Started as a curtain-raiser event to the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit in 2004, the World CEO Forum (WCF) organized by the TERI–Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) in association with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has become one of the pre-eminent international CEO meets to discuss the challenges facing businesses in the context of sustainable development. Till date, it has attracted over 1,000 Indian and international CEOs, senior government representatives and thought leaders.
The theme for the 9th WCSS 2012 was ‘Doing Business - While Protecting the Global Commons’ . The Summit plenaries delved into the dynamics of ‘business unusual’ exploring new markets and opportunities. Mr Anand Sharma, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Textiles, Government of India inaugurated the Summit
At the inaugural session, Dr. R K Pachauri, President, TERI-BCSD and Director-General, TERI; spoke about the impact of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions on global commons, and their destructive effects on society. Citing an example, Dr. Pachauri mentioned the impact of climate change on sea-level rise in coastal areas.
Mr. Peter Bakker, President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, revealed how in India, a greater number of people were aware of sustainability, and he stressedon the role businesses have to play in ensuring sustainability. Mr. Sudhir Vasudeva, Chairman and Managing Director, ONGC Ltd shed light on sustainable development in terms of his work in the hydrocarbon sector. In the course of his address, he cdefined a five-point agenda; dealing with a company's carbon footprint, the role of small businesses, initiation of outreach for sustainability, global citizenship, and issues of ethics and morality.
Dr. Sam Pitroda, Chairman, National Innovation Council, Government of India & Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations, emphasized that developmental modules based on 20th century experiences were not sustainable or desirable, and needed to be critically analyzed. According to Dr. Pitroda, sustainability is a buzz word that excites a lot many. He also shared with the audience Gandhi's thoughts on sustainability. Mr. Anand Sharma spoke about the role of IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) in relation to sustainable development, and the potential of green and clean technology in the cause of sustainability. Ms. Annapurna Vancheswaran, Director – Sustainable Development Outreach, TERI, drew the session to a close by delivering the vote of thanks.
