Center for Sustainable Development

About the Center:

Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) was founded in the year 2012 with a vision to shape innovative solutions to address the challenges of Sustainable Development to business and society. CSD leads and partners with national and international organizations to document, research, build capacity, and penetrate knowledge having an impact on social, economic, and environment aspects of business, society, and public policy.

CSD works with corporates, think tanks, chambers of commerce & industry, and government and non-government organizations to undertake research, training, round-table conferences, creating knowledge products as well as undertaking baseline and impact assessment studies in the area of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in a holistic manner. CSD actively promotes and enhances public awareness about the various aspects of sustainable development and social responsibility not only among their student community but also through the sharing platforms with other stakeholders.

Thrust Areas

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting and Sustainable Development (SD)
• Corporate Social Performance Measurement
• Ethics and Corporate Governance
• Waste Management Practices
• Sustainability Reporting Practices
• International Migration

Goals of the Center:

The Center intended to do the following deliberations in the area of CSR and Sustainable Development:

• To undertake training programs jointly with industry, NGO’s, and International organizations.
• To undertake the Advocacy and Consultancy services for baseline study, impact assessment, report writing etc.
• To organize the Round Table Conferences (CSR gap analysis), Seminars and Panel discussions from time to time.
• Development of knowledge product jointly with industry, NGO’s, Chamber of commerce and consultancy organizations.

Events Held:

