No. PR- 132 October 22, 2021 New Delhi An inclusive green economy is the alternate to the dominant economic world: Mr. Jigme Takpa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change The Young Business Leaders Forum organised a Webinar on Building Sustainable Solutions for Future- “Role and Challenges for Gen Next”. The objective of the webinar was to raise awareness and demonstrate support towards “climate change, reducing carbon footprints and sustainability solutions” across the globe and aims to rehabilitate the Earth to low carbon and climate-resilient global economy. In her opening remarks, Ms. Surbhi Gupta, Chair, YBLF said that as the current pandemic sets the new vision for global action towards an inclusive and sustainable world, the success of organisations depends on their approach to sustainability. In particular, how they localise and integrate practices across sustainable business models, ESG indicators, climate finance and environmental offsets. Corporate executives, policymakers, academics and practitioners have embarked on activities to integrate sustainability into corporate and policy agendas. She also briefed the participants on various initiatives of YBLF. In his welcome remarks Mr. Saket Dalmia, Senior Vice President, PHDCCI said that the youth today is aware and sensitive towards sustainability and also more greatly concerned with global challenges. Born in the digital age, these generations are seen to be more health-conscious, socially aware and environmentally responsible. The topic of sustainability has moved further into the global collective conscience and going forward it is utmost important to preserve our reserves and environment. And this requires a lot of planning to move towards sustainability. While speaking at the occasion Chief Guest, Mr. Jigme Takpa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that it is the most appropriate topic today and requires action on priority by the industry. He mentioned about the quantum of pressure on natural resources in India. He said that effect of human activities has warmed up the earth, and health of the ecosystem in deteriorating. Mr. Takpa while citing the IPCC report on climate change said that the emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius of warming since 1850-1900. The impact of climate change will increase in all regions and for 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming, there will be “increasing heat waves, longer warm seasons and shorter cold seasons” while at 2 degrees Celsius of global warming, heat extremes would more often reach critical tolerance thresholds for agriculture and health. Mr. Jigme Takpa also urged for collaborative efforts from the industry and form public private corporation, share best practices to foster innovation in the field of sustainability. He said that with the right policies in the place, right market condition and stimulus we can achieve more. Mr. Takpa while concluding emphasized that an inclusive green economy is the alternative to the dominant economic world. It is crucial for industry to move in direction of circular economy which is “a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible”. He summed up by saying that we must act for a healthy environment and while doing that we must protect the rights of local communities. Mr. Manish Dabkara, Managing Director, Enking International in his presentation “Carbon Markets and Expectation from COP26” briefed the audience about his company which is working in the “climate change, carbon credit and sustainability solutions” across the globe. He mentioned about the strategic solutions for helping businesses and organizations to achieve their climate ambition. Mr Dabkara also mentioned about the international carbon market and how his company helps multiple business organizations to ensure the sustainability of their business and contribution towards sustainable development. He also highlighted the expectations from COP 26 which will be held in Glasgow in November. He also mentioned about the Paris Agreement and what are the implications to corporate, State and Central Government. Ms. Aparna Roy, Research Lead, Climate Change and Energy, ORF in her address on “Youth and Climate Change: Driving Sustainability Through Impact at Scale” said that in an ever changing time, the want of climate change required solutions to keep up with the pace at which things are changing. A top down approach of facilitating youth in climate dialogues, by imparting education or building capacities will only yield results to certain extent and subsequently fall in the same vicious traps that other good meaning initiatives have fallen into over the past- of inaction and futility. The need of the hour is to infuse and adopt a bottom up approach where the policymakers, economic stakeholders and so called adults of the world, learn to listen and listen from the youth. That’s the key to impact at scale. Mr. Varun Pahwa, President, DRI (Pahwa Group) in his presentation “Sustainable & Green Buildings: Introduction to Net Zero Buildings with Focus on Environment Friendly Air conditioning” said that everyone is talking in a new language which is “Green”, people are becoming more aware on climate change global warming, sustainability, clean tech and carbon credits. He mentioned about the Green Building Concept and how industry can move in this direction. He said that building can be designed to use more sustainable and renewable methods and materials which improves energy efficiency, Minimize waste material, conservation of resources and creates a “healthy” building environment. Mr. Pahwa concluded while saying said that simple design interventions are first step towards achieving energy efficiency and green buildings are the need of the time for a sustainable future. Ms. Vineeta Mehra, Joint Secretary, PHDCCI moderated the session which was well attended by the industry members. She extended the formal Vote of Thanks to all the distinguished speakers for the program for sharing their insights on sustainability and moving towards a better future. She also thanked the Event Sponsor Enking International, Online Partner Indianbureaucracy.com, YBLF Annual sponsors Artify, Bry Air (Asia) Pvt Ltd., Gulshan Polyols Ltd. Instinct Infra and Power Ltd. and Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd. for supporting the annual activities of YBLF. This event was supported by Annual Sponsors such as DLF India; Multani Pharmaceuticals; UFLEX; Continental Carrier ; JK Tyre & Industries; Marble City; Paramount Cables; SMC Investments and Advisors; Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic; Comtech Interio; DCM Shriram Industries; Radico Khaitan; R.E. Rogers India; Ajit Industries; EaseMyTrip; Synergy Environics; Continental Carriers; Timberworkz; Jindal Stainless; Modern Automobiles; P S Bedi & Co; IFFCO and Hindware. – End Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry