#Sri Lanka #Colombo #UN Global Compact #Forward Faster #APAC 2026

Asian Business Leaders Unite for Sustainability in Sri Lanka

In a significant gathering, over 200 leaders from the Asia-Pacific region convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 11-12, 2026. This event, titled Forward Faster Now APAC 2026, marked a pivotal moment as business executives, policymakers, sustainability experts, and representatives from the United Nations came together to foster sustainable and inclusive growth across the region. The assembly, organized by the UN Global Compact’s APAC Hub and the Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, aims to accelerate private sector actions toward achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The urgent call for resilience and collaboration in the face of climate change, geopolitical shifts, and evolving market expectations underscores the event's discussions. Keynote speaker Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO of the UN Global Compact, highlighted the dual nature of challenges and opportunities within the business landscape today. She stated, “The complexities faced by businesses today should inspire leadership and proactive strategy integration for sustainability.”

Highlights from the Forum

Over the course of two days, participants engaged in high-level dialogues and interactive sessions exploring vital themes such as:

• - Climate Action
• - Sustainable Finance
• - Gender Equality
• - Circular Economy
• - Digital Innovation

These sessions were designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and practical solutions that companies can implement in their operations. One of the recurring messages was the critical importance of collaboration among businesses, governments, civil society, and international organizations to overcome common challenges — notably in the achievement of the SDGs.

Another key component of the event was the APAC Chief Sustainability Officers Peer Learning Group, which met alongside the main forum. This group, consisting of 20 sustainability leads from leading firms, aims to break down the silos within their organizations that often hinder sustainability efforts. By fostering renewed communication and cooperation amongst different business functions, the Group will work over the next year to embed sustainability into core operations more effectively.

Building a Sustainable Future through Partnerships

Rathika de Silva, Executive Director of the Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, spoke on the significance of the event, stating: “Sustainability leaders from across Asia-Pacific are making impactful decisions here and now that will shape our region's future. This gathering is not just about promoting ideas; it’s about solidifying partnerships and sharing actionable experiences.”

Throughout the event, leaders shared success stories demonstrating how their businesses are committing to sustainability. This included strengthening governance structures, creating resilient supply chains, and implementing innovative strategies that balance profitability with societal benefit. The emphasize was clear: sustainability must be a core element of any competitive business strategy.

Conclusion: A Collective Call to Action

The Forward Faster Now APAC 2026 event served not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a call to action for companies across Asia-Pacific. As businesses face unprecedented global challenges, this collaborative effort is vital for driving change that aligns operations with sustainable practices. The discussions at this summit reinforce the necessity for businesses to not only adapt but to thrive in an environment where sustainability is paramount.

The success of this conference inspires optimism for the future, and participants left with renewed motivation to incorporate sustainable practices in their business strategies, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of achieving a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

The UN Global Compact remains committed to providing businesses the necessary resources and partnerships to translate sustainability ambitions into concrete actions, ensuring accountability and shared responsibility across sectors. Together, the region’s leaders are poised to accelerate significant progress toward sustainable development.