UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Inspires Corporate Leaders to Propel Progress on SDGs with ‘Forward Faster’ Initiative
The United Nations Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka), the country’s arm of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, has recently issued a compelling call to action for corporate leaders. The initiative, named ‘Forward Faster,’ urges participant companies to commit to ambitious sustainability targets, amplifying Sri Lanka’s advancements towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ‘Forward Faster’ initiative, part of the UN Global Compact, calls upon global business leaders to take measurable, credible, and ambitious actions in key areas such as gender equality, climate action, living wage, water resilience, and finance & investment. These areas are identified as catalysts for accelerating progress across all SDGs, enabling the private sector to collectively achieve significant impact by 2030.
The launch took place at the ‘Compass 2024’ event, themed ‘Towards a Resilient Future Through Corporate Impact,’ where Network Sri Lanka introduced the ‘Forward Faster’ initiative to ignite private sector leadership in driving transformative change. The event outlined Network Sri Lanka’s 2024 programs and outcomes, providing a strategic direction for companies to allocate resources. Representatives from participant companies, key stakeholders, and special invitees attended the event.
Distinguished speakers at the event included UN representatives, a presentation from the 2021 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Pioneer for SDG 12 Responsible Production and Consumption from Sri Lanka, insights from a representative of John Keells Holdings PLC, a discussion on navigating the future from working group heads, and insights from the Regional Human Development report by the UNDP. The event emphasized the urgent need for ambitious commitments and collective action on SDGs to achieve Agenda 2030.
In a pre-recorded message, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General; Executive Director & CEO of UN Global Compact, expressed gratitude for the participants, highlighting the essential role of the Sri Lankan business community in the global movement for sustainable and responsible business practices.
Rathika de Silva, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, unveiled the organization’s overarching plan for 2024, focusing on enhancing governance strategies, setting ambitious targets, and unlocking innovation opportunities for participant companies.
Dilhan Fernando, Chairman of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, stressed the urgent need for collective action and emphasized the benefits of collaboration within the Global Compact network, serving as a blueprint for sustainability.
Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, welcomed deeper cooperation with the private sector and acknowledged the role of the Global Compact in fostering collaboration and partnership.
Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative UNDP Sri Lanka, highlighted the collaborative efforts with the private sector to align work with the SDGs, emphasizing the sector’s indispensable role in driving positive change.
By uniting participant companies under a strategic compass, Network Sri Lanka aims to lead in accelerating Sri Lanka’s corporate sustainability transformation through multi-stakeholder partnerships. The network currently comprises 75 business and non-business organizations, aligning with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and supporting the 2030 Agenda.
