Yojana Bhavan, Main Secretariat, Shillong. In collaboration with the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), Brussels, the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) had organized a one-day Interactive Seminar on “Global Practices on Sustainable Development, Green Technology & Cleantech” on 24th March, 2014 at the Yojana Bhawan Auditorium.
The list of dignitaries that graced the event were Shri. B. Warjri, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya who was the chief guest, experts from the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), Brussels, Professor Jean Louis Van Belle, Management & Development Consultant, Mr. Nico Francou, Managing Director, Finibis, Mr. Erik Famaey, Senior Associate, European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) Mr. Axel Goethals, CEO, European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), Mr. Maarten Pelgrims, Ecorem Mr. Alok Bhardwaj, Senior Associate, European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), Dr. Frank Heemskerk, Advisory Board Member of EIAS. The participants at the interactive seminar were officers, civil society, NGOs and other stakeholders in Meghalaya.
Shri. A.B.S. Swer, OSD, Meghalaya Institute of Governance (MIG) gave the welcome address. This was followed by the programme perspective which was delivered by Mr. Alok Bhandwaj. He spoke candidly on the Companies Act 2013 and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India. He was of the view that corporate companies in the country must integrate economic, social and environmental development with their growth. He also mentioned that the business environment in India must be brought closer to European standards.
In his address, Mr. B. Warjri said that “the idea of sustainable development is not new”, however, implementation of this idea is lacking. He also mentioned that “we must ensure our natural resources are not diminished or destroyed. We may do this for good intentions but not in manner that is far sighted.” We must get the idea of sustainable development into our thought pattern, no matter what kind of development. He also mentioned the need for sensitizing the people so that all developmental activities that we take should take care of us and not just the environment. Mr. Warjri was hopeful that this seminar would go a long way in sensitising the people about sustainable development.
What followed next, were presentations, in-depth discussions and several question and answer sessions on the following topic listed below:“CSR Practices: Need for Innovation and Professionalism” by Frank Heemskerk, Senior Associate, EIAS.“Responsible banking and Investment”, Mr. Erik Famaey, Senior Associate, European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS).“Corporate Social Responsibility and Cleantech- Shared Values”, Mr. Nico Francou, Managing Director of FINIBIS.“Responsible Investment with Environmentally and Socially Friendly R&D”, Mr. Axel Goethals, CEO, European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS)The vote of thanks was given by Mr. G. Charaborty, OSD, MBDA.