CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The 9th Responsible Business Membership Organisations (BMO) Awards, organised by the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), brought together policymakers, financial institutions, Business Membership Organisations (BMOs), industry leaders, development partners, and MSMEs to advance dialogue on green finance, sustainable industrial growth, and responsible enterprise development in India. The event served as a collaborative platform to align policy, finance, and industry action toward building a resilient, sustainability-driven MSME ecosystem.
A defining highlight of this year’s Awards was its design as a carbon-neutral programme, reflecting a conscious commitment to minimising environmental impact and embedding sustainability into practice. Sunkonnect partnered as the Carbon Neutral Partner, while WWF India supported the initiative as Knowledge Partner, reinforcing the programme’s focus on climate responsibility and green transition.
Focus on Green Finance and Responsible Growth
The inaugural session set the tone for the day’s deliberations. Delivering the welcome address, Shri Ajay Shankar, Chairman, Foundation for MSME Clusters, emphasised the evolving developmental role of BMOs in strengthening sustainable MSME ecosystems.
He stated, “MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy and a major driver of employment. Collaboration among MSMEs, think tanks, NGOs, and policymakers can reshape India’s growth trajectory. With some of the world’s most affordable green energy and growing certification of green electricity, Indian MSMEs have a strong opportunity to access global markets, particularly in the European Union. India has the potential to emerge as the Green Factory of the World.”
Offering an international perspective, Smt. Smita Singh, Senior Programme Manager, Cooperation Section, European Union Delegation to India, highlighted EU–India collaboration in climate finance, clean energy transition, and sustainable industrial development.
From the industry viewpoint, Smt. Amita Sarkar, Deputy Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) shared insights on enabling green finance adoption within industry ecosystems.
