Sri Lankan Company leaders demonstrate expertise as Sustainability Champions at Asia & Oceania regional event, 'Forward Faster Now by UN Global Compact

The UN Global Compact regional flagship event, 'Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania', held in Kuala Lumpur on August 5-6, 2024, marked a pivotal moment for sustainable business action across the region.  Organized by the United Nations Global Compact in collaboration with 16 Global Compact Country Networks and Country Offices, the inaugural event brought together high-level executives, government leaders, and sustainability experts from across Asia and Oceania.

The landmark event aimed to accelerate sustainable business practices, build partnerships, and highlight impactful stories of corporate sustainability. It served as a platform for regional peer learning and exchange, focusing on key themes such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) progress, business commitment to sustainability, and integrating sustainability into corporate operations.

Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania' was more than just a gathering; it called participants to action. Leaders from various countries including Sri Lanka’s business community actively shaped the narrative. The event marked a turning point for participating international and Sri Lanka corporate leaders, showcasing their influence far beyond national borders. Their unwavering commitment to the SDGs and sustainable development positions them as true champions of change. The event provided them with a platform to boldly demonstrate their leadership in shaping a sustainable future for the region.

Nine distinguished speakers from the country's private sector delivered a strong message to the global community, asserting that Sri Lanka’s private sector is not just a participant but a leader in the sustainability space. These leaders participated in vibrant sessions alongside executives and experts from other countries in the region, generating a rich exchange of ideas and best practices.

The Sri Lankan panelists, as part of diverse international representation, discussed issues ranging from food systems, gender equality, sustainable finance, and the role of Global Compact Network Boards in championing SDG engagement, corporate governance, and sustainable innovation. They also showcased their expertise, offered actionable insights and shared examples of how their organizations drive ultimately contributing to the shared goal of advancing sustainable development across Asia and Oceania.

Spotlight on key panels and Sri Lankan contribution

Mr. Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, served as a distinguished speaker at the 'Investing for SDG Impact: Financial decisions driving sustainability transformation' session. The discussion focused on sustainable finance and its role in driving economic growth and sustainability. As a panelist, he shared his insights into the pivotal role of sustainable finance in catalyzing economic growth while fostering a greener planet and a more equitable society. He highlighted Commercial Bank's approach to sustainable investing, including green bonds and ESG investing.

Ms. Sheamalee Wickramasingha, Group Managing Director of CBL Group, participated in the session ‘Food Systems Sustainability: Business strategies to future-proof food security’. The discussion focused on the transformation of food systems to ensure food security, addressing the challenges and best practices in food production, storage, and quality. She shared insights from CBL Group's experience in the food industry, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and the role of the private sector in safeguarding food systems against climate change impacts.

Ms. Shiromal Cooray, Chairman and Managing Director of Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Ltd, participated as a panelist in the session ‘Breaking Barriers: Achieving Gender Equality through Women's Representation in Senior Management.’ The forum focused on promoting gender equality in senior management and creating inclusive workplaces. Ms. Cooray shared strategies and experiences from Jetwing Travels on how they have achieved gender balance in leadership roles.

Mr. Rathika de Silva, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, delivered the closing remarks for this session, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in the workplace. He highlighted the need for regional cooperation and urged businesses to embrace sustainable practices that benefit not only their bottom line but also contribute to broader global goals.

Dr. Ravi A. Fernando, Chairman/CEO of Global Strategic Corporate Sustainability (Pvt) Ltd and Board Member of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, represented Sri Lanka in the exclusive session titled ‘Global Compact Network Boards: How Global Compact Network Boards are championing SDG engagement within the wider business community and serving as agents of positive change (Invitation only).’ The conversation aimed to connect Board Chairs and representatives to collaborate on challenges and opportunities related to the SDGs. Dr. Fernando shared his experiences and strategies on how the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka advances SDG engagement within the business community.

He later contributed to the UNGC-UNFCCC Joint Session - Way Forward on the NDCs and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, urging businesses to align their strategies with global climate goals.

Ms. Amanthi Perera, Head of Social Sustainability at MAS Holdings, spoke at the insightful discussion ‘SDG Stocktake in Asia & Oceania Region.’ The participants discussed the SDG Stocktake Report and highlighted how companies integrate SDGs into their strategies and operations. Ms. Perera provided valuable insights into MAS Holdings' approach to sustainability and its contributions to the SDGs. She remarked, "The session revealed eye-opening insights about our journey ahead. It highlighted the critical need to educate leadership on the urgency of the SDGs and the importance of taking them seriously. This reflection on existing studies and current perceptions will drive our future actions and commitments.

The strong presence of Sri Lankan business leaders at 'Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania', alongside their counterparts from other countries in region, affirms the country's commitment to sustainable development and its growing influence in shaping regional sustainability practices. Their participation showcased Sri Lanka's progress while contributing to a rich, diverse dialogue on addressing global challenges through sustainable stewardship.