Network Sri Lanka urges corporate to 'Forward Faster' on SDGs

22 Feb '24

2 min read

Pic: Adobe Stock

Insights

Network Sri Lanka, part of UN Global Compact, called on corporate leaders to commit to ambitious sustainability targets.
The UNDP, UN underscored private sector's pivotal role in driving SDGs.
Resident representative of UNDP Sri Lanka underscored collaborative effort between UNDP and stakeholders to ensure their work fosters a healthier planet and populace.

United Nations Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka), the country network of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, recently issued a stirring call to action to corporate leaders nationwide.

Their message: ‘commit to ambitious sustainability targets and propel Sri Lanka’s advancement towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the innovative global initiative ‘Forward Faster’.

Azusa Kubota, resident representative of UNDP Sri Lanka, underscored the collaborative effort between UNDP and the stakeholders to ensure their work fosters a healthier planet and populace.

She emphasised the alignment of investments with SDGs for socioeconomic recovery, highlighting the pivotal role of the private sector in effecting this change.

Marc-André Franche, United Nations resident coordinator in Sri Lanka, echoed this sentiment, stressing the crucial role of the private sector as champions of sustainability.

He welcomed deeper collaboration and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to partnering with businesses to envision pathways towards the SDGs.

The ‘Forward Faster’ initiative, part of the UN Global Compact, urges global business leaders to take concrete action in key areas including gender equality, climate action, living wage, water resilience, and finance and investment.

These areas are pivotal in accelerating progress across all SDGs, enabling collective impact by 2030.

At the ‘Compass 2024’ event themed ‘Towards a Resilient Future Through Corporate Impact’, Network Sri Lanka introduced the ‘Forward Faster’ initiative locally, aiming to spark private sector leadership in driving transformative change.

Distinguished speakers, including UN representatives, shared insights, while the 2021 SDG Pioneer for SDG 12 Responsible Production and Consumption from Sri Lanka presented their experiences.

Rathika de Silva, executive director of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, unveiled the overarching plan for 2024.

This roadmap aims to assist participating companies in enhancing governance strategies, setting ambitious targets, and unlocking innovation opportunities.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)