By: Staff Writer
October 07, Colombo (LNW): The UN Global Compact’s regional flagship event, ‘Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania,’ held in Kuala Lumpur on August 5-6, was a milestone in advancing sustainable business practices across Asia and Oceania.
The event brought together top executives, government leaders, and sustainability experts to drive meaningful progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasized collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the commitment of businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations.
Sri Lanka’s business community played a prominent role in shaping the narrative at this landmark event.
Organized by the United Nations Global Compact, in collaboration with 16 Global Compact Country Networks and Country Offices, the event aimed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable business practices and highlight impactful stories from across the region.
It provided a platform for Sri Lankan corporate leaders to showcase their influence beyond national boundaries, demonstrating their dedication to sustainable development and positioning themselves as champions of change.
Prominent Sri Lankan speakers delivered strong messages, reinforcing the country’s leadership in sustainability. They participated in dynamic sessions alongside their regional counterparts, discussing critical issues such as sustainable finance, food security, gender equality, and corporate governance.
The insights shared by Sri Lankan leaders not only highlighted their expertise but also contributed to advancing sustainable development throughout Asia and Oceania.
Sharhan Muhseen, Chairman of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, served as a speaker at the session titled ‘investing for SDG Impact: Financial Decisions Driving Sustainability Transformation.’
He underscored the significance of sustainable finance in promoting economic growth and a more equitable society, sharing Commercial Bank’s approach to sustainable investing through green bonds and ESG initiatives.
CBL Group Managing Director Sheamalee Wickramasingha participated in the session ‘Food Systems Sustainability: Business Strategies to Future-Proof Food Security,’ emphasizing sustainable practices in the food industry to combat climate change’s effects on food security. Her insights highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in safeguarding food systems.
Jetwing Travels Ltd. Chairman Shiromal Cooray contributed to the session on gender equality, sharing strategies on achieving gender balance in leadership roles within the organization. UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka’s Executive Director, Rathika de Silva, reinforced the need for regional cooperation and sustainable practices in his closing remarks.
Additionally, Dr. Ravi A. Fernando, Chairman of Global Strategic Corporate Sustainability Ltd., represented Sri Lanka in discussions on SDG engagement within the wider business community. He emphasized aligning business strategies with global climate goals, urging regional businesses to embrace sustainable development as part of their core mission.
MAS Holdings’ Head of Social Sustainability, Amanthi Perera, shared valuable insights during the discussion on the SDG Stocktake Report, stressing the need for leadership education on the urgency of the SDGs and fostering a stronger commitment to these goals.
Sri Lanka’s active participation at ‘Forward Faster Now | Asia & Oceania’ showcased its leadership in sustainable development and highlighted its growing influence in shaping regional sustainability practices. Through their engagement, Sri Lankan business leaders demonstrated their commitment to advancing sustainability and contributing to a diverse dialogue on global challenges.
