OICCI along with Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG) and Unilever, organized an event, “Enabling Environmental Protection” as a part to celebrate World Environment Day. Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Chairman Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and PICG, Amir Paracha, President OICCI, Chairman and CEO Unilever Pakistan, Andrew Baily, Managing Director, BASF Pakistan, M Abdul Aleem, CE/Secretary General, OICCI, Mehmosh Khawaja, CEO and President, PICG, and Farrukh Rehman, Partner, A.F. Ferguson and Co. addressed the audience which comprised of leading people from the leading corporations in Pakistan.

Speakers discussed the importance of environmental protection and ending plastic pollution for the sustainability of human life, biodiversity, businesses and the planet. According to the UN Environment Programme, every year, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, and only 9% of it is recycled. Whereas, according to a report by World Economic Forum, Pakistan alone produced an estimated 4 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2020, and around 70% of it was mismanaged or leaked into the environment. Plastic pollution is a complex issue that affects all the land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. It threatens human and ecosystem health, negatively impacts important economic activities, and contributes to climate change. Businesses have an important role to play in not only control plastic pollution but also leading other environmentally friendly practices in their own operations, in their products and along their supply chains. In this way, they can also protect and enhance their reputation and performance, which are very critical for businesses.

The event concluded with a message that we need to act now, and act together, to save ourselves, our generations and this planet and create a healthier and greener future for Pakistan and the world.