Canadian and Indian business leaders tackle India’s nutrition challenges through strategic CSR
A high-level roundtable at Canada House in India recently brought together Canadian and Indian business leaders to discuss how strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) can address some of the most pressing nutrition challenges in India. The event was hosted jointly by the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) and Nutrition International, highlighting the power of cross-border collaboration in tackling public health issues.
The evening also marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Chamber and Nutrition International, setting the stage for collaborative, high-impact projects aligned with the Government of India’s priorities and Canada’s development vision.
The role of strategic CSR
During the roundtable, participants explored innovative ways that businesses can leverage CSR initiatives to make a tangible difference in public health. Discussions focused on nutrition-related programs, emphasizing evidence-based strategies, sustainable interventions, and measurable outcomes.
By combining expertise from both countries, the roundtable underscored the potential for Canadian and Indian companies to contribute collectively to India’s development priorities, while also strengthening bilateral ties through business-led social initiatives.
About the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber
Founded in 1994, the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) is a non-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to promoting trade and business relationships between India and Canada. ICBC acts as a platform for economic growth, education, and bilateral cooperation, bringing together key stakeholders from both countries to foster partnerships, investment, and collaborative initiatives.
“From reducing adolescent anaemia, improving maternal health, to strengthening newborn care and addressing urban nutrition gaps, the discussions were rich, evidence-based, and action-oriented,” said the ICBC.
At the event were Ryan Ward, Acting Minister of Commercial, High Commission of Canada, as well as senior leadership from Nutrition International, including Manoj Kumar, Regional Director, Asia and Mini Varghese, Country Director, India and CSR and sustainability leaders from CGI, Lululemon, Clearford, Medanta, Apollo Hospitals, Chitkara University and several others
About Nutrition International
Nutrition International is a global organization committed to ending malnutrition and improving health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations. By partnering with governments, civil society, and the private sector, Nutrition International implements science-based interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies and other nutrition-related challenges. The organization plays a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and expertise to scale nutrition programs worldwide.
“Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen engagement and collaboration particularly with Canadian business operating in India, and create measurable health and nutrition outcomes, aligning with the Government of India’s vision for a healthier, more prosperous nation,” said the organization.
“Together, we are building stronger partnerships for investing in nutrition as a driver of sustainable growth.”