More than 200 business leaders, sustainability practitioners, policymakers, and United Nations representatives convened in Colombo on August 11–12, 2026, for Forward Faster Now APAC 2026: Driving Business Leadership for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth. Hosted by Global Compact Network Sri Lanka and organized by the UN Global Compact APAC Hub in collaboration with 14 Global Compact Country Networks covering 16 countries, the flagship regional event aimed to exchange practical solutions and strengthen regional partnerships.

The forum addressed how companies can build resilience and unlock long-term value amid increasing climate risks, geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, and shifting stakeholder expectations. Participants explored practical approaches to advancing climate action, sustainable finance, water resilience, governance, gender equality, business and human rights, digital innovation, circular economy solutions, and cross-sector partnerships.

Leadership Perspectives

Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, emphasized the opportunity for companies to lead in a complex environment. She noted that embedding sustainability into strategy and operations allows businesses to build resilience, unlock long-term value, and drive inclusive growth. "Forward Faster Now demonstrates the power of bringing together business, the United Nations and partners to share practical solutions, strengthen collaboration and accelerate action where it matters most," Ojiambo said.

Rathika de Silva, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, highlighted the region's rapid economic growth and the profound impact of current business decisions on future sustainable development. She stated that the gathering focused on building partnerships and equipping businesses with tools to translate ambition into measurable action. "Business can no longer view sustainability as a separate agenda. It is fundamental to long-term competitiveness, resilience and growth," de Silva added.

Peer Learning and Collaboration

A central theme of the event was the importance of collaboration among companies, governments, investors, civil society, and the UN to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An in-person convening of the APAC Chief Sustainability Officers Peer Learning Group was held on the sidelines, bringing together 20 Chief Sustainability Officers from leading regional companies.

The group focused on breaking silos between sustainability and other business functions to embed sustainability more deeply across core operations. The Peer Learning Group will run for one year, with members continuing to convene throughout the year to explore key sustainability priorities and share practical solutions.

What the Numbers Show

The scale of participation underscores the growing institutional commitment to sustainability across the Asia-Pacific region. With representatives from 16 countries and 14 Global Compact Country Networks collaborating on a single agenda, the data indicates a shift from isolated corporate sustainability efforts toward coordinated, multi-stakeholder regional frameworks. The formation of a dedicated Peer Learning Group comprising 20 Chief Sustainability Officers further signals an operational focus on integrating sustainability into core business functions rather than treating it as a peripheral compliance activity.

Business leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives gathered at the 2026 SDG Business Forum in New York to emphasize the critical role of responsible business in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and delivering on the Pact for the Future. The Forum highlighted the need for stronger partnerships to mobilize investment, strengthen industrial development, and build resilient infrastructure in an increasingly complex global environment.

Co-convened by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the UN Global Compact, and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as co-organizer, the event focused on SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Discussions also addressed this year's High-level Political Forum (HLPF) review of SDGs 6, 7, and 11.

Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, stressed that sustainability is fundamental to competitiveness and long-term value creation. She called for scaling successful initiatives through stronger partnerships, enabling policy environments, and greater accountability to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Ojiambo was joined by Umut Shayakhmetova, CEO of Halyk Bank and President of the UN Global Compact Central Asia Network, and Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation.

The Forum featured two substantive discussions. The first explored the role of business in shaping the future of industrialization amid rapid technological change, artificial intelligence, shifting global supply chains, and the clean energy transition. The second showcased how UN Global Compact Country Networks are collaborating with governments to implement Action 55(c) of the Pact for the Future, demonstrating practical examples of business support for national sustainable development priorities.

During the event, the UN Global Compact launched the Action 55(c) Insights Brief, developed on behalf of the UN Secretary-General. The publication outlines practical recommendations for strengthening private sector engagement and accountability in implementing UN frameworks and advancing the SDGs. Speakers reinforced that sustainable development cannot be achieved without active business involvement.