• Seminar: Green Supply Chain Partnerships – Building Stakeholder Coalitions for Environmental Impact
  On January 15, 2025, CSD hosted a seminar titled "Green Supply Chain Partnerships: Building Stakeholder Coalitions for Environmental Impact," featuring Mr. Mansingh Jaswal, Director & CEO of Genex Logisolutions Pvt Ltd. Mr. Jaswal shared insights into fostering sustainable supply chain partnerships, emphasizing collaboration, shared goals, and measurable environmental outcomes. He discussed innovative strategies such as Genex Logistics' "Green Mile" initiative, which reduces the environmental footprint of logistics operations through innovative solutions. The seminar also explored stakeholder coalitions that bring businesses, governments, and communities together to drive sustainability. Participants engaged in a dynamic Q&A session on overcoming challenges in building partnerships and aligning sustainability goals with business objectives. The event inspired the future managers to adopt collaborative approaches for creating greener supply chains and a sustainable future.
• Seminar: Role of NGOs in Effective Stakeholder Management for Future Leaders
  On December 26, 2024, CSD organized a seminar featuring Mr. Gaurav Agrawal, Founder & CEO of APTCODER (an incubation in IIML-Noida campus), and Shivani Bansal of the Paryog Foundation, Panchkula, Haryana. Ms. Bansal shared compelling insights into the challenges NGOs face in stakeholder engagement, including cultural resistance during efforts like combating stubble burning. She also highlighted successful grassroots initiatives such as empowering differently-abled women through candle-making businesses that now receive corporate orders. They both highlighted the crucial role of the various partnerships on the grassroots levels for the successful running of the programs for the local community. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, leaving students inspired to address societal challenges through effective stakeholder management.
• Kripa DCB Stall at Genesis 2024
  As part of Genesis 2024, held on December 13, 2024, CSD partnered with Kripa DCB Centre to set up a stall showcasing handcrafted items made by differently-abled children. Featuring jewelry, chocolates, and handmade envelopes, the stall raised INR 10,000 and highlighted the importance of empowerment and inclusivity. The initiative received overwhelming support from students, faculty, and visitors, while giving the children an opportunity to connect with the community and gain financial independence.
• Industry Interaction with Lindström Group
  On September 5, 2024, CSD hosted an industry interaction with Lindström Group based in Helsinki, Finland. The esteemed speakers were Ms. Hannamari Serlo, Ms.Michaela Martin from Finland (HQ), and Ms. Ashima Chopra from the New Delhi office. They conducted an interactive workshop for the students. They shared insights on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), gender equality, and sustainable business practices, emphasizing innovative initiatives in the areas of textile sector practices like reuse the resources and water conservation. They also shared their best practices for gender diversity and equality in the workplace. It was an interactive seminar where they gave some simulation exercises to the students and appraised them on fostering inclusivity and innovation in business.
• Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue
  The students attended the national dialogue organized by Mercedes-Benz Sustainability on September 3, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The dialogue highlighted the company’s commitment to climate tech innovation and sustainable mobility. The event showcased the launch of two Centers of Excellence, focusing on decarbonization and charging infrastructure, alongside initiatives like a Climate Tech Incubator supporting social enterprises. The esteemed speakers, including Shri Amitabh Kant and Ms. Sonal Shah, discussed circular economies, gender diversity, and the role of India in driving global sustainability efforts. Students gained deeper insights into the principles of sustainability, including environmental, social, and economic dimensions, and how they interconnect in real-world business practices.
• Seminar: Poverty – Despair and Hope
  On March 8, 2024, CSD organized a seminar where Ms. Nirupama Sekhri and Mr.Sunil Jaglan shared transformative stories about tackling societal challenges. They beautifully highlighted the importance of addressing gender disparities and empowering girls through education, healthcare, and equal opportunities. Ms. Sekhri emphasized the importance of empowerment and affirmative action, while Mr. Jaglan discussed initiatives like "Beti Bachao" and health awareness campaigns in rural areas. Together, they highlighted the impact of individual and community-driven efforts in addressing poverty and inequality, leaving the audience with hope and actionable insights.
• Seminar: Social Startup in Public Health and Education Sector
  Held on March 8, 2024, this seminar explored the role of social startups in addressing inequalities in healthcare and education. Dr. Manju Rani,a Regional Advisor, Health Research and Innovation at World Health Organization, New Delhi discussed disparities in access to essential services and emphasized the economic value of healthcare. Ms. Nirupama Sekhri highlighted the potential of youth-led startups in driving social impact and innovation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing underserved communities in creating a more equitable future. The students learned about the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships involving businesses, governments, NGOs, and communities for addressing complex sustainability challenges.
• How Tribal Women Navigate Empowerment: A Journey of Resilience and Progress
  On February 7, 2024, Mr. Sankalp Vijayvargiya shared insights into the challenges faced by tribal women, including poverty and gender discrimination, and the role of Self-Help Groups and NGOs in their empowerment. Highlighting initiatives by Sankalp India Foundation, such as food drives and cognitive development programs, the seminar celebrated efforts to preserve cultural heritage while addressing social and economic challenges, inspiring participants to contribute to inclusive development.
• Seminar: Hospitality Management in Times of Crisis
  On January 25, 2024, Mr. Tapan Mukherjee, founder of Tapan Mukherjee & Co., delivered a seminar on sustainable practices in the hospitality and food industry. He emphasized millet-based innovations, sustainable packaging, and the role of consumers and policymakers in fostering environmental responsibility. The session encouraged stakeholders to adopt research-driven, socially responsible approaches to navigate crises while promoting sustainability. The event provided students with opportunities to connect with industry experts and explore potential internships and career paths in the hospitality sector
• The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) organized a webinar on “Urban Farming: Emerging Careers for Management Students” on February 16, 2023. Dr Anirudh Garg, Promoter and CEO of the Institute of Urban Farming and Sustainability, was the event's keynote speaker. Urban farming is a rapidly rising trend that has gained popularity in recent years due to the multiple benefits it provides, such as increased access to fresh and nutritious food, promotion of sustainability, and economic opportunities for local communities. Understanding the significance of urban farming as a management student can give you significant insights into the possibility for sustainable and lucrative business models.
• As a part of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), United Nations-supported initiative, CSD along with Team ANTAR during our annual fest, Genesis organized Prerna – CSR Case Study completion during November 18-19, 2022 at FSM campus. One judge was from the development sector and another from PRME (North India), Network. The event saw the participation of many institutes and colleges across India. IIFT, New Delhi bagged the first prize, followed by FSM in the runner-up position.
