RELEASE: WRI India launches the RISE Surat initiative to prepare climate-smart MSMEs in Surat’s textile sector
Surat, August 28, 2023: WRI India launched Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises (RISE) Surat, with the support of the Ares Charitable Foundation’s Climate Resilient Employees for a Sustainable Tomorrow (CREST) initiative. RISE Surat, a pioneering initiative, aspires to equip at least 50 MSMEs and 500 workers in Surat’s textile sector with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills needed for a low-carbon transition in India and help them develop easy and practical solutions.
Under the RISE Surat initiative, WRI India unveiled its comprehensive approach with a focus on four key objectives. By 2026, it will provide MSMEs with a clear understanding of the potential climate impacts and changes needed for a low-carbon transition; underscore the advantages of adopting sustainable strategies and illustrate how these can enhance competitiveness and resilience; conduct capacity-building programs and skilling programs; and raise awareness on accessing finance to support the implementation of sustainable practices.
Ms. Ashwini Hingne, Associate Program Director, WRI India said “as India embarks on its decarbonization journey, the role of MSMEs as the backbone of the Indian economy becomes critical. Through the RISE Surat initiative, we look forward to creating resilient and futureready MSMEs and workers.
In his welcome address, Mr. Jitendra Vakharia, President, South Gujarat Textiles Processors Association lauded the initiative and expressed his pride to be associated with it. He stated that “in the face of climate change, the textile sector stands at a critical juncture. Together, WRI India and SGTPA can drive sustainable practices that will not only mitigate environmental impact but also drive long-term growth”.
Mr. Kamlesh Yagnik, Chief Resilience Officer, Surat highlighted that “More than one million people in Surat are connected to the textile sector. As extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves are likely to increase, MSMEs need to come together and define adaptation strategies so that they can continue to be productive, despite such adverse events”.
Media contacts:
Steffi Olickal | WRI India
steffi.olickal@wri.org
+91 8291210724
Nitya Kaushik | WRI India
nitya.kaushik@wri.org
+91 9819902763
About WRI India: WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Our work focuses on building sustainable and liveable cities and working towards a low carbon economy. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being. We are inspired by and associated with World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organisation. Know more: www.wri-india.org
About Ares Charitable Foundation: The Ares Charitable Foundation (“the Ares Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) qualifying organization sponsored by Ares Management Corporation ("Ares"), a leading global alternative investment manager. Established in 2020, the Ares Foundation seeks to accelerate equality of economic opportunity through grants to nonprofit organizations whose programming provides Career Preparation & Reskilling, encourages Entrepreneurship and deepens individuals’ understanding of Personal Finance. The Ares Foundation's vision – a world in which all people benefit from equitable access to knowledge, resources and opportunities so that they can achieve their full potential – reflects Ares’ core values and staunch commitment to philanthropy.
