| Dates | Feb 22, 2018 |
|---|---|
| Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Theme | Re-investing CSR for Transformational Impact |
We are pleased to share that Dr. Kazuhiro Imaie, Managing Director of Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics Pvt. Ltd. addressed GCSRA's 2nd edition of National CSR Conclave and Awards 2018 event as a panelist which was scheduled on 22nd February, 2018 at Ahmedabad Management Assocaition, Ahmedabad. The event was organized by GCSRA (Gujarat CSR Authority), an initiative by Government of Gujarat, with the key theme on “Re-investing CSR for Transformational Impact” on 22nd and 23rd February 2018 with a view to re-orient the present CSR landscape, with an overriding objective to address some of the pressing challenges being faced by state and outside. The event was aimed to provide a common platform to various stakeholders to share their expectations and aspirations, with an endeavor to address the social challenges faced by fellow practitioners.
“Making a difference on the world’s most pressing issues” subject as a focal point, Dr. Imaie shared that by combining Hitachi’s long-cultivated expertise in infrastructure with its revolutionary IT offerings, Hitachi can contribute to the global Sustainable Development Goals. He shared his valuable inputs on Integration of Management and CSR, Social Innovation Business, Efforts to Promote Sustainability as well as Enhancing CSR Management with regard to Hitachi. Dr. Imaie enlightened that the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) committee at Hitachi Ltd. is being led by Mr. Toshiaki Higashihara, President & CEO, Hitachi, Ltd. and explained the importance of CSR. He also added that “we are actively working to advance our Social Innovation Business, building on our longstanding efforts to improve quality of life for large numbers of people by providing a wide range of products and services. Through its diverse range of current and future business activities, Hitachi will contribute significantly to resolving social and environmental issues and establishing an inclusive, harmonious, and prosperous world.”
With regard to subject “Hitachi’s Efforts to Promote Sustainability”, Dr. Imaie communicated that Hitachi has started implementing measures to contribute to the attainment of Hitachi Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Executive Sustainability Committee. In the area of governance, Hitachi has expanded the Global Compliance Program to ensure thoroughgoing compliance. Hitachi is also bolstering its environmental initiatives with a view to attaining the targets of its Environmental Action Plan for 2018. One key performance indicator is CO2 emissions of its products and services; Hitachi has established a target of 40% reductions in fiscal 2018 and are well on its way to achieving this target, as Hitachi was able to reduce emissions by 35% in fiscal 2016.
On the subject of “Enhancing CSR Management”, Dr. Imaie shared the framework of Hitachi CSR Management and discussed on adopted 9 key themes (based on ISO 26000) - Recognition of Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance, Human Rights, Labor Practices, Environment, Fair Operating Practices, Customers (Consumer Issues), Community Involvement and Development and Review and Improvement of CSR Activities.
Dr. Imaie also added that to strengthen the Integration of Management and CSR, Hitachi prioritized its CSR initiatives in accordance with the 2018 Mid-term Management Plan and as a result, three material issues were identified, namely, social innovation, collaborative creation, and the environment. Aims for each item were formulated at Hitachi, and initiatives are being actively advanced using the CSR management framework as the foundation for the achievement of those aims.
Dr. Imaie also shared key CSR initiatives taken by Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics locally in India which include support to "Akshay Patra to eradicate Hunger and Malnutrition, promote Education and support to Yuva Unstoppable - NGO to improve primary education in municipal schools to promote Education, Refurbishment of the infrastructure particularly Sanitation and Drinking water facilities of Rethal Pay School, Sanand, Gujarat to support PM Modi's Clean India Initiative, RO Installation in Hospitals and Villages and support to Samastha Kutch Kadva Patidar Foundation, Gujarat to construct a hostel building.
Dr Imaie shared an imperative CSR initiative taken by Hitachi Hi-Rel recently about development of the skills of youth population in the age group of 18-45 years to promote wage employment and self-employment through provision of vocational training - post skill development training “Ginou Parikshan (Technical Training)” at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), which is aligned to Prime Minister’s Kaushal Vikas Yojna for promoting “Skill India” vision of Government.
