Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) aims to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships between governments, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Corporates have been contributing to achieving this SDG through their Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives for a long time. Let us explore some of the successful collaborative partnerships in CSR.
Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS)
The Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) is a joint initiative by the Tata Group and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. TIGS is a non-profit research institute that focuses on using genetics to address major challenges faced by India and the world. The institute has a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and clinicians working together to conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as agriculture, human health, and disease management.
One of the significant contributions of TIGS is in the field of agriculture. The institute has developed a genetically modified cotton variety that is resistant to pests, which has significant implications for the agriculture sector in India. Pests are a major problem in Indian agriculture, and farmers often resort to using harmful pesticides to protect their crops, resulting in environmental damage and health risks. The genetically modified cotton variety developed by TIGS is a sustainable alternative that could reduce the use of harmful pesticides and increase crop yields. This technology has the potential to make a significant impact on Indian agriculture and contribute to food security in the country.
In addition to agriculture, TIGS has also made significant contributions to human health. The institute has developed a low-cost diagnostic kit for tuberculosis, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The diagnostic kit is a simple and affordable solution that could improve early detection and treatment of the disease, thereby reducing the burden on the healthcare system and improving patient outcomes. The development of this diagnostic kit demonstrates TIGS’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges in India and the world.
TIGS’s collaborative partnership with the IISc has been critical in achieving its goals. The partnership has provided TIGS access to the IISc’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, expertise, and resources, enabling the institute to conduct cutting-edge research. The partnership has also helped in leveraging the strengths of both institutions, resulting in innovative solutions to complex problems.
The TIGS partnership is a prime example of how collaborative partnerships between companies and academic institutions can result in significant contributions to society. The partnership has demonstrated the potential of using genetics to address major challenges faced by India and the world. The research conducted by TIGS has the potential to make a significant impact on agriculture, healthcare, and the environment and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and Pratham Education Foundation
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods companies in India, with a long-standing tradition of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In line with its commitment to sustainability, HUL has partnered with the non-profit organization Pratham Education Foundation to implement the “Swachh Aadat, Swachh Bharat” program, which focuses on promoting cleanliness and hygiene in schools across India.
The “Swachh Aadat, Swachh Bharat” program aims to instill the habit of cleanliness and hygiene in children at a young age. The program has a three-pronged approach, which includes providing access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, promoting handwashing with soap, and creating awareness about the importance of hygiene. The program has reached over 20 million children across 100,000 schools in India and has had a significant impact on improving the health and well-being of children.
The partnership between HUL and Pratham Education Foundation has been critical in the success of the program. The partnership has enabled HUL to better understand the needs of the community and design programs that address these needs effectively. Pratham Education Foundation has extensive experience in working with children and communities, and their expertise has been invaluable in implementing the program. The partnership has also helped in building trust and credibility among stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the community.
The “Swachh Aadat, Swachh Bharat” program has been recognized as one of the most successful CSR initiatives in India. The program has received several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility. The program has had a significant impact on improving the health and well-being of children, reducing school absenteeism, and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.
The partnership between HUL and Pratham Education Foundation is an excellent example of how collaborative partnerships between businesses and non-profit organizations can result in effective CSR initiatives. Collaborative partnerships can provide access to resources, expertise, and networks that companies may not have on their own. Collaborative partnerships can also help in better understanding the needs of the community and designing programs that address these needs effectively.
Partnership for Land Use Science (Forest-PLUS)
The Partnership for Land Use Science (Forest-PLUS) is a collaborative initiative between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in India, aimed at promoting sustainable forest management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the forestry sector in India.
Forest-PLUS is a comprehensive initiative that involves the participation of various organizations, including the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), to bring together the expertise and knowledge required to achieve its objectives. The partnership focuses on developing and implementing tools and methodologies for forest monitoring and management, building capacity of forest departments, and establishing community-based forest management systems.
One of the critical achievements of the partnership has been the development of innovative tools and methodologies for forest monitoring and management. The partnership has developed the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) system, which is an approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the forestry sector. The system involves measuring the amount of carbon stored in forests and rewarding countries for reducing emissions. The REDD+ system has the potential to contribute significantly to India’s climate change mitigation efforts.
In addition to the development of tools and methodologies, the partnership has focused on building the capacity of forest departments to implement sustainable forest management practices. The partnership has conducted training programs for forest officials on topics such as forest monitoring, forest carbon inventory, and community-based forest management. These training programs have helped build the capacity of forest officials and enabled them to implement sustainable forest management practices.
The partnership has also worked towards establishing community-based forest management systems. Community-based forest management involves the participation of local communities in the management and protection of forests. The partnership has supported the establishment of community-based forest management systems in several areas in India, providing communities with the necessary resources and training to manage forests sustainably.
Overall, the Partnership for Land Use Science (Forest-PLUS) has been successful in achieving its objectives of promoting sustainable forest management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the forestry sector in India. The partnership has brought together the expertise and knowledge of various organizations and developed innovative tools and methodologies for forest monitoring and management. The partnership has also built the capacity of forest departments and established community-based forest management systems, contributing to the sustainable management and protection of forests in India.
Mahindra Group and the Government of Rajasthan
The Mahindra Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, has been committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and has undertaken several initiatives in the area of rural development. The group has collaborated with the government of Rajasthan to implement the “Livelihood Enhancement through Dairy Development” (LEDD) program. The program is aimed at improving the livelihoods of rural communities in Rajasthan through dairy farming.
The LEDD program provides training and support to small-scale dairy farmers in Rajasthan to help them improve milk production and quality. The program also focuses on improving animal health and breeding practices, which has led to an increase in milk yield. In addition, the program provides market linkages to the farmers, helping them to sell their milk at a better price.
The partnership has also resulted in the establishment of milk collection centers and processing units, which have provided employment opportunities to local communities. The program has helped in creating sustainable livelihoods and has had a positive impact on the local economy.
The LEDD program has been implemented in several districts of Rajasthan, including Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Nagaur. The program has reached over 10,000 dairy farmers and has helped in improving their livelihoods. The program has also received recognition from the government of Rajasthan and has been awarded the “Best Livelihood Initiative” by the Rajasthan State Livelihood Development Corporation.
The Mahindra Group’s collaboration with the government of Rajasthan has resulted in a successful CSR initiative that has created shared value for both the Mahindra Group and the rural communities in Rajasthan. The program has helped in improving the lives of the rural communities and has contributed to the sustainable development of the region. The partnership has also helped in building trust and credibility among stakeholders, which is essential for the success of any CSR initiative.
