UN Global Compact Roundtable: Leading Sustainable Change in Business Strategies

Advancing Sustainability: The UN Global Compact Roundtable

In a groundbreaking event held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the United Nations Global Compact gathered influential business leaders from Asia and Oceania. The objective? To stimulate a powerful transformation in sustainability practices across the regions, moving from mere compliance to positioning sustainability as a pivotal element in strategic business decisions.

The Leadership Roundtable attracted a diverse mix of CEOs, Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs), and senior executives who gathered to share insights and reflect on the changing dynamics of business leadership in response to pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. The discussions predominantly revolved around several key themes, including sustainable finance, supply chain innovations, climate resilience, and the evolving responsibilities of CSOs within organizations. The attendees recognized the necessity for greater cooperation between public and private sectors to foster a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global economy, realigning their focus in sync with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.

Key Outcomes from the Roundtable

1. Embracing Sustainability as a Business Strategy
A predominant shift highlighted during the discussions was the transition of sustainability from a secondary compliance-related issue to a vital business strategy. Participants underlined the integral role of CSOs, emphasizing their responsibility in embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the core operations of their businesses. The dialogue underlined the critical need for robust governance mechanisms to effectively drive sustainability initiatives.

2. Regionally Appropriate Standards
The participants collectively agreed on the importance of the Asia-Pacific region defining its own sustainability frameworks that resonate with local contexts. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within the region, the discussions focused on creating standards that are not only regionally relevant but also promote effective collaboration between various sectors.

3. Financial Alignment with Sustainability Goals
Another significant theme was the notion that true sustainability solutions must make economic sense to mobilize investment. Many leaders stressed the importance of aligning sustainability initiatives with financial performance to secure funding. Methods such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) were discussed as tools for unlocking investments and minimizing risks.

As highlighted by Sue Allchurch, Chief of Outreach Engagement at the UN Global Compact, nearly 88% of CEOs surveyed in the 2025 UN Global Compact CEO Study acknowledged a stronger business case for sustainability compared to five years ago. Key drivers identified included technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and evolving societal values. This roundtable served as a testament to the leadership and momentum stemming from the Asia-Pacific region, which is not just responding to global challenges but actively crafting sustainable solutions.

Simiao You, Participant Engagement Senior Manager at the UN Global Compact Office, noted that valuable insights emerged regarding how businesses could effectively integrate sustainability into their operational strategies. From innovative supply chain practices to fostering regional collaborations, it became evident that the integration of sustainability is becoming a non-negotiable aspect of modern business.

About the UN Global Compact

The UN Global Compact strives to accelerate and amplify the collective impact of businesses globally by adhering to the ten principles relevant to human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, all while promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. With a robust network of over 20,000 participating companies, five Regional Hubs, and numerous Country Networks worldwide, it stands as the largest corporate sustainability initiative globally, unifying businesses in the quest for a more sustainable world. For further information, follow @globalcompact on social media or visit unglobalcompact.org.