The Stakeholder Consultation for Accelerating WASH Outcomes in Aspirational Districts through Innovations, organised in collaboration with IndusInd Bank, was an impactful gathering of policymakers, government officials, corporate leaders, development professionals, impact investors, and innovators. Together, we explored pathways to transform Aspirational Districts and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 🌏
Key Highlights:
✅ Government’s Vision for SDG 6: Shri Anand Shekhar, Additional Mission Director, NITI Aayog, outlined the roadmap for achieving universal access to water and sanitation.
✅ Keynote Address: Dr. Arvind Virmani, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, emphasized the role of water and sanitation solutions in realizing a Viksit Bharat. He also launched the Compendium of Innovations for Accelerating WASH Outcomes in Aspirational Districts.
✅ CSR for Impact: Ms. Matilda Lobo, Head of CSR & Sustainable Banking, IndusInd Bank, shared insights on IndusInd Bank‘s high-impact CSR programs driving change in Aspirational Districts.
✅ Innovators Making a Difference: WASH sector pioneers showcased how their solutions are transforming communities in Aspirational Districts.
Panel Discussion:
‘CSR as a Catalytic Investment for Promoting Innovations in Aspirational Districts’ featured:
Moderator: Mr. Ashwini Saxena, CEO, GMR VARALAKSHMI FOUNDATION
Panelists:
🔹 Mr. Himanshu Mangal, IAS, Assistant Collector, Virudhunagar
🔹 Ms. Upneet Singh, Senior Water Specialist, The World Bank
🔹 Ms. Matilda Lobo, Senior Vice President – Head of CSR & Sustainable Banking, IndusInd Bank
🔹 Ms. Ritika Gandhi, DGM, Corporate Sustainability, @TITAN
🔹 Ms. Rishika Jaiswal, Regional Social Impact Manager, Kohler Co.
Prof. Srinivas Chary Vedala, Centre Director, Urban Management – ASCI, & CEO, WASH Innovation Hub (WIH), provided a forward-looking perspective on translating these engagements into tangible actions for SDG 6.
The consultation reinforced the power of collaboration, innovation, and investment in scaling WASH solutions for transformational impact.
Let’s continue working towards an inclusive, water-secure future! 🌏💧