• As a feature of the Pan India Awareness and Outbreak Program from October 2, 2021-November 14, 2021, Delhi Legal Services Authority (South) under the aegis of DSLSA and NALSA in coordination with the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), FORE School of Management, New Delhi, observed National Legal Services Day as a piece of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' on November 9, 2021 at FSM campus. The prominent guests at this occasion were Sh. Kanwal Jeet Arora, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Dr. B.B.L. Madhukar, Chairman, FORE, Ms. Namrata Aggarwal, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, Dr. Jitendra K Das, Director, FSM and Ms. Nabeela Wali, Judge, Delhi Higher Judicial Ld. Secretary, DSLSA(South). Students of FSM, paralegal experts and representatives from NGO’s attended the seminar. Sh. Kanwal Jeet Arora and Dr. Jitendra K. Das hailed off the legal awareness drive for Roadside Hawkers by paralegal volunteers and volunteer students from FSM.
• CSD in association with Deakin University, Australia organized an International webinar on “Industry-university partnerships for SDG-focused internships in Australia and India” on January 8th, 2022. The objective of this webinar was to help generate industry-university partnerships through workshops in Australia and India as well as develop a digital hub for knowledge sharing with the goal of ultimately creating high-quality Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused student internships. The webinar was the part of a project which is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Commonwealth Government of Australia. Dr. Jitendra K. Das, Director, FSM welcomed all the dignitaries. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Harsh Suri, and Dr. Ameeta Jain, Deakin University, Australia. Mr. Paroksh Prasad, First Secretory (Political) Australian High Commission in India spoke about India-Australia Bilateral Relations. The esteemed panel consisted of Mr. Anish Kohli -Director and Head of Service Provider Business, an Australian Telecom MNC, Mr. G. Ravindra -Head Marketing and Business Development, Department of Toshiba JSW Power System Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, Dr. Seema Sahai -CEO, Mobile Creches, New Delhi, Ms. Chitra A. -CSR Head,Indus Towers Limited, Gurugram, Mr. Mansingh Jaswal -Director and CEO, Genex Logistics, India and Dr. Virendra Kumar Paul -HOD & Professor of Building Engineering & Management, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. The panel discussed structure, opportunities, cross cultural as well as cross border learnings and challenges while generating internships through partnerships for SDGs.
• Under the aegis of Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), a Legal Awareness Programme entitled “Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at workplace Act”, was conducted in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (South) on January 25, 2022 for students of FSM. The session focused on issues of sexual harassment at workplaces. The objective of this Programme was to sensitize future managers to the legal perspective and modes of counsel that a woman faces in case of sexual harassment at any workplace. The mechanism which DLSA is having and every avenue she can take to seek justice, in India. Ms. Nabeela Wali (Judge, Delhi Judicial Service; Secretary, South District Legal Services Authority, Saket Court) took the session. The session was an interactive one where Judge- Ms. Wali with the help of various case studies, followed by in-depth discussions with the students who asked questions regarding POSH Act. Ms. Wali, (Judge) also shared the helpline number for legal aid from DSLA (South), available for all of us.
• CSD organized “Balancing the Professional and Social Networks” on November 22, 2022. Mr. Abhiraj Anand, Senior Manager, HDFC Bank, & Mr. Karan Minocha, Senior Product Specialist, HashedIN by Deloitte, were the chief speakers in the event. Both were the Alumni of FSM. and They explained how networking is important and builds bridges slowly. They taught the techniques to network effectively and shared anecdotes from their personal lives on how networking proved to be a boon to them. Both the speakers shared the interesting case studies with the students which can help the students to build their strong social networks with dignity.
• The CSD, FSM collaboration with Dharamshila Cancer Foundation, and Research New Delhi conducted a webinar on the prevention of Breast and Cervix Cancer for the students, faculty and staff of FSM. The esteemed speakers included Prof (DR) Ramesh Dawar, Vice President DCFRC and Dr Pragya Sing, Sr Manager – Projects, DCFRC, New Delhi took the session. The webinar started with Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh who spoke at length about the factors involved in malignant cancer and role of prevention. She emphasized that globally, a high - risk lifestyle is leading to an epidemic of cancer. Dr Pragya spoke about how symptoms of cervical cancer are general like fatigue and pain in pelvis area and can be confusing for the patient. It was a very timely and informative health webinar on vital subject of Breast and Cervix Cancer.
• CSD, FSM in collaboration with Delhi Legal Services Authority (South) organized a Sensitization seminar on March 31, 2022, at FSM School campus. The seminar was also part of joint celebration by CSD, FSM and DLSA (South), 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate the glorious history of it's people, culture and achievements. The aim of the seminar was to raise the awareness about the challenges & issues concerning senior citizens as well as to promote 'Ageing with Dignity through Inter-Generational Bonding'. The eminent speakers were, Mr. Dhritiman Bhattacharya, an accomplished advocate and a Senior Legal partner at Unity Legal, New Delhi who highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the government for senior citizens. Mr. Karan Arora, an Advocate and a member of DSLA South introduced the theme of the seminar to the participants where he discussed the crucial need of participation and involvement of the young population in the social activities for senior citizens. Paralegal volunteers from DLSA (south) along with the students of FSM attended the seminar.
• CSD received a grant in association with RRTC -ANUGRAHA to organized the 3 days National Webinar Series with emphasis on the Dimensions of Social Defence and its linkages with SDG’s from NISD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), Government of India along with the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan, New Delhi. It was 3-days National conference from February 24-26, 2021 focused on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and #17 (partnerships for the goals). 3 days’ National event was organized based on the three main thematic of areas of MSJE such as day one was focused on Drug and Substance Abuse, day two on Senior Citizens and day three on Transgender Community. There were eminent speakers from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, UNODC, UNIC, WHO, NACO, NHRC, MHFW, IHBAS, AIIMS, NIMHANS, WCD, UNESCAP, UNFPA, University of Auckland, New Zealand, The Johns Hopkins University, U.S., TISS, CII, RRTC Anugraha, FSM, Industry, leading NGOs, among others.
• • CSD organised an Interactive Session on “Indian Healthcare System for Business Managers” on January 15, 2021. The event was graced with the virtual presence of Dr. Sanjiv Kumar, Member Governing Board, NIHFW, MOHFW, Government of India. Dr. Kumar led development of many policy and strategic documents to improve health in India including National Health Policy 2017, Guidelines for programme implementation and treatment of conditions of public health significance. Another speaker was from FSM, Prof. Basant K Potnuru, Associate Professor and Prof-in-charge, CSD moderated the session. The focus of the webinar was to appraise the students regarding the National Health Policy of India, its current challenges and way ahead.
• Published an Edited book, “CSR and Sustainable Development: Strategies, Practices & Business Models” edited by Jitendra K. Das, Shallini Taneja , Hitesh Arora, Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group), U.K. 2021.
• Published an Edited book “Business Sustainability: Challenges and Issues” edited by Jitendra K Das, Subhasis Bera, Shallini Taneja, Reeta Raina, Bloomsbury, January, 2015.
• Under CSD, FORE International Sustainable Development Conference (FISDC) 2018 in collaboration with International Association for Business and Society (IABS) was organized in the FORE campus from January 11-13, 2018
• Under CSD, International Conference on “Business Sustainability: Challenges and Issue” was held on November 28-30, 2012 at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi.

Center Head: Prof. Shallini Taneja
E-mail: csd@fsm.ac.in