industry. He exhibited an extensive knowledge of general management, technology, and business development experience of 25 years in the industry
Biplab Chaudhuri, Founder & Global CEO, PTS Consulting Services Private Limited
Was asked to suggest what the IT industries could do to support the Govt. in making the SDGs strategy more transparent and useful. As the Founder & Global CEO of PTS Consulting Services which is a leading provider of IT Consulting, Business Process Management, and Human Capital Consulting to startups, Mid-market, and leading vertical organizations across the globe. He brought forth many pertinent points which sparked a series of comments from the panelists and was great food for thought.
Ms. Santhi Periasamy- Head of RYTHM Foundation was asked to throw some light on the need for a sustainable association between community and corporate CSR for achieving SDGs in India.
Santhi Periasamy as the Head of RYTHM Foundation brought to the panel discussion more than three decades of her experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. It was evident during her response that her subsequent engagements with nonprofits had deepened her understanding of community needs and sustainable development. This power-packed session ended with thundering applause from the audience and presented valuable takeaways to the attendees!
