📈 APAC Leaders Convene in Colombo for Sustainable Business Growth

• Event Overview Over 200 business leaders, policymakers, UN representatives, and sustainability experts gathered in Colombo on August 11–12 for Forward Faster Now APAC 2026. Hosted by Global Compact Network Sri Lanka and organized by the UN Global Compact APAC Hub in collaboration with 14 country networks across 16 regional nations, the event focused on driving private sector leadership for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. • Core Focus Areas To combat climate risks, geopolitical uncertainty, and technological disruption, participants explored practical approaches in key focus areas: • Climate action & water resilience • Sustainable finance & circular economy solutions • Digital innovation & governance & accountability • Gender equality & business & human rights • Strategic Collaboration & Implementation The forum emphasized that cross-sector partnerships—connecting businesses, governments, investors, and civil society—are vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), building resilient supply chains, and boosting long-term regional competitiveness. • Key Side Initiatives An in-person session of the APAC Chief Sustainability Officers Peer Learning Group convened 20 CSOs from prominent regional firms. The year-long initiative aims to break down functional silos and embed sustainability directly into core business operations.