UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka: Empowering Businesses to Lead Sustainability in 2025 & Beyond

Colombo, Sri Lanka_ The UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka came together recently for their flagship event – Compass 2025 – to celebrate the progress made in the year 2024 as well as unveil the strategic priorities, initiatives and programme lineup for 2025. The audience included participants, collaborators and valued stakeholders.

Addressing the recent Compass 2025 event, Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka and Chairman of Dilmah Tea, highlighted the critical role of businesses in steering the world towards sustainable growth amidst rising global challenges. Reflecting on 25 years since the inception of the UN Global Compact by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Fernando underscored the importance of collaboration, leadership and resilience to meet the urgent demands of sustainability.

“In 1999, Kofi Annan envisioned the UN Global Compact to preserve universal values as the foundation for sustainable growth. Today, his successor has added to the urgency of that call, citing widening geopolitical divisions, climate chaos, and growing inequalities,” Fernando said, emphasising that the UN Global Compact’s principles remain as vital as ever in addressing these pressing issues.

He pointed to the exponential growth in the green economy, with market capitalisation reaching USD 7.2 trillion in Q1 2024. This, he noted, presents a significant opportunity for businesses to invest in low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive growth models. “We can contain global warming, address inequality, and create green jobs — it only needs leadership, your leadership,” he urged participants.

Highlighting the achievements of Network Sri Lanka, Fernando applauded its innovative programmes, including Working Groups and initiatives like the Climate Emergency Task Force and Sustainable Supply Chain Working Groups. “Our network saw a 25% membership increase last year, and participation in our accelerators ranked among the highest globally,” he remarked.

Sri Lankan companies also shone on the international stage, with Aitken Spence PLC, Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC, and Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC receiving recognition for their leadership in sustainability and showcasing the nation’s progress in integrating sustainable practices into business operations.

Speaking at the event, Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, said, “Sri Lanka’s private sector has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. As we navigate global challenges, it is this leadership in sustainability that will define the future of business and economic progress.”

Dilhan C. Fernando reiterated the urgency of sustainability as both a moral obligation and a business imperative. “The European Green Deal has changed the sustainability landscape, compelling businesses to align their strategies with new realities to remain competitive,” he explained. He also emphasised that resilience and profitability are inextricably linked to sustainable practices.

In closing, he called on businesses to embrace the UN Global Compact’s CEO Agenda, a critical toolkit for navigating financial, legal and market challenges, while fostering inclusive, sustainable growth. He expressed gratitude to members, partners and Network Sri Lanka’s team for their dedication and collaboration.

“We are entering uncharted territory, do not back down. Stay on the right side of history,” Fernando urged, quoting UN Secretary General António Guterres.

Through these efforts, Network Sri Lanka continues to lead the charge in embedding sustainability into core business strategies, empowering organisations to drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving global landscape.