Sustainable Development is a shared responsibility between governments, businesses and the civil society: Kris

The core function of business is to provide the products and services required by the society, says Infosys Co-Founder and Executive Co-Chairman, Kris Gopalakrishnan.

Kris contributed an article to Planet B Magazine, in his capacity as the chair of Business Action for Sustainable Development (BASD) for their special edition for Rio+20. He outlines the private sector's critical role in green growth and sustainability and its gradual shift in focus on driving engagement in policy development and implementation, to advance global partnerships for sustainable development.

Speaking about the significant role of BASD as the official coordinator for businesses at Rio+20 conference to be held between June 20 and 22, 2012, Kris dwells on the opportunity that Rio is set to provide in terms of scaling up actions and the initiatives BASD is taking, to engage with governments and other key stakeholders, to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable approaches.

He says, "Business is a central player in green growth and sustainability and we welcome the opportunities to engage substantially, in moving ahead to Rio+20."

He further adds, "It is imperative that the government provides clear policies and regulatory frameworks in order to support and advance the role of businesses in sustainability. Such a framework will maximize business potential in providing solutions for Sustainable Development."

Kris outlines that only shared responsibility and partnerships between businesses, governments and the civil society will help in realizing green growth. There is a real urgency to make faster progress than what has been achieved over the past 20 years, he says.

Published with permission of Planet B Magazine