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Saurabh Diddi

Director
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
Ministry of Power, GoI

Sonal Verma

Partner
ESG and Global Leader
Dhir & Dhir Associates

POWERING INDIA'S GREEN FUTURE: PIONEERING ENERGY EFFICIENCY & DECARBONIZATION

We are delighted to welcome Mr. Saurabh Diddi to the ESG Decibel Podcast Series. As the Director of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, Mr. Diddi brings over 20 years of leadership and expertise in energy policy, carbon reduction, and decarbonization. With credentials as a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), MBA, and B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering, he has successfully implemented innovative programs like the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, the Zero Carbon Building Programme, and the National Carbon Market. Under his leadership, India has seen a significant shift towards energy efficiency, resulting in over US$12 billion investments and energy savings of ~69.5 billion units. Mr. Diddi’s work continues to drive India’s transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon future, forging partnerships with key stakeholders and positioning India as a global leader in energy efficiency and climate action.

Dr. Somnath Singh

Deputy Director
UN Global Network India

Sonal Verma

Partner
ESG and Global Leader
Dhir & Dhir Associates

ESG VISIONARY: DR. SOMNATH SINGH ON TRANSFORMING CORPORATE LANDSCAPES

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Somnath Singh, Deputy Director at UN Global Network India, as a distinguished speaker in our ESG Decibel Podcast Series. Dr. Singh brings invaluable insights to the table with a wealth of experience and expertise in various domains, including ESG & sustainability, Business Integrity, Corporate Governance, and Health Initiatives. His leadership in heading four major verticals of UN GCNI, encompassing Resource Mobilization, Project Execution and Management, Strategic Engagement, and Communication and Branding, underscores his multifaceted contributions towards achieving organisational objectives. Dr. Singh’s commitment to driving positive change and ensuring organisational sustainability through financial growth and enhanced visibility among diverse stakeholders nationally and globally exemplifies his profound dedication to the field. We look forward to his enlightening perspectives and enriching discussions that will undoubtedly inspire and empower our audience in sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Prof. Conor Gearty

Founding Member, Matrix Chambers
Professor of Human Rights Law
LSE Law School

Sonal Verma

Partner
ESG and Global Leader
Dhir & Dhir Associates

RIGHTS IN FOCUS: EXPLORING HUMANITARIAN HORIZONS

For the latest episode of the 3rd Season of ESG Decibel Podcast Series, we have the esteemed Prof. Conor Gearty, a luminary in human rights law. As a founding member of Matrix Chambers and now a prominent figure at Matrix International, Gearty brings extensive experience to the table. With appearances in various courts specializing in human rights and public law, he advised both corporations and governments on human rights and corporate social responsibility. Gearty's academic credentials include a Professorship of Human Rights Law at the London School of Economics (LSE), and his scholarly contributions range from books to articles, notably his latest acclaimed work, "On Fantasy Island: Britain, Strasbourg, and Human Rights" (2016). In this episode, Gearty shares profound insights, enriching listeners with his deep understanding of the complex interplay between law, ethics, and societal impact.

Richard Howitt

Strategic Advisor on Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Business and Human Rights (Former Member of European Parliament and Former CEO of International Integrated Reporting Council)

Sonal Verma

Partner
ESG and Global Leader
Dhir & Dhir Associates

EU LEADING THE ESG POLICY LANDSCAPE

Welcome back to another engaging episode of the ESG Decibel Podcast Series! In this installment, we are thrilled to host Mr. Richard Howitt, a distinguished Strategic Advisor on Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, as well as Business and Human Rights. With a wealth of experience as a former Member of the European Parliament for an impressive 22 years, Mr. Howitt brings unparalleled insights into the realm of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. Currently serving as a member of various advisory councils and boards, including Amfori and EIRIS Foundation, Mr. Howitt continues to be a prominent voice in driving responsible business practices and advocating for sustainability across diverse sectors. Join us as we delve into his extensive expertise and glean valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of ESG and corporate sustainability.

Mardi McBrian

Chief of Strategic Affairs & Capacity Building International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation

Sonal Verma

Partner
ESG and Global Leader
Dhir & Dhir Associates



Amplifying ESG: Navigating the Global Landscape for Sustainable Impact

Welcome back yet again to another episode of the ESG Decibel series! This time, get ready for something big and different as we welcome a true leader in the field, Ms. Mardi McBrien. With an impressive portfolio, Mardi currently serves as the Chief of Strategic Affairs & Capacity Building at the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) Foundation. As a member of the xBRL International Board of Directors and the Sustainability Committee at the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales), Mardi brings a wealth of expertise to the table. She is also a trusted executive and Board Member at the Trusted Executive Fellowship (TEFB3) and contributes to the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).

Dr. Nitin Aggrawal

Joint Director
Government of India, Ministry of Finance Department of Public Enterprises

Sonal Verma

Partner
ESG and Global Leader
Dhir & Dhir Associates

Harmony in Action: Integrating CSR and Sustainability for a Better Tomorrow

Welcome to the 2024 Podcast Series of ESG Decibel. The season shall start with a distinguished professional - Dr. Nitin Aggrawal. Dr. Aggrawal is a multifaceted expert dedicated to leveraging technology and management to streamline the delivery of government services to users.

Toby Landau KC

Barrister, Advocate & Arbitrator,
Duxton Hill Chambers

Sonal Verma

Partner - ESG and Global Leader, Dhir & Dhir Associates

ESG & Arbitration

With this New Year 2023 Dhir & Dhir Associates welcomes Season 2 of ESG Decibel Series with Mr. Toby Landau KC, on growing importance of ESG & Arbitration. Mr. Landau talks about ESG considerations that have become increasingly important in the field of arbitration. Environmental and social issues, such as climate change and human rights, are becoming more prevalent in international disputes and are increasingly being taken into account by arbitrators and arbitral institutions. Sonal Verma, Partner, ESG Advisory, Dhir & Dhir Associates, moderates the episode. Join us to listen to Mr. Toby sharing his thoughts on ESG considerations that have become increasingly important in the field of arbitration.

