The UK India business Council has launched a campaign to highlight the importance of the socio-economic contribution that UK businesses make in India.

Mr. Richard Heald, Group CEO, UKIBC presenting the socio-economic commitment of the UK businesses and universities at the ‘UK Socio Economic Impact’ Project launch Ceremony

This campaign is being delivered in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and will map the activities of businesses and universities against the UNs’ Sustainable Development Goals. Key findings and observations from the campaign will be compiled into a report to be released in late 2020 to coincide with the UN Climate Change Summit in Glasgow.

Ms. Sanyukta Samaddar, Advisor at Niti Aayog presenting the importance of SDGs as a core of government policies at the ‘UK Socio Economic Impact’ Project launch Ceremony

The launch in New Delhi was graced by Ms. Sanyukta Samaddar, Advisor at Niti Aayog, along with Mr. Richard Heald, Group CEO, UKIBC, and Ms. Shoko Noda, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in India.

British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith welcoming guests at the ‘UK Socio Economic Impact’ Project launch Ceremony

The UNDP-UKIBC partnership will facilitate mapping of UK businesses socio-economic impact against the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are aimed at eliminating poverty and ensuring prosperity, ranging from environmental sustainability to advancing education.

The launch included a “walkthrough” exhibition showcasing the work carried out by several UK businesses and universities in India, including British Telecom, JCB, Cairn Energy, Diageo, GSK, HSBC, Standard Chartered, UNDP.

Speaking at the launch Ms. Sanyukta Samaddar, Advisor at Niti Aayog said, “We are delighted to be a part of this promising engagement. We have been continuously involved with on-ground sensitization and mobilization efforts and completely support this initiative, which embodies the partnership goal of SDG 17. We have been a part of several consultations and efforts being implemented at a strategic level, across varied ministries at the Centre and at the state and regional level.”

“UKIBC’s initiative will lead the path in harnessing the resources in finance, knowledge, innovation, and strategy of the business sector in India for the successful implementation of the SDGs. This effort by the UKIBC illustrates that there’s a huge opportunity in integrating SDGs with the business sector, aiding in leveraging the power that the sector possesses to address some of the key SDG targets, wherein India requires focused intervention,” she added.

Mr. Richard Heald, Group CEO, UKIBC observed, “UK businesses and universities want to succeed in India, and their definition of success includes helping India achieve its socio-economic objectives. This is an exciting time to launch this campaign. Across the world there is a growing acceptance of sustainable development as an over-arching policy goal, which has stimulated interest in assessing the impact of businesses.”

“These issues are no longer just the government’s responsibility, or purely philanthropic efforts. So, any global business looking for an effective path for growth should bring social impact into the core of its strategy and operations. I’m delighted that UK businesses are already making a substantial impact in India, and through this campaign we hope to raise the bar,” stated Mr. Heald.

Also present at the launch, Ms. Shoko Noda, UNDP Resident Representative in India, said, “UNDP is excited to partner with UKIBC on this study to measure the socio-economic impact of UK businesses in India. The Sustainable Development Goals provide an excellent framework for this study. We hope that its findings can help make corporate social responsibility efforts more effective, and help companies act on the climate crisis and improve the livelihoods of millions of people across India.”

UK businesses operating in India have been committed to this space for a long time. UKIBC acknowledges this commitment and is keen to highlight the UK’s leading and longstanding support through the launch of this Socio-Economic Impact Campaign. UKIBC will continue to support SEI developments by UK companies throughout India and raise awareness of the important work being done. You can follow these developments on UKIBC’s Socio-Economic Impact website at: www.ukibc.com/socio-economic-impact.

Notes to Editors

About the UKIBC

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) is the premier membership-led organisation supporting the promotion of trade, business and investment between the two countries. UKIBC plays an influential role in creating and sustaining an environment in which free-trade and investment flourishes. Through its insights, networks, policy advocacy, services and facilities, the UK India Business Council supports UK businesses to achieve success. Find out more by visiting www.ukibc.com and following @UKIBC on Twitter.