Defining the year for corporate sustainability: Insights from Compass 2025

Compass 2025, the annual flagship event of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka), set the stage for a transformative year in corporate sustainability. 

Bringing together participant companies, business leaders, sustainability leads, partners and key stakeholders, the event kicked off the year celebrating progress and achievements from the Network in 2024, while unveiling the 2025 strategic road map—a pivotal year as the UN Global Compact marks its 25th anniversary.

With an emphasis on collaboration, resilience, better governance and bold leadership, Compass 2025 reinforced the urgent need for businesses to take action. The event explored global sustainability trends, local risks and emerging opportunities—highlighting that those who act decisively will be best positioned to drive long-term value.

Panel discussion panellists Amanthi Perera, Mevan Peiris, Dr. Stephanie Rahaman de Silva and moderator Janani Wijetunge

Welcome address | A point of reference

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Executive Director Rathika de Silva opened the event by emphasising the theme ‘Towards a Resilient Future’. He underscored the importance of resilience in navigating today’s uncertainties, stating, businesses must be more vigilant than ever, stay true to their commitment to the Ten Principles and maintain the highest standards of governance and integrity.”

Chairman’s remarks

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Chairman and Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC Chairman and CEO Dilhan C. Fernando reflected on the founding of the UN Global Compact 25 years ago as a pivotal effort to “preserve universal values as a foundation for sustainable growth”.

Highlighting the critical achievements of Network Sri Lanka in 2024, he underscored that “sustainability is no longer just a moral imperative but a business priority central to resilience and profitability”. He urged business leaders to “step up and lead with purpose”, adopting the UN Global Compact’s ‘CEO Agenda’ to navigate complex challenges while fostering resilient supply chains and advancing ESG-driven innovation.

In line with the call for stronger strategic leadership, the event also featured UN Global Compact Head of Anti-Corruption and Transformational Governance Christina Ritter, providing insights into the latest tools and initiatives accessible for companies in the governance topic areas.

In a powerful address, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche reaffirmed the private sector’s crucial role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Highlighting the deep connection between the United Nations and UN Global Compact, he stated, “As we forge ahead, let us consