Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a business practice that involves the voluntary integration of social and environmental concerns into a company's operations and interactions with its stakeholders. It goes beyond legal obligations, aiming to contribute positively to society and the environment while maintaining business profitability.

CSR is crucial for business management as it enhances a company's reputation, fosters stakeholder trust and contributes to long-term sustainability. By addressing social and environmental issues, businesses can create a positive impact on the community, improve employee morale, attract socially conscious customers and ultimately enhance overall business resilience in a socially aware and environmentally conscious market.

CSR can manifest in various forms, including:

• Philanthropy : Direct financial contributions to charitable causes or community development projects.
• Environmental Sustainability : Initiatives to reduce a company's environmental impact, such as adopting eco-friendly practices and promoting conservation efforts.
• Ethical Business Practices : Adhering to ethical standards in business operations, including fair labour practices, anti-corruption measures and ethical sourcing.
• Community Engagement : Involvement in local communities through partnerships, volunteer programs and support for educational or health initiatives.
• Corporate Governance : Ensuring transparent and responsible corporate governance practices to build trust among stakeholders.
• Employee Welfare : Focusing on the well-being of employees through fair wages, benefits and opportunities for professional development.
• Supply Chain Responsibility : Ensuring that the entire supply chain adheres to ethical and sustainable practices, promoting responsible sourcing.

By embracing these types of CSR, businesses contribute to social progress and environmental sustainability, fostering a positive impact on both the community and the company itself.

Sustainable development is a holistic approach that seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses balancing economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection to ensure a healthy planet and prosperity for all.

Sustainable development is important because it addresses critical global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change and environmental degradation. It ensures a balanced approach to development, fostering economic growth while preserving natural resources and promoting social equity, essential for the long-term well-being and survival of humanity and the planet.

The programme is designed to seamlessly integrate sustainability and CSR into business strategy, offering strategic knowledge, leadership skills and ethical perspectives for driving impactful sustainability initiatives.

This programme is ideal for mid-career and senior-level professionals from various sectors, including government, NGOs, industry executives, entrepreneurs and media professionals who possess 8 years of work experience. It caters to individuals passionate about integrating sustainability into their professional practices.

The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including an introduction to CSR and Sustainability, CSR strategy and leadership, environmental sustainability, sustainable business models and innovation, sustainable supply chain management, CSR in emerging markets, CSR measurement and evaluation and a capstone project with a focus on executive leadership.

Participants will undergo assessment through online exams, case analysis, class contributions and projects. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate from TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, acknowledging their achievement in the Senior Management Programme.

TERI SAS stands out as a global leader in sustainability, actively contributing to sustainability research and policy-making. With an accredited status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), it offers innovative research, a research-led curriculum, a green campus and a world-class faculty, providing a holistic and high-quality learning experience.

The programme is open to graduates or diploma holders with a minimum of 8 years of work experience, ensuring a cohort of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds.

The programme fee is INR 1,50,000 + GST and there is an application fee of INR 2,500 + GST. Participants should consider these costs in addition to any potential travel or accommodation expenses for the in-campus module.

The programme is scheduled for inauguration on Sunday, 26 May 2024, followed by the first in-campus module from 28 June to 30 June 2024. Regular online sessions will be held on Sundays from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm IST.

Interested individuals can apply by reaching out to academic advisors at (+91) 7065733839 or emailing at mohd.nafees@vcnow.in. Alternatively, they can contact Ms. Sonika Goyal at (011) 71800222. Applications are invited for those looking to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable leadership.