By Staff Correspondent
In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility, Noida International Airport (NIA) has enthusiastically announced its membership in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). This initiative, regarded as the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability program, enables NIA to align its operations with a globally recognized framework that promotes ethical business practices across various critical domains including human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. This membership not only reinforces NIA’s commitment to sustainable practices but also integrates its operational strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thus positioning the airport as a front-runner in responsible infrastructure development.
The UN Global Compact, launched in the year 2000, encompasses over 15,000 corporate members and 3,000 non-business entities from more than 160 nations. By joining this esteemed collective, NIA aspires to deepen its dedication to responsible business practices while propelling forward with its ambitious goals. Christoph Schnellmann, the CEO of NIA, remarked, “Joining the United Nations Global Compact is a natural extension of our commitment to building a world-class airport that operates with sustainability at its core.” This assertion highlights the airport’s holistic approach towards development, aiming to harmoniously blend Swiss efficiency with the warmth of Indian hospitality, thereby creating a unique customer experience.
As a member of the UNGC, NIA has pledged to engage in transparent reporting concerning its progress in various domains of social responsibility, notably environmental stewardship, labor relations, and anti-corruption measures. One of the standout aspirations of NIA is its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions. This objective will be underpinned by sustainable design and operational practices that have been integrated into every facet of the airport’s planning, design, and construction processes. The meticulous selection of planning and design teams, construction partners, and concessionaires has been based on their alignment with NIA’s sustainability principles, further demonstrating the airport’s resolute commitment to environmental stewardship.
Noida International Airport (IATA code – DXN) is poised to enhance connectivity across the greater Delhi area and Western Uttar Pradesh, linking it with numerous cities across India and the world. Upon its completion, the airport will feature a single runway and terminal, with an initial capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually. The airport is envisaged as more than a transit point; it aims to be a nexus of commercial activity infused with a rich cultural experience, reflective of both local innovations and international best practices.
Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, is tasked with the development, construction, and operation of this greenfield project. Collaborating closely with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India, YIAPL is executing this public-private partnership under a concession period that commenced on October 1, 2021, and is set to last for 40 years. This strategic collaboration underscores the collective commitment to fostering a sustainable and socially responsible infrastructural landscape.
Noida International Airport’s membership in the United Nations Global Compact signifies a profound commitment to sustainability and corporate governance. By aligning its operations with the UNGC’s Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals, NIA is not only adhering to ethical business practices but is also paving the way for responsible infrastructural development in India. As the airport moves toward its ambitious vision, it stands as a testament to the potential of blending operational excellence with a sustainable ethos, ultimately contributing to the global movement toward corporate accountability and environmental stewardship.
