An international workshop on Corporate Environmental Management: From Policy to Practice was held at IIMB on May 3-6, 2010. Organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) in partnership with IIMB, this workshop saw the participation of 35 government officials and policy makers from 17 countries.
Climate change is by far the most serious environmental challenge facing the world today. The importance of climate change issues are underscored by its magnitude and complexity. In recognition that environmental degradation cannot continue unabated, and is at present bordering on criticality, the management of natural resources has taken centre stage on the agenda for both private and public entities. Economic and social well-being is solely dependent on how well environmental resources are managed, hence a great and dire need to stress that resources used to fuel economic growth be utilised in a sustainable manner, in order to ensure the durability of prosperity. Various studies have proved that though climate change effects are widespread globally, developing countries are particularly vulnerable.
Evidently there is much to do, and a dramatic change is what is called for. This change can occur only if a collective effort from the Governments, international organizations, civil societies and the private sector work towards the cause. Though awareness is spreading rapidly regarding these key issues, people in developing countries are either unsure about how to deal with them, or are unwilling to accept as it requires them to make great many changes. Hence new policies and institutional approaches need to take urgent and radical action to tackle the issue and increase understanding of the challenges of development in the face of a more hostile climate.
The workshop intended to help understand, take stock and act on the impacts, vulnerabilities, costs, opportunities and policy options on important perspectives for Asian countries. The intent was also in pooling in resources to address shared challenges.
At the inaugural session on May 3, Professor Trilochan Sastry, Dean (Academics) at IIMB, and Aun Kim, Country Director, ADB India Resident Mission set the context for the conference. Over the four days, six substantive sessions were held, followed by A Policy Dialogue on the final day.
There were a series of presentations and discussions from eminent academicians and corporate executives from various organizations such as ADB (Asian Development Bank), ADBI (Asian Development Bank Institute), National University of Singapore, Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology of the United Nations - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APCTT), Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, National Law School, Bengaluru, Thailand Environment Institute, ITC, Infosys, Panasonic, Sustainability Inc., and Toyota. During the workshop there were two field visits to Infosys and Toyota campus to understand these companies best practices related to Corporate Environment Management.
The workshop acted as platform for academicians, policy makers of different countries and corporate executives to share their ideas and thoughts. It also showcased some of the practices which Indian companies such as Infosys and Toyota are implementing to mitigate environmental damages and developing innovative solutions to face the global issue of climate change. Professor Pankaj Chandra, Director, IIMB participated in the final wrap-up session. Concluding remarks were made by Mr. V. Anbumozhi, ADBI and Professor PD Jose of IIMB.
An international workshop on Corporate Environmental Management: From Policy to Practice was held at IIMB on May 3-6, 2010. Organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) in partnership with IIMB, this workshop saw the participation of 35 government officials and policy makers from 17 countries.
Climate change is by far the most serious environmental challenge facing the world today. The importance of climate change issues are underscored by its magnitude and complexity. In recognition that environmental degradation cannot continue unabated, and is at present bordering on criticality, the management of natural resources has taken centre stage on the agenda for both private and public entities. Economic and social well-being is solely dependent on how well environmental resources are managed, hence a great and dire need to stress that resources used to fuel economic growth be utilised in a sustainable manner, in order to ensure the durability of prosperity. Various studies have proved that though climate change effects are widespread globally, developing countries are particularly vulnerable.
Evidently there is much to do, and a dramatic change is what is called for. This change can occur only if a collective effort from the Governments, international organizations, civil societies and the private sector work towards the cause. Though awareness is spreading rapidly regarding these key issues, people in developing countries are either unsure about how to deal with them, or are unwilling to accept as it requires them to make great many changes. Hence new policies and institutional approaches need to take urgent and radical action to tackle the issue and increase understanding of the challenges of development in the face of a more hostile climate.
The workshop intended to help understand, take stock and act on the impacts, vulnerabilities, costs, opportunities and policy options on important perspectives for Asian countries. The intent was also in pooling in resources to address shared challenges.
At the inaugural session on May 3, Professor Trilochan Sastry, Dean (Academics) at IIMB, and Aun Kim, Country Director, ADB India Resident Mission set the context for the conference. Over the four days, six substantive sessions were held, followed by A Policy Dialogue on the final day.
There were a series of presentations and discussions from eminent academicians and corporate executives from various organizations such as ADB (Asian Development Bank), ADBI (Asian Development Bank Institute), National University of Singapore, Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology of the United Nations - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APCTT), Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, National Law School, Bengaluru, Thailand Environment Institute, ITC, Infosys, Panasonic, Sustainability Inc., and Toyota. During the workshop there were two field visits to Infosys and Toyota campus to understand these companies best practices related to Corporate Environment Management.
The workshop acted as platform for academicians, policy makers of different countries and corporate executives to share their ideas and thoughts. It also showcased some of the practices which Indian companies such as Infosys and Toyota are implementing to mitigate environmental damages and developing innovative solutions to face the global issue of climate change. Professor Pankaj Chandra, Director, IIMB participated in the final wrap-up session. Concluding remarks were made by Mr. V. Anbumozhi, ADBI and Professor PD Jose of IIMB.