Roma Balwani

CEO & Brand Custodian,
Indian Deaf Cricket Association

Sonal Verma

Partner - ESG and Global Leader, Dhir & Dhir Associates

ELEVATING THE SENSE OF BELONGING – DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION FOR ALL

The 6th Podcast of ESG Decibel series with Roma Balwani is a take on the current status of DE&I in the corporate world and ESG Transformation in companies. Through her talk, Ms. Balwani has been kind enough to share her personal journey of transitioning to key leadership roles at some of the leading corporate houses in the country. She talks about how there is a need for change in the thought processes and how initiatives focused on promoting diverse representation are required to champion the spirit of inclusion and equality. Ms. Balwani shares how collaborative efforts can help change the narrative and thrive towards a diverse ecosystem. She also illustrates the ESG Scoring and transformation stories in India Inc! Join us to listen to Ms. Balwani share her thoughts on how DE&I is a non-negotiable approach! ESG Transformation is happening.

Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti

Chairman
Shailesh Haribhakti & Associates

Sonal Verma

Partner - ESG and Global Leader, Dhir & Dhir Associates

Demystifying the ESG Roots

The 5th Podcast of ESG Decibels with Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti has taken us down the path of understanding the origin of ESG. Mr. Haribhakti has magnificently given us an analogy of the history of ESG and the origin of our universe. He has described in immaculate detail the various forces and factors regarding the evolution of ESG. Mr. Haribhakti has then wonderfully spoken about the 17 SDGs and their importance and integration into ESG. He has then reiterated the importance of mindset change as a vital force for ESG and its stakeholders. Mr. Haribhakti is passionately concerned about the environment and emphasizes the need to save our planet. He has also spoken about the tone from the top is critical for the Board of Directors to manage better and encourage ESG and about ESG ratings being a differentiator for the companies that are genuinely committed to ESG.

Nivedita Saboo,

Founder
Nivedita Saboo Couture

Sonal Verma

Partner - ESG and Global Leader, Dhir & Dhir Associates

Sustainability and Fashion - Key ESG Boosters

Here's the 4th Episode of the ESG Decibels Series titled Sustainability & Fashion - Key ESG Boosters. Our special guest speaker today is Nivedita Saboo - an ardent advocate of adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable fashion, Nivedita has showcased at London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Milan, Hong-Kong, Seoul, Colombo Fashion Week, and major cities across India; Designer to Warner brothers - the Wonder Woman India enterprise, numerous corporates, institutions, policymakers, media barons and influencers globally, Nivedita Saboo has marked her 18 exciting years in the industry.

Manoj K. Raut,

CEO and Secretary-General, Institute of Directors, India

Sonal Verma

Partner - ESG and Global Leader, Dhir & Dhir Associates

ESG & DIRECTORS - AN INTERPLAY OF ROLES

Going LIVE with the 3rd episode in the ESG Decibels Series titled as ESG & Directors - An Interplay of Roles. We demystify how Directors have accepted ESG as a concept and embraced it. Manoj K. Raut, CEO and Secretary-General, Institute of Directors, India joins us in this enlightening conversation. He believes that sustainability is the future and that there is a need for R&D in India. He also believes that India has started the journey and is on the right path to achieve wonders when it comes to ESG. Raut joined Institute of Directors, India as a Management Trainee in the year 2000 and later on, in the year 2010, he was elevated as CEO of the Institute of Directors, India and also as Secretary-General. Currently he is also on a few not-for-profit Boards including on the boards of World Environment Foundation and International Academy of Law besides the Editor of Director Today - A Monthly Journal of IOD.

Sjoerd Marijne

Former Coach, Indian Women's Hockey Team

Sonal Verma

Partner - ESG and Global Leader, Dhir & Dhir Associates

Power Journey of Diversity!

This podcast in the ESG Decibels Series is with the former coach of the Indian Women's Olympics Hockey Team 2021 - Sjoerd Marijne - a dynamic personality in the global sports domain. Sjoerd speaks about his mindset when he started coaching and overcame obstacles to create a strong team. He identified the individual team members' characteristics, nurtured them to enhance the positivities and guided them to succeed. Sjoerd encourages us to control what is possible and not fret over the uncontrollable. He is a true inspiration to millions across the globe. His contribution to the Indian Hockey is immense. Take for instance the Tokyo Olympics, where India women's hockey team could not win medal but won a billion hearts. he is proud of his team and that they have inspired a million girls back home despite not finishing their stunning campaign with a medal.

Ameya Prabhu

Managing Director
NAFA Capital

Sonal Verma

Partner - ESG and Global Leader, Dhir & Dhir Associates

ESG & Investing

This podcast captures a lively and riveting discussion between Sonal Verma - Partner – ESG & Global Leader-Markets & Strategies, Dhir & Dhir Associates and a dynamic entrepreneur - Ameya Prabhu who is the Managing Director of NAFA Capital and recognised as a young leader by World Economic Forum. The discussion starts with Sonal setting the tone about ESG and its importance with the recent COP26 summit. Ameya speaks about the importance of ESG, initially explaining very briefly about the impact of business on Environment and then weaving in relevant aspects of significance. The discussion progresses to highlight ‘ESG & investing’, where Ameya speaks about very pertinent facets of ESG and investors' mindsets. The last discussion point revolves around the regulatory aspect of ESG. The entire podcast highlighted the importance of ESG and has piqued our interest in waiting for more insightful sessions in this series.
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