Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) conducted its 6th Sustainability Summit on 27th February 2016. The pan-India level Summit was held at FIIB ‘Green Campus’ to mark 22nd Founder’s Day of the Institute. The core idea of organizing this year’s Summit was to generate ideas and opinions on the most discussed area of Sustainability – ‘From the Green Line to the Bottom Line: Creating Value through Sustainability’
The Annual Sustainability Summit witnessed speakers from renowned organizations reflect and debate upon initiatives that contributes towards the society. The aim of the Summit reflected well with acclaimed professionals and business leaders submerging their thoughts at the Summit’s interactive discussion sessions that generated insights into today’s critical issues affecting the society by and large. The Summit was inaugurated by Ms. Radhika Shrivastava, Executive Director, FIIB Delhi. Through her inaugural address, Ms. Shrivastava spoke about the various initiatives at the institute that have helped the FIIB campus to become a ‘Green’ Campus. She welcomed all the participants and guests and said “It has been 5 years since FIIB adopted Sustainability as its key pillar, and pledged to abide by a policy that was approved by the Institute’s Board and mandated us to imbibe sustainability in all three areas of our impact as a management institution – in Academic Activities, Operations and Engagement with the Communities.”
The Institute as a part of its mission statement has been trying to integrate sustainability into its daily administrative undertakings, academic inputs and student-driven activities. Ms. Shrivastava elaborated on recycling paper, e-waste, solid waste, cloth collection drive, Walk for Life – CanSupport and other such initiatives that are undertaken by the Institute regularly.
Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder –Goonj, in his keynote address to the audience on “Sustainability & its Importance in Today’s Evolving Business & Social Communities” emphasized on the fundamentals of sustainability and the need of an individual’s contribution to the society. He also encouraged the youth to come out of the myths and explore the reality individually. He mentioned “by changing infrastructure you do not change country but by changing the state of people you actually change the world.” He commended the work of FIIB towards the cause of Sustainability.
The day progressed with industry experts from FICCI, Diageo, Lenovo, Viom Networks, Jamna Auto Industries, Real Medicine Foundation, Muskaan, Bharti Foundation and Bosconet, who progressed dialogues through Panel Discussion on Implementing Sustainability – From Board Room to the Shop Floor and Sustainability and Entrepreneurship- Turn Ideas into Projects, and Projects into Successful Businesses and a Special Session on the topic” Role of Social Enterprises in Development of the Nation” by Mr. Pankaj Jain.
Mr. Pankaj Jain, Chairman, Sulabh Sanitation Mission Foundation, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation left everyone enchanted with the pioneering work of Sulabh in social reform especially in the field of sanitation and hygiene. He encouraged the students to explore the Social Enterprises sector which provides high level of self- satisfaction.
The Summit eventually came up with implementable solutions that may leave a better footprint for future. Sustainability Summit closed on a highly motivating note with everyone pledging to do one good initiative for the society and living up to the practices of sustainable development for future generations and for the planet.
