The 13th National CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2026, organised by CSR Times under the theme "Role of Responsible Businesses for Inclusive Bharat," was held on 4 August 2026 at Le Méridien, New Delhi. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) served as the Knowledge Partner for this prestigious national platform, bringing together over 200 corporate representatives, policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability practitioners.
The summit provided a high-level forum to deliberate on the evolving landscape of Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in India. Discussions centred on how responsible businesses can play a transformative role in driving inclusive development, bridging socio-economic divides, and contributing meaningfully to India's sustainability goals.
Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour and delivered a keynote address highlighting TERI's longstanding commitment to research-led sustainability action. She emphasised the need for businesses to integrate ESG principles not merely as a regulatory compliance exercise, but as a core driver of long-term value creation and societal impact. Dr Shruti Sharma Rana, Senior Fellow and Head, Centre for Corporate Governance and Sustainability, TERI, addressed the gathering, sharing insights on emerging ESG frameworks and the role of knowledge institutions in capacity building. Dr Amit Kumar Thakur, Senior Fellow, TERI, served as a distinguished Jury Member for the CSR Awards, lending expert evaluation to the corporate initiatives recognised at the summit.
The awards ceremony recognised outstanding corporate contributions across multiple categories, celebrating organisations that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to responsible business practices, community development, and environmental stewardship. TERI's participation as Knowledge Partner reflects the institution's resolve to bridge the gap between research, policy, and corporate action—accelerating India's journey towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
