Build Back Better: a Sustainable Future for South Asia

July 14, 2020 /3BL Media/ - How can the rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic be approached in a way that alleviates the growing economic, societal and environmental pressures in South Asian countries?

Seeking solutions in support of this aim is a key focus of the GRI South Asia Virtual Regional Summit, which starts on 22 July. This free events series – with nine online sessions over one week – includes a diverse program under the theme empowering decisions for a sustainable future.

Events includes the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the economic reboot, and how the transition to circularity can enhance competitiveness. Issues crucial to the region, such as promoting sustainable practices by SMEs and addressing the challenges facing the textile sector, will also be explored.

Prominent speakers from the worlds of business, policy and civil society will participate (including those quoted below). Importantly, the Summit seeks to bridge the generational divide by giving millennials a platform to contribute to the debate. It will conclude with the agreement of a charter of action, setting out joint commitments reached during the Summit.  

Aditi Haldar, Director of GRI’s South Asia Regional Hub, said:

“Home to one-fifth of the world’s population, South Asia has a key role in the global realization of the SDGs. Driven by industry and economic growth, it is crucial that the region brings businesses on board the sustainable development agenda. This summit can serve as a launchpad for action by the South Asia community to build back better. As countries respond to the pandemic, we need governments to show inclusive leadership that considers the needs of all members of society and delivers a sustainable recovery.”

Girish Ramachandran, President of Tata Consultancy Services Asia Pacific, and a member of the GRI Board, said:

"This extraordinary human and economic crisis offers a unique opportunity to accelerate transformation towards a more sustainable, digitized and transparent new era of prosperity. We have the opportunity to reboot with sustainability considerations. I look forward to sharing my outlook at the GRI South Asia Summit.”

Anirban Ghosh, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mahindra Group, said:

“We must attempt a reset rather than a restart as we recover from the pandemic. The reset should make us operate within planetary boundaries when going about our lives. ‘Alternativism’ is an approach that will help identify solutions for a better, more humane world that has net zero emissions.”

Rezwan Siddiqui, Environmental Management Specialist, Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research, BRAC University (Bangladesh), said:

“The ‘build back better’ initiative of the post-COVID era will be incomplete and futile without incorporating the skills and vision of millennials. It is millennials who will take the lead in the rebuilding process, at both micro and macro levels globally. Moreover, if we look at the structure of South Asian society, there is no doubt that the greatest burden of supporting and rebuilding is borne by millennials.” 

Elaine Cohen, Managing Director of sustainability consultancy Beyond Business, added:

“The role of corporations in shaping our new reality is pivotal. We need to share experience and insight so that the way forward for each is the way forward that benefits all. I am delighted to participate in the GRI South Asia Virtual Regional Summit and hope to contribute to a productive dialogue that will inform sustainable practice in this region.”

Registration to the Summit is open until 20 July (registering once gives access to the all nine sessions):

22 July            

Session 1: Rebooting for a stronger and sustainable South Asia

Session 2: Meaningful disclosures for effective decision-making

27 July            

Session 3: Using SDGs for purpose-led business

Session 4: Advancing a culture of health for business

Session 5: Shifting From the take-make-waste economy to circular solutions

29 July            

Session 6: Enhancing financial capital by impactful disclosure

Session 7: Critical sectors in South Asia: sustainability in textile and apparel

29 July            

Session 8: Exploring sustainable business practices in SMEs

Session 9: Valedictory – charter for action to be unveiled

With a key focus on India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the GRI South Asia Summit is open to people from across the region, as well international partners around the world. View the Summit agenda for further details.

GRI appreciates support for this Summit from the Government of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the independent international organization that helps businesses, governments and other organizations understand and communicate their impacts.  The GRI Standards are the world’s most widely used for sustainability reporting.

Headquartered in Amsterdam (the Netherlands), GRI’s South Asia Hub (based in New Delhi) is one of a network of seven regional hubs globally.