In a recent ESG Business Institute webinar, Kishore Ravuri (KisH), Sustainability Advisor at Dutch Lady Milk Industries (DLMI) and a member of the Transition Implementation Group (TIG) of the IFRS Foundation, shared valuable insights on integrating sustainability, DE&I, and responsible supply chain practices. Below are some key highlights from his session:

Sustainability as a Business Necessity

• Sustainability is no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative.
• True sustainability relies on at-source interventions, such as internal changes to reduce resource consumption while maximizing output.
• Efficiency and equity are essential metrics for assessing the effectiveness of corporate sustainability initiatives.

DE&I: Beyond Tokenism

• DE&I requires embedding fairness into business culture and addressing unconscious biases.
• Companies should promote inclusivity and fairness at all levels to leverage benefits such as collective wisdom, diverse perspectives, and broader societal impacts.
• A fair and inclusive business environment contributes to a thriving society, where businesses can succeed in the long run.

Sustainable Supply Chains

• Sustainable supply chains focus on building partnerships based on shared values and equality.
• These partnerships should include sharing risks and rewards and ensuring fairness in contracts.
• Companies are encouraged to go beyond Fairtrade, recognizing that equitable supply chain partnerships are not just ethical but also form a more sustainable long-term business model.

A Call to Action

KisH urged businesses to integrate sustainability and DE&I as core elements of their long-term strategy. He also announced upcoming modules with practical tools to help organizations embed these principles effectively.