Collaboration Takes Center Stage as Karnataka Embraces a Sustainable Future

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Held in Bengaluru, the summit brought together government officials, corporate leaders, and changemakers to map out a path towards a sustainable future not just for the state, but for India as a whole.

Themed "Sustainable Future through Innovative Strategies in Climate Change and Water Stewardship," the event fostered lively discussions on collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable goals.  Participants evaluated ongoing initiatives in Karnataka and their impact within the broader context of global sustainability objectives.

Dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister, Shri DK Shivkumar reaffirmed Karnataka's commitment to sustainability, highlighting the state's progress in battling climate change and protecting the environment. This commitment further found voice in the keynote address by LK Atheeq, Additional Chief Secretary to CM & Dept. of Finance, who outlined the state's sustainability agenda, focusing on key pillars such as energy, transportation, water, and waste management.

A fireside chat with Jan Craps, CEO & Co-Chairman of Budweiser Brewing Company APAC, echoed the overarching theme of "Act for Impact" for Season 3 of Sustainability100+. Craps emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between state governments and corporations in translating global commitments into tangible local impact.

Corporate sustainability strategies took centre stage in a panel discussion featuring Kartikeya Sharma, President – India, AB InBev titled “Sustainable Leadership: Pioneering Strategies for a Greener Future in the Corporate World.”, Sharma outlined his company's three-point sustainability mission:  inspiring stakeholders, educating youth, and fostering engagement. Other panellists, including Kamal Bali, President & Managing Director, Volvo India, and Ashish Kulkarni, Partner & Associate Director, Climate and Sustainability Practice, BCG, concurred on the critical importance of integrating sustainability into corporate strategy.

The summit also featured thought-provoking discussions on accelerating climate action in Karnataka, led by experts such as Manjunath Prasad N, Additional Chief Secretary – Forest, Environment and Ecology, and Prof. Dassapa S, Chairman of ICER, IISc, Bengaluru. Their insights and recommendations emphasised the need for holistic approaches to sustainable living, exemplified by local initiatives like the water body rehabilitation efforts spearheaded Anand Malligavad, known as the 'Lakeman of India.'

Furthermore, the summit celebrated and empowered sustainability champions through the launch of the second edition of the Sustainability100+ Awards. This initiative recognises and honours individuals whose actions have led to positive environmental and social change.

As the curtains closed on the first Sustainability100+ Summit in Karnataka, a sense of optimism and collective purpose permeated the air. The diverse range of perspectives and initiatives showcased leave no doubt that collaborative action holds the key to unlocking a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Moneycontrol journalists were not involved in the creation of the article.