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Table of Contents
Founder’s Note
Harsha Saxena
As conversations around ESG grow louder, it’s time we pause and ask harder questions—about intent, impact, and accountability. This edition goes beyond the narrative, examining where sustainability is creating real change and where it risks becoming performative. From gender equity in ESG to leadership voices that are truly walking the talk, the stories here are meant to challenge, provoke, and inspire action. Sustainability, after all, is not defined by what we publish—but by what we practice. I invite you to read, reflect, and engage with this issue as partners in shaping a more responsible future.
— Harsha Saxena
Founder, IICSR & Lynera.ai
Blogs
Gender Equity in ESG: Are We Closing the Gap?

Gender Equality in ESG
Gender equity has become a headline ESG priority—but are organizations truly closing the gap or simply getting better at reporting it? This blog cuts through polished sustainability disclosures to reveal a stark reality: while gender policies and dashboards are multiplying, real outcomes remain limited.
Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership, pay equity is rarely measured, and ESG scores often reward intent rather than impact. By contrasting performative metrics with real-world examples of progress, the article challenges business leaders, investors, and regulators to rethink how gender equity is defined and measured. If you care about ESG beyond checklists and compliance, this is a timely and essential read.
#GenderEquity #ESG #SocialImpact #WomenInLeadership #InclusiveGrowth #SustainableBusiness #ESGReporting
The Face of Gender Equity by Santhosh Jayaram

The Face of Gender Equity by Santhosh Jayaram
Gender equity features prominently in today’s ESG conversations—but is it genuinely transforming workplaces or simply being framed attractively in reports? This article delves into the reality behind the narratives, uncovering the gap between documented intent and lived experience. It challenges readers to look beyond policies and metrics to question who truly holds power, opportunity, and voice.
Thought-provoking and sharply observed, it urges leaders to move from performative inclusion to meaningful change. If you care about equity as impact—not optics—this is an essential read.
Comic Section

Comic
IICSR Sustainability Dialogues Delhi: Walking the Talk on Sustainability

IICSR Sustainability Dialogues
The IICSR Sustainability Dialogues in New Delhi brought together corporate leaders, policy voices, social impact practitioners, and academia for an honest conversation on what it truly means to walk the talk on sustainability. With insights from Deeshita Dave (Minda Corporation), Rajesh Srivastava (Prowess Advisors), Bharati Joshi (Grameen Foundation for Social Impact), Vivek Prakash (Jubilant Ingrevia), Prakash Tewari (MoEFCC), and Dr. K. K. Upadhyay (BIMTECH), the dialogue moved beyond ESG buzzwords to real-world action. From leadership accountability to grassroots impact, the discussions challenged performative sustainability and called for outcome-driven change. Candid, thought-provoking, and deeply practical, the Dialogue reinforced why sustainability must be embedded in strategy—not sidelined as compliance. If you care about sustainability beyond reports and ratings, this is a conversation worth revisiting.
Upcoming In-person Events
BMA & IICSR Sustainability Dialogues

Certificate Award Ceremony
A focused, high-impact one-day immersive program bringing together corporate leaders, ESG professionals, and board-level experts to explore the future of sustainability, climate leadership, and responsible governance.
Event Details
Date: Friday, 26th December 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Bombay Management Association (BMA),
3rd Floor, Podar House, Churchgate, Mumbai
Distinguished Speakers
• Vikesh Walia – CEO, Board Stewardship
• Leena Pillai – Lead, ESG & CSR, ICICI Bank
• Prachi Balchandani – Global Talent Acquisition Lead, Packfora
• Shalini Singh – Independent Director
• Dr. Jagmohan Rishi – President, Bombay Management Association (BMA)
Featured Dialogue Themes
• Building impactful careers in ESG & climate neutrality
• Boardroom engagement for sustainable corporate transformation
• Global trends shaping the Net Zero transition
• The future of sustainability in India and beyond
Why Attend
✔ Strategic insights from board-level leaders
✔ Peer learning and high-value networking
✔ In-person certificate award ceremony
📩 RSVP: [email protected]
IICSR Alumni and Student of the year!

