- Emphasis on ‘Profit with Principles’ as the approach to responsible business.
- Interaction was part of Project SU.RE, an initiative of Ministry of Textiles, Reliance Brands Limited, CMAI and UN in India.
An worldwide expert on business and human rights, together with representatives from the garment industry and UN agencies in India, participated in an interactive roundtable this week on Responsible Business Conduct in the Textile and garment sector organized by the United Nations in India.
The roundtable’s main topics were the Indian industry’s leadership in promoting sustainability in ethical business practices, as well as its preparedness to adhere to due diligence procedures and national and international regulatory reforms.
In addition to helping the sector remain ahead of customer and regulatory expectations, responsible business practices also assist the industry manage environmental risks and build worker trust.
Macquarie University professor Surya Deva discussed the importance of businesses’ contributions to communities, the environment, and the globe at large, as well as the necessity for industry to see a profit-driven agenda with values. Given the interdependence of global supply chains, he provided an overview of the evolving international regulatory environment and its effects on Indian companies.
Professor Deva stated, “I firmly believe that business leadership must adjust to this transformation. Businesses exist to make money, and if they do, they support human development and dignity.” They promote inclusive growth by offering jobs and fair compensation. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the Business and Human Rights agenda. Here is where UN organizations in India can help by providing avenues for companies to take responsibility.
Representatives from the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), apparel companies such as Tata Trent, Reliance Brands, Peppermint, Spykar, Blackberry, Bonsoir, Fritzberg and La Romani, Lacoste, and exporter Matrix Clothing discussed the difficulties associated with compliance, particularly in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, as well as their experience and knowledge of promoting sustainability in their operations and value chains.
Speaking on the subject, Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), stated, “Even small manufacturers are conscious of human rights and sustainability.” We must take the ideas from academic settings and apply them to the actual world. It will take time and be challenging. However, that is the direction we are taking.
Sanjay Rastogi of Tata Trent gave a summary of how they have integrated human rights into their company, including the value chain, frameworks, and assurance systems, while showcasing best practices from the Indian sector.
India’s UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp emphasized the dedication of UN organizations in India to integrating circularity and sustainability into the textile sector. He declared: “Responsible business is a strategy for company resilience, value generation, and success in a changing global market, not merely a goal. With the help of industry players like CMAI, the UN team in India is already making tremendous progress in the textile and apparel industries, but there is still much more we can do.
The roundtable was a component of Project SU.RE, or Sustainable Resolution, which was an initiative of the UN, CMAI, Reliance Brands Limited, and the Indian Ministry of Textiles. The initiative is the biggest voluntary sustainability commitment made by the Indian textile sector. In addition to enabling signatories to become sustainable businesses, this partnership aims to lessen the industry’s impact both domestically and internationally by exchanging best practices.
Professor Deva is the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development in addition to his scholarly activity. He is in India right now on a personal trip.
