The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized an online session on "International Perspectives on Social and Behavioural Approach of Business" on 19th May 2020. It was the first initiative of the newly constituted Socio Economic Initiative of The Chamber. The emphasis was to create a synergy between business and society taking lesson from the difficult time at the outbreak of the pandemic. The objective was also to make international cooperation with perspectives and learnings from different countries.

The Session focused on women economy - its impact by the outbreak of COVID -19, challenges and ways of revival. Employability holistically was also addressed. The Session was moderated by Ms. Nayantara PalChoudhury, Chairperson, Socio Economic Initiative, The Bengal Chamber; Hony. Consul of Norway in Kolkata and Director, Washabarie Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. The Session featured India, Bangladesh and UAE.

Dr. Munal Mahbub, Senior VP, Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry; connected from Chittagong; said that women, economy and employability as a whole needed adequate focus. She emphasized on international cooperation with perspectives and learning from different countries. The Bengal Chamber works closely with Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mrs. Indrani Malkani, Chairman and Managing Trustee, V Citizens Action Network (VCAN) and an Ashoka Fellow, spoke from Mumbai about transition into positive business outcomes and making responsiveness to the changed social needs which would be vital to business culture. She also stated that it was necessary to bring about an emotional connect of the common citizens with the government, the primary change agent. Businesses needed to integrate the various challenges coming from the communities they served. More entrepreneurs would emerge, who would identify the local needs and local culture, merging the same with the latest technologies to deliver value. She also referred to great opportunity to move towards clean transport modes for mass mobility.

Ms. Spandana Palaypu, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ZoEasy Solutions, connected from Dubai talked about disruptive technology innovations creating a spirit of solidarity among us all. Combining this with modern hiring practices and a culture of constant learning, it would be possible to solve bigger human issues, create economic empowerment and reduce inequalities, especially in the blue / grey collar communities.