New Delhi, December 5, 2025: The recent COP 30 conference in Brazil highlighted the urgent need for countries to tackle climate change together. It also introduced fresh commitments and tools to boost climate finance.
For businesses, this conference emphasized the importance of embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their strategies. This focus is essential for staying competitive in today’s world.
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is at the forefront of these efforts. They have developed the ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS) to encourage responsible management of assets for long-term value creation. This approach helps companies align their goals with societal benefits.
The International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) supports the IGPS, promoting its use among Fund Management Entities and Institutional Investors in International Financial Services Centers (IFSCs). This initiative aims to protect the interests of clients and the wider community.
Shift your focus from short-term gains to long-term sustainability. Institutional investors and fund managers play a crucial role in this by prioritizing robust ESG frameworks over quick profits.
This year, the ICSI launched a Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit on ESG. This resource aids Company Secretaries and Boards in creating effective ESG policies tailored to their organizations.
Additionally, the ICSI introduced the ICSI Principles on Climate Change Governance (IPCG). This framework aims to increase transparency in climate-related disclosures and includes guidance for setting metrics and targets vital for evaluating sustainability efforts.
CS Dhananjay Shukla, President of the ICSI, emphasized the need for a structured approach to integrate climate considerations into business frameworks. He stated, “We need clear principles and guidance to make sustainability a reality.”
CS Asish Mohan, Secretary of the ICSI, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how climate change demands strategic action from corporations and investors alike. The ICSI aims to leverage its influence to promote governance practices that support sustainable development.
Historically, earlier climate conferences have often led to promises that were slow to materialize. However, the recent focus on actionable strategies is a significant shift. For example, a recent UN report showed that over 70% of companies now recognize the importance of ESG factors in their decision-making processes.
The ICSI, established under the Company Secretaries Act of 1980, remains dedicated to advancing the profession. With over 78,000 members and around 250,000 students, the ICSI continues to set high standards in corporate governance, aiming for better education and ethical practices in business.
