IICA Hosts NAIL Meet in Goa to Strengthen ESG Leadership
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), a Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, organization, organized the first National Association of Impact Leaders (NAIL) Meet 2025 in Goa, gathering more than 100 ESG professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders. The historic event was designed to create a platform for discussions on future sustainability trends and set a path for a resilient and responsible corporate future.
The session was conducted under the leadership of Shri Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, DG & CEO, IICA, and NFRA Chairman. Prof. Garima Dadhich, Associate Professor and Head, School of Business Environment, IICA, welcomed the participants with an address, emphasizing the increasing importance of ESG leadership in fostering corporate sustainability and linking organizational strategies to changing global paradigms.
Ms. Aruna C. Newton, Vice President, Infosys Limited, provided insights into how strong governance systems can promote the adoption of green technology and inculcate a culture of sustainability. This was preceded by a presentation from a Public Relations Associate, Private Sector Engagement, UNICEF, who highlighted the social aspects of Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) Core, underlining the importance of ethical and equitable business practices.
A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Garima Dadhich, featured distinguished NAIL members, including Mr. J P Dash, Mr. Ashok Sethi, Mr. Sridhar L, Ms. Shalini Verma, and Mr. Paritosh Chauhan. The panel explored regulatory transformations, such as SEBI’s new norms, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the dissolution of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). A top SEBI official gave an in-depth look at the changing ESG rating landscape and the strategic realignments corporates need to undertake to stay compliant and competitive.
Technology's powerful influence on ESG approaches was underscored by a Senior Expert at KPMG India, who showed how AI is disrupting ESG data analytics, reporting, and decision-making. This was preceded by presentations from Senior Experts at WRI India and CEEW-CEF, who examined greenhouse gas accounting approaches and explored the imperative of carbon markets in moving towards a net-zero world.
The ceremony ended with an emotional vote of thanks by Prof. Garima Dadhich, recognizing speakers', participants', and stakeholders' valuable inputs. Participants then gathered for a networking session, which involved sharing sustainable finance, ESG audits, decarbonization strategies, and business-biodiversity integration.
IICA also announced the 3rd edition of its flagship ESG annual conference, the National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct (NCRBC), on July 2-3, 2025, with registrations starting in March 2025. NAIL is ready to emerge as a leading platform for IICA Certified ESG Professionals and Impact Leaders, fueling knowledge-sharing, effective leadership, and significant change in corporate sustainability.