High Level Corporate Dialogue

"The energy-water-food nexus, underscores the global challenges that we face as a society. The increasing global population, industrialization and urbanization pose stress to our energy, water and food supplies. Unsustainable development, extreme weather conditions and impacts of climate change only intensify these pressures. According to UN estimates, for a population that could top 10 billion by 2050, in the next 15 to 20 years alone we will need 30 percent more water, 45 percent more energy and 50 percent more food. Shortages of resources could cause social and political instability, geopolitical conflict and irreparable environmental damage. Any strategy that focuses on one part of the water-food-energy nexus without considering its interconnections risks serious unintended consequences." — World Economic Forum, 2011

Though the corporate risk and opportunities related to the energy-water-food nexus is still nascent in the minds of many businesses, several companies have seriously begun to focus on this nexus by way of reorienting or broadening their business strategies. — Conservation International's Business and Sustainability Council Study,

Energy, water and food Security form comprehensive vertices of the development triangle covering the sources for many other problems faced by society at large. The corporate agenda towards energy, water and food security needs to be identified for convergent action. Corporations further need to understand the importance of engaging in policy to advance public interest, ensure equitable decision making & minimize business risk.

The recent landmark Companies Act 2013 passed by the two houses of parliament, Government of India, has set the tone for a more modern legislation which enables growth and greater regulation of the corporate sector in India. The forward looking Act is expected to improve corporate governance norms, enhance accountability and encourage corporate democracy. Further, it is observed that the mandated 2% from profits after tax

on Indian businesses, to be utilized for corporate social responsibility, has the potential to unleash huge economic and social value.

The High Level Corporate Dialogue was convened on 5th February, 2014 as the curtain raiser to the 14th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS). The DSDS 2014 was be conducted under the broad rubric, 'Attaining Energy, Water and Food Security for All'. The High Level Corporate Dialogue was therefore be themed 'How will Businesses Lead India's Energy, Water and Food Security'. The Dialogue also deliberated towards a blueprint of actions that will help embed social and shared value in view of the new business paradigm for Indian companies.

Over 200 delegates consisting of CEOs, CSOs, heads of multi/bi-lateral organizations and senior government representatives from across the globe came together to discuss corporate action towards the goal of attaining energy, water and food security for all.

The High Level Corporate Dialogue was held on February 05, 2014, and was followed by the Regional Launch of the International Decade of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) and a Reception hosted by SE4All and BP.