UN Global Compact APAC Summit Pushes for Sustainable Business Collaboration
Event summary
- More than 200 business leaders, policymakers, and UN representatives convened in Colombo on August 11–12 for the Forward Faster Now APAC 2026 summit.
- The event focused on climate action, sustainable finance, governance, gender equality, and cross-sector partnerships to advance SDGs.
- An in-person meeting of the APAC Chief Sustainability Officers Peer Learning Group was held, bringing together 20 CSOs from leading regional companies.
- Participants emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between businesses, governments, investors, civil society, and the UN.
The big picture
The Forward Faster Now APAC 2026 summit underscores the growing urgency for businesses to address climate risks, geopolitical uncertainty, and technological disruption through collaborative action. As Asia-Pacific remains a hotspot for economic growth, the decisions made by regional business leaders will shape the trajectory of sustainable development globally.
What we're watching
- Collaboration Dynamics
- How the strengthened partnerships between businesses, governments, and civil society will accelerate progress toward SDGs.
- Sustainability Integration
- Whether companies can successfully embed sustainability into core business operations beyond siloed functions.
- Regional Impact
- The pace at which Asia-Pacific businesses translate sustainability ambitions into measurable action across fast-growing economies.