Driving Sustainable Development: UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Leads the Charge in Progress and Innovation
In a world beset by unprecedented challenges, the imperative for concerted action towards sustainable development grows ever more urgent. Taking the helm in Sri Lanka, the United Nations Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka), as the local arm of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, stands as a beacon for responsible business practices, innovation, and advancement. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the blueprint for a more sustainable and equitable future, Network Sri Lanka channels its efforts towards catalyzing positive change.
At the recent 'Compass 2024' event, which delineated the initiatives for the year and their anticipated outcomes, Rathika de Silva, the Executive Director of Network Sri Lanka, articulated, “We will never cease investing in you (businesses) to enhance governance.” Introducing the 'Forward Faster' initiative of the UN Global Compact, he emphasized, “To attain the SDGs by 2030, we require forward-thinking individuals—those who perceive the SDGs as catalysts for growth rather than mere reputation builders, individuals dedicated to tangible progress rather than mere pledges. Forward Faster stands ready to steer companies towards the areas where they can effect the swiftest and most significant impact by 2030.”
A pivotal element of Network Sri Lanka’s roadmap for 2024 is its focus on active engagement across various working groups, addressing crucial topics such as Climate, Business and Human Rights, Gender and Diversity, Water and Ocean Stewardship, and Sustainable Supply Chain. Representatives from each working group provided updates on their progress in 2023 and outlined proposed agendas for 2024, elucidating key focal points. Participant companies, including Hayleys Fabric PLC and John Keells Holdings PLC, shared their insights and experiences.
Leonie Vaas, Head of Sustainability and Innovation at Hayleys Fabric, underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and their transformative potential in fostering innovation. She remarked, “The United Nations Global Compact provides a shared framework for corporate responsibility, bolstering the company’s sustainability strategy. Our steadfast dedication to sustainable innovation has yielded manifold benefits.”
Driving Innovation for Sustainability: Insights from John Keells Holdings PLC
Drawing from firsthand experiences, Dinuk Gunesekera, Assistant Manager of Brand Development at John Keells Holdings PLC, reflects on the transformative potential of sustainable innovation. As a participant in the SDG Innovation Accelerator programme for Young Professionals, facilitated by Network Sri Lanka in 2023, Gunesekera shares the company's vision for utilizing an invasive species to craft sustainable alternative packaging and products. This innovative approach not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic pollution but also creates economic opportunities for local communities, positioning them as creators of eco-friendly solutions.
The narratives of participating companies, like John Keells Holdings PLC, underscore the profound impact of innovation centered on sustainability. Beyond mitigating environmental challenges, such initiatives bolster brand reputation, appeal to conscientious consumers and investors, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. These testimonies serve as compelling evidence of how forward-thinking businesses can drive positive change while thriving in a socially and environmentally conscious marketplace.
In conclusion, the stories shared by companies like John Keells Holdings PLC illuminate the power of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through initiatives like the SDG Innovation Accelerator programme, facilitated by Network Sri Lanka, businesses are not only addressing critical environmental concerns but also fostering economic empowerment and strengthening societal well-being. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, it becomes increasingly evident that sustainable innovation is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. By embracing this ethos, companies can not only enhance their brand reputation and attract stakeholders but also contribute meaningfully to a more resilient and equitable global community.