IICSR Student of the Year 2026
How to Apply:
Share a 2-min video covering:
Your Name, Course Name & Batch Number
Why you should be the Student of the Year
Upload on Google Drive & share the link to [email protected]
Benefits:
Free Delegate Pass to International Net Zero Summit 2026 (Non-residential)
Featured on IICSR Website & Social Media
Spotlight in Newsletter + Blog Contribution Opportunity
Become an Observer for a course of your choice

IICSR Alumni Award 2025
How to Apply
Share a 2-min video covering:
Your Name, Course Name & Batch Number
The professional impact you’ve made after completing the course
Upload on Google Drive & share the link to [email protected]
Benefits:
Free Delegate Pass to International Net Zero Summit 2026 (Residential)
Featured on IICSR Website & Social Media
Spotlight in Newsletter + Blog Contribution Opportunity
Become an Observer for a course of your choice
Upcoming Courses
IICSR Certified Net Zero Strategist (In-person) (January’26)

Duration: 22nd-24th January 2026
Time: Full day
Mode: In-person
Book your seat and avail early benefits by joining IICSR community with access to E-Library, Events, Job openings and more:
Book your seat: https://buy.stripe.com/3cIeVc4ed8xtg711Xrcs82c
(Note: The amount is included in the fees. For making full payment to get early access to the full course materials and to avail Achala scholarship (first 10 qualified applicants), please write to [email protected])
Masters in Net Zero (Online)

Weekends only
Duration: 14th Feb to 23rd August 2026
Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Mode: Fully online
Book your seat and avail early benefits by joining IICSR community with access to E-Library, Events, Job openings and more:
Book your seat: https://buy.stripe.com/3cIeVc4ed8xtg711Xrcs82c
(Note: The amount is included in the fees. For making full payment to get early access to the full course materials and to avail Achala scholarship (first 10 qualified applicants), please write to [email protected])
Certified Digital Circular Innovation Expert

Wednesday’s only
Duration: 5th February to 11th March 2026
Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Mode: Fully online
Book your seat and avail early benefits by joining IICSR community with access to E-Library, Events, Job openings and more:
Book your seat: https://buy.stripe.com/3cIeVc4ed8xtg711Xrcs82c
(Note: The amount is included in the fees. For making full payment to get early access to the full course materials and to avail Achala scholarship (first 10 qualified applicants), please write to [email protected])
Offline event - 2026

INZS’26
The Future Is Calling — Will You Answer?
International Net Zero Summit 2026
Taj Vivanta, Goa | 22nd–24th January 2026
https://www.iicsr.com/inzp26
The world’s most influential sustainability leaders, innovators, and changemakers are gathering in Goa — and you can be part of the movement shaping our Net Zero future.
Over three power-packed days:
Experience groundbreaking discussions on climate innovation, AI, and carbon markets
Network with policymakers, CEOs, and global experts
Discover real-world solutions that redefine sustainability leadership
Ways to participate:
International Net Zero Awards 2026 — The Global Benchmark for Sustainability Excellence!

We’re thrilled to open nominations for the International Net Zero Awards 2026, celebrating trailblazers driving innovation, accountability, and impact in the global Net Zero transition. 🏆 Hosted at Taj Vivanta, Goa (22–24 Jan 2026) during the International Net Zero Summit 2026, this is your moment to shine among world leaders, policymakers, and pioneers shaping a sustainable future.
💡 Winning this award isn’t just an accolade — it’s a declaration that your company doesn’t follow the future… it creates it.
👉 Apply now: https://www.iicsr.com/awardsinzs26
📅 Event Info: https://www.iicsr.com/inzp26
—------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certified Net Zero Strategist Workshop

Be part of an elite global learning experience at the International Net Zero Summit 2026, taking place from 22–24 January 2026 at Taj Vivanta, Goa. This immersive workshop empowers leaders to design and implement Net Zero strategies, apply carbon accounting standards, and align sustainability with profitability.
Earn a globally recognised certification, enjoy exclusive networking opportunities, and experience Goa’s rich culture while shaping the Net Zero future.
Brochure: Download here
Register now: https://easebuzz.in/pay/iicsrgroup
Event Info: https://www.iicsr.com/inzp26
—--------------------------------------------------------
Net Zero Academic Colloquium 2026

Be part of a global dialogue driving the world’s transition to a Net Zero future. The Net Zero Academic Colloquium 2026, held from 22–24 January 2026 at Taj Vivanta, Goa, invites scholars, researchers, and innovators to present groundbreaking work that redefines sustainability thinking.
Selected papers will be published in the Net Zero Compendium 2026 – Research Edition, offering visibility before global leaders, policymakers, and academia.
Submission Deadline: 15 December 2025
Details: https://www.iicsr.com/nzac26
Submit to: [email protected]
—------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Zero Compendium 2026

