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Table of Contents
Founder’s Note
Harsha Saxena
As we step into 2026, sustainability has entered a decisive phase where ambition must translate into execution. This edition of the IICSR Sustainability Express brings together critical conversations shaping the global Net Zero journey—from Southeast Asia’s emerging green economy and the widening investment gap, to the growing urgency for climate competence at the board level. We also spotlight opportunities to engage through the International Net Zero Summit 2026, global awards, academic research, and leadership programs.
The message is clear: Net Zero progress will be driven by informed governance, skilled professionals, and collaborative action. I invite you to explore this edition for insights, opportunities, and pathways to lead responsibly in a rapidly changing world.
— Harsha Saxena
Founder, IICSR & Lynera.ai
Blogs
Southeast Asia's Green Economy: 2025 Overview
Southeast Asia’s green economy stands at a decisive crossroads in 2025—where extraordinary opportunity meets an urgent reality check. A massive investment gap threatens climate goals, even as economic growth accelerates energy demand across the region. From renewable energy and grid infrastructure to green finance and bioeconomy breakthroughs, the stakes are both environmental and economic. Early movers—investors, policymakers, and business leaders—stand to shape a multi-trillion-dollar transition and capture long-term competitive advantage.
This blog unpacks the numbers, the risks of delay, and the pathways to leadership. It’s not just about sustainability—it’s about who defines the region’s future prosperity. The question is no longer if the transition will happen, but who will lead it.
#GreenEconomy #SustainableGrowth #RenewableEnergy #GreenFinance #Bioeconomy #ClimateAction #EnergyTransition #ESGLeadership #FutureOfAsia
Climate Competence At Board Level: Governance To Deal With The Raging Rhino
Climate risk is no longer a distant threat—it’s a raging rhino charging straight into boardrooms. This article powerfully argues that boards lacking climate competence are exposing organizations to strategic, financial, and reputational failure. It highlights why climate literacy at the board level is now a core governance responsibility, not a sustainability add-on. From regulatory pressure to investor scrutiny and systemic risk, the cost of inaction is rising fast. A must-read for directors and leaders who want to future-proof decision-making. Ignoring climate competence today could define corporate failure tomorrow.
#BoardGovernance #ClimateRisk #ESGLeadership #ClimateCompetence #CorporateStrategy #SustainabilityLeadership #FutureReadyBoards #RiskManagement
Comic section
Comic
International Net Zero Summit 2026: Last week to apply
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
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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
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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]
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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
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])
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.
Openings between 29th December 2025 to 5th January 2026
India
Manager ESG – SGS (Mumbai)
Develop and implement strategies for profitable growth of sustainability/ESG services.
Ensure compliance with global ESG standards and stakeholder engagement.
Head of ESG & Impact Advisory – Corporate Sustainability Solutions (Remote)
Translate corporate ESG commitments into measurable SDG-aligned actions.
Leverage networks to secure partnerships and drive sustainability initiatives.
USA
Director Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) – Remote US
Foster sustainability culture through training and global employee engagement programs.
Build expertise in climate risk, sustainable finance, and ESG frameworks like GHG Protocol.
ESG Consultant – AVEVA (Remote, MA)
Advise on ESG strategy, sustainability reporting, and environmental compliance.
Support carbon reduction and ESG data analytics for industrial clients.
Europe
EU Affairs Intern – CSR Europe (Brussels)
Assist EU Affairs team with sustainability policy monitoring and stakeholder events.
Prepare reports on EU legislative processes and corporate sustainability debates.
ESG Intern – CSR Europe (Brussels)
Support corporate sustainability projects on human rights, circularity, and supply chains.
Attend meetings with EU officials and contribute to sustainability conversations.
Africa
ESG Ratings Analyst – Institutional Shareholder Services (Remote/Africa)
Conduct ESG research and ratings analysis for African investment portfolios.
Monitor corporate sustainability performance and regulatory compliance.
Sustainability Manager – Gujarat Fluorochemicals (Africa operations)
Lead sustainability initiatives fostering environmental and social responsibility.
Implement ESG programs across manufacturing units and corporate offices.
APAC
Deputy Manager - ESG – Adani Green Energy Ltd (India/APAC)
Support ESG advisory services and sustainability strategy for renewable energy projects.
Coordinate regulatory compliance and impact reporting across APAC.
Sr. Associate, ESG Advisory – RSM US LLP (APAC focus)
Provide ESG consulting services, sustainability assessments, and reporting advisory.
Analyze ESG risks and opportunities for APAC-based clients.
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.