The Chandigarh Business School of Administration (CBSA), CGC Landran in association with FPT University Vietnam, organised an AICTE-sponsored two-day international conference on the theme -‘Global best practices for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion aimed at Sustainable Development’, on campus at CGC Landran.
The event was aimed at discussing the concepts of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the key role they play in facilitating sustainable growth for organisations and corporates while helping in social and economic upliftment of all their stakeholders including the communities they are a part of. The convention was graced by the presence of Dr. Kapil Narula, (Former) Economic Affairs Officer (Energy), United Nations and Ms. Sangeeta Robinson, Chief Sustainability Officer, PVR Ltd., as keynote speakers and guests of honour including Mr. Frederick Young, MD, GEM Pvt. Ltd., England, United Kingdom, Mr. Ha Nguyen, Head of Academics, FPT University, Vietnam, Dr. Khoong Tai Wai, Program leader, TARUC, Malaysia and Dr. Nam Nguyen, FPT University, Vietnam. The dignitaries were accompanied by Prof. (Dr.) P.N. Hrisheekesha, Campus Director, CGC Landran and Prof. (Dr.) Ramandeep Saini, Director Principal, CBSA, CGC Landran among others. An abstract book comprising case studies on the theme authored by the CBSA faculty was also released. More than 100 articles from across the world and 15 states of India were also accepted for the conference post a rigorous peer review process.
Delivering the keynote address virtually, Dr. Narula gave a detailed overview of the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion explaining how an inclusive culture that values diversity is crucial to build sustainable and successful companies and communities. It encourages innovation, better, more effective decision making and implementation of ideas, he added. He also emphasised that going forward, companies which adopt these concepts would attract and retain the best talent, come up with new innovations in business while enjoying better reputation among employees, stakeholders and investors.
Sharing her thoughts on the theme, Ms Robinson, highlighted how these three concepts are integral to the sustainable development goals envisioned by the United Nations. Citing her organisation’s example she showcased how it had been devising and implementing policies that promoted inclusiveness, equality and embraced diversity. She also underscored the importance of incorporating guidelines for people with disabilities into sustainable development plans.
The conference over the period of two days broadly encompassed discussions on Future sustainability, innovation through marketing strategies; Human resource practices for diversity, equity and inclusion aimed at sustainability; Innovation in IT, operations and SCM for sustainable development; Financial inclusion for equity and sustainability; and Social innovation, business ethos, corporate governance and CSR to achieve sustainability.
The conference concluded with the best paper authors being felicitated with certificates and cash prizes.