ACCA in collaboration with World-Wide Fund (WWF) celebrated Earth Day and held the ninth annual ACCA-WWF Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards 2010 (PERA) ceremony here to award companies that report on corporate environmental, social and sustainability performance to a broad range of stakeholders.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Samina Ghurki said that the business community also has to play a vital role in providing the desired stimulus and support to the efforts of the government of Pakistan to successfully overcome the challenges of the 21st Century.

The discussion forum on Climate Change: A Business Challenge or Opportunity' was organized and the panelists including Director General, WWF Pakistan Ali Hassan Habib focused on the challenges that business face in view of the climate change, business survival sustainability of natural resources and government-NGOs-business partnerships.

Federal Minister Ghurki on the occasion said that it is imperative that Pakistani companies also meet their environmental obligations while introducing and pursuing transparent reporting system to remain competitive in global market.

She was of the view that the Ministry of Environment has.encouraged the environment friendly activities in the country.

Ministry of Environment always plays its leading role to promote all segments of the society to promote awareness about environment.

While distributing the awards among winning organizations she said, "They deserve special acknowledgement who contributed for better corporate governance and a healthier economic growth.