📈 UNGC Chief: Responsible Business Key to Sri Lanka's Long-Term Economic Recovery

• Strategic Focus & Governance: UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Global Compact (UNGC) CEO Sanda Ojiambo emphasized that ethical leadership, anti-corruption, and strong ESG governance are essential for long-term business resilience, attracting international capital, and ensuring fair market competition in Sri Lanka. • SME & Supply Chain Integration: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)—which make up 50% of UNGC participants—can enhance export readiness, access green loans, and qualify for global supply chains (especially in Europe) by integrating early sustainability credentials. • Regional Competitiveness: Sri Lankan businesses across textiles, manufacturing, and consumer goods are already well-positioned in regional and global markets. Adherence to strict environmental, quality, and labor standards strengthens export competitiveness beyond domestic needs. • Institutional Support & Coalitions: The newly launched Responsible Business Coalition with the Colombo Stock Exchange aims to connect private sector initiatives with national economic recovery plans, while leveraging Sri Lanka’s economic agility to adapt quickly to global shocks.