Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized its 18th Environment Partnership Summit.

The theme was  Circular Economy for Sustainable Development.

The summit featured insightful discussions on topics like the Policy & Implementation of the Circular Economy, Financing the Future, and Green Technologies for Sustainable Solution.

The session witnessed valuable insights from notable speakers like Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-In-Charge, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises & Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Mr. Abhinav Chandra, IAS, Secretary, Environment Department, Government of West Bengal & Director, IESWM, Ms. Roshni Sen, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Department, Government of West Bengal, H.E. Barbara Voss, German Consul-General in Kolkata, Mr. Sanjay Budhia, Past President, Indian Chamber of Commerce & Managing Director, Patton, Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Aloke Mookherjea, Chairman, Jury Board, ICC Environment Excellence Award.

Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-In-Charge, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises & Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, said, “With a focus on sustainable development, West Bengal is leading the way in environmental projects. During the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2023, our Honorable Chief Minister introduced the Green Hydrogen Policy and the New & Renewable Energy Manufacturing Promotion Policy, two measures aimed at tackling climate change.  Additionally, we are making progress in the development of green buildings, e-waste management, and the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The opening of India’s largest integrated bottle-to-bottle recycling factory by Magpet Polymers in Kharagpur, which increased our local recycling capacity, is a noteworthy milestone. Initiatives in the weaving sector also seek to include circular economy principles, guaranteeing that textile waste is efficiently recovered and used. Mangroves in our state, especially in the Sundarbans, act as a natural barrier against climate change and storms. The government has launched massive planting drives to restore these essential ecosystems because it recognizes their key function. India’s ranking in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index serves as a reminder that, despite our efforts, more needs to be done by all of us”.

The summit ended with the presentation of the Environment Excellence Awards 2024.

Priyanka Dutta