UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka’s Strategic Approach Catalyses’ Sustainable Business Solutions

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka drives the mission of promoting sustainable and responsible business practices through impactful events and programmes. These initiatives demonstrate its resounding commitment to business innovation and sustainability, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Regional engagement 

Network Sri Lanka facilitates corporate speakers and sessions at the regional flagship event 'Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania' on 05-06 August 2024 in Kuala Lumpur. 

Organized by the United Nations Global Compact in collaboration with 15 Global Compact Country Networks and country offices in the Asia & Oceania region, Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania is a UN Global Compact regional flagship event taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and hosted by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei.

The event will gather high-level executives, Government officials, corporate sustainability experts, and practitioners from the Asia & Oceania region. It aims to drive business ambition on the SDGs, assess regional progress, identify gaps, and highlight scalable solutions tailored to the region's unique context.

Network Sri Lanka will make a significant contribution by facilitating a crucial session titled 'Food Systems Sustainability: Business Strategies to Future-Proof Food Security.' The panel discussion will explore the complexities of regional food systems and the private sector's role in addressing these challenges. Distinguished panellists include Sheamalee Wickramasingha, Group Managing Director, CBL Group; James Leyson, Director of Global Impact and Operations, Scholars of Sustenance Foundation; Dr. Jörn Schmidt, Director of Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems, WorldFish; moderated by Olivier Tichit, Director of Sustainability, Musim Mas Group with closing remarks by Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network India. The Panellists and speakers hail from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India respectfully – capturing diverse expert insights from the region. 

By facilitating this panel discussion, Network Sri Lanka aims to encourage sustainable food practices, foster industry collaboration, enhance regional food security, amplify sustainable development impact across Asia and Oceania, and highlight the private sector's role in sustainable food systems.

Other prestigious speakers from Participant Companies of Network Sri Lanka include Ms. Shiromal Cooray,  Chairman and Managing Director, Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Ltd., Dr. Roshan Rajadurai, Managing Director, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, Mr. Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, Mr. Mevan Peiris, CEO, Hatch Works (Pvt) Ltd, Ms. Amanthi Perera, Head – Social Sustainability, MAS Holdings, Ms. Stephanie Rahaman, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communication & Sustainability, Aitken Spence PLC along with Ms. Leonie Vaas, recognised by the UN Global Compact as an SDG Pioneer for Responsible Production in 2021 / Group General Manager – Sustainability, Hirdaramani Apparel, Dr. Ravi Fernando, Board Member, Network Sri Lanka and Mr. Rathika de Silva, Executive Director, Network Sri Lanka.

Exploring Network Sri Lanka’s Virtual Open Houses

Network Sri Lanka launches Virtual Open Houses for companies in Sri Lanka yet to become participants of the UN Global Compact. The sessions offer insights into the UN Global Compact’s mission and engagement opportunities along with latest global sustainability trends and explores the business case for corporate sustainability. The Open Houses feature a ‘Participant Spotlight,’ where representatives from current Participants share their experiences and the benefits of aligning with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact to accelerate their sustainability journey. 

Join us to discover the benefits of joining the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, how to align your corporate strategies and targets with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and gain a competitive edge through sustainability. Explore programmatic activities, learning opportunities, and connections available to participants. Understand the steps to become a participant and engage with the UN Global Compact and Network Sri Lanka. For more information, contact us via [email protected] or on +94 77 066 8705.

Driving sustainable business practices in Sri Lanka

The United Nations Global Compact spearheads Accelerators to support companies to adopt the Ten Principles and deeply embed SDG-aligned practices within business operations, advancing corporate action towards the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. These programmes, available to participating companies, collaborate with UN Global Compact Country Networks to foster widespread behavioural change, maximizing country impact and scale. Network Sri Lanka currently facilitates four of these diverse global Accelerator programmes for Sri Lankan participants including; 

The Business and Human Rights Accelerator which encourages participants to adopt human rights due diligence practices. Launched in 2023, the Accelerator has impacted over 30 participant companies. The UN Global Compact creates awareness and supports over 30 participant companies in setting science-based emission reduction targets via the Climate Ambition Accelerator. Further, The Target Gender Equality Accelerator promotes inclusivity, with participants actively implementing gender equality initiatives post programme. 

Presently, Accelerators run for a period of 6 to 9 months, helping Sri Lankan companies integrate sustainability into their core strategies, driving significant progress and impact across various sectors. 

Empowering young innovators

Network Sri Lanka spearheads the SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals which delivers SDG-driven innovations to address business challenges and support companies to develop a pipeline of young talent and future leaders inculcated with a sustainable innovation mindset. It provides expert mentorship to drive SDG-aligned innovation, actively connects local businesses to global sustainability efforts, facilitates partnerships, and promotes practical solutions, while contributing to the Global Goals.

This programme runs across 17 countries in 2024, with international patrons and sponsors backing it globally. The teams with the most impactful solutions are invited to present at the annual Leaders' Summit in New York held during the UN General Assembly Week. 

Now in its second year in Sri Lanka, the Accelerator hosts 20 innovation teams from 15 companies with this year’s programme culminating in the Final Solution Presentation Showcase to be held on August 15. Goodlife X (GLX) facilitated the in-person innovation camps. 

Network Sri Lanka welcomes prospective Companies or Collaborators/Partners who would be interested to engage or support in any of the programmes mentioned above to connect with us.

Through this multifaceted approach, Network Sri Lanka helps position Sri Lankan businesses at the forefront of sustainable development, improved governance, and responsible business practices in the region.