Overview

The 4th Global ESG Conference and Prithvi Awards 2026 was held at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 28 September 2026. Organized by the ESG Research Foundation (ERF), a Section 8 non‑profit founded by CA Dr. Atul Kumar Gupta, and powered by BNW Developments, Dubai, the day‑long summit brought together over hundreds of global experts, policymakers, corporate leaders, bureaucrats and changemakers to discuss India’s path toward sustainable economic development and Net‑Zero targets.

Key Sessions

Five high‑impact technical sessions were delivered, focusing on:

  • Climate finance and mechanisms to unlock value through carbon markets, green hydrogen and cross‑border clean‑technology collaborations between India and Europe.
  • Circular economy strategies and AI‑driven carbon accounting that enhance audit‑ready ESG reporting and environmental transparency.
  • Advanced water accounting and other technologies reshaping sustainability disclosures.
  • Mobilising green capital, with treasury experts outlining pathways to build investable sustainable portfolios and access global climate funds.
  • Empowering the startup ecosystem, highlighting the role of green‑technology startups in scaling sustainable solutions across India.

Awards Ceremony

The evening ceremony honoured visionary leaders, PSUs, corporate organisations, NGOs, startups and government departments with the 4th Prithvi Awards 2026. The event was graced by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, as Chief Guest. Distinguished Guests of Honour included Shri Rohit Rishi, Managing Director of IIFCL; Dr Anil Kumar Gupta, Board Member of the Central Pollution Control Board; CA Deepak K. Kedia, Inspector General of the National Security Guard; and Dr (CA) Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman & Founder of BNW Developments, Dubai. Global perspectives were delivered by Dr Justice Vineet Kothari (Former Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court), CA Krishna Prasad Dahal (UK), Mr Surendra Patawari (Belgium) and Dr Deepak Jain (President, FII).

Keynote Address

CA Dr. Atul Kumar Gupta, Founder Director of ERF and Past President of ICAI (2020‑21), delivered the keynote address. He asserted that sustainability is no longer a corporate choice or an annual disclosure exercise but a moral imperative and socio‑economic duty. Gupta emphasized that true change requires a collective shift in human consciousness, urging finance and accountancy professionals to act as trusted stewards of natural capital and to measure profit alongside environmental preservation and human dignity.

Road Ahead

As the conference concluded, ERF reaffirmed its commitment to expand sustainability literacy, empower young professionals and grow the global network of the Association of Global Sustainability Professionals (AGSP). Delegates, speakers and awardees pledged to champion responsible governance, accelerate green investments and ensure India leads the global charge toward a resilient, zero‑carbon future.

About ESG Research Foundation

ESG Research Foundation is a Section 8 registered non‑profit (NITI Aayog NGO Darpan Reg. HR/2024/0318230) dedicated to driving sustainability awareness, capacity building, ESG preparedness assessments and climate action across public and private sectors in India and internationally.

Media Contact

ESG Research Foundation Secretariat