We’re inviting forward-thinking organisations to feature in the IICSR Net Zero Compendium 2026 — a landmark global publication celebrating pioneers in sustainability, innovation, and climate leadership. Released during the International Net Zero Summit 2026 at Taj Vivanta, Goa (22–24 January 2026), the Compendium spotlights companies transforming ambition into measurable Net Zero action.
Gain global recognition, showcase your ESG leadership, and join the world’s most influential sustainability network.
Submission Deadline: 15 December 2025
Event Details: https://www.iicsr.com/inzp26
Submit to: [email protected]
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Impact Partner with the International Net Zero Summit 2026

Join the International Net Zero Summit 2026 — the global meeting ground for sustainability visionaries, innovators, and policymakers — from 22–24 January 2026 at Taj Vivanta, Goa. Hosted by IICSR Group in collaboration with MEPSC (Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India) and Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), the summit is often called the Davos of Sustainability and Net Zero Goals.
As a partner, your organisation will gain exclusive global visibility, engage with 300+ leaders, and be featured in the Net Zero Compendium 2026.
Event Details: https://www.iicsr.com/inzp26
Schedule a Call: https://calendly.com/iicsr/strategic-collaboration
Jobs
Each week, IICSR curates a selection of high-impact career opportunities from around the world in the fields of sustainability, ESG, CSR, and related domains. Explore these roles and take the next step in your professional journey by applying directly through the links provided.
India
Manager ESG – SGS India (Mumbai)
Develop and implement strategies for profitable growth of sustainability/ESG services aligned with global standards.
Lead ESG initiatives across business units, ensuring compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Manager - Sustainability – Axis Bank (Mumbai)
Lead implementation of sustainability initiatives fostering environmental and social responsibility culture.
Coordinate ESG reporting, impact measurement, and cross-functional sustainability programs.
USA
ESG Consultant – AVEVA (Remote, MA)
Advise on ESG strategy development, sustainability reporting, and environmental compliance for industrial clients.
Support carbon reduction initiatives and ESG data analytics for US operations.
Sustainability Impact Analyst – The Impact Job Board (Remote US)
Analyze ESG metrics and impact data for corporate sustainability programs and investor reporting.
Collaborate on climate action strategies and social responsibility initiatives.
Europe
ESG Data Scientist – Global Asset Management Firm (Europe)
Develop analytics tools and infrastructure for ESG/sustainability insights across European portfolios.
Optimize data-driven sustainable finance solutions and risk assessments.
ESG Risk Manager – Specialty Insurer (London/UK)
Shape ESG risk framework focusing on operational and climate-related risks for Company/Lloyd's markets.
Lead policy development and compliance with EU sustainability regulations.
Africa
Head of ESG – International Telecom (Kenya/Nigeria/South Africa)
Develop ESG strategy, policies, and Environmental Sustainability Management System for telecom operations.
Lead net zero goal setting, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability reporting across Africa.
ESG Consultant – GSG Sustainability (South Africa)
Deliver bankable ESG solutions for environmental resilience and green economy projects.
Support sustainable development consulting across African markets.
APAC
APAC Manager Sustainable Energy Solutions – Singapore
Lead renewable energy and sustainability initiatives across Asia Pacific operations.
Drive energy transition projects with focus on ESG compliance and policy incentives.
Sustainability & ESG Analyst – EY (Singapore/APAC)
Analyze ESG data and support climate/sustainability strategy advisory for APAC clients.
Coordinate regulatory compliance and impact reporting initiatives.
About IICSR
The International Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (IICSR) is a globally recognized institution dedicated to advancing Sustainability, CSR, ESG, and Responsible Business Practices through education, research, and training. With 10+ years of impact, IICSR has empowered professionals worldwide via academic programs, corporate trainings, global dialogues, and policy-driven research, in collaboration with corporates, governments, and universities.
Accreditations & Partnerships
Accredited by EAHEA (Europe), ACT (USA) and MEPSC (Govt. of India)
Programs aligned with NSQF standards
Academic credit transfer partnership with Menlo College, Silicon Valley
Offerings
Accredited diploma and master-level courses
Enterprise trainings and certifications
Research, publications, and sustainability tools
Global events and dialogues with changemakers
Lynera.ai: AI- and blockchain-powered learning platform
At IICSR, the mission is clear: to create purpose-driven leaders and enable organizations to embed sustainability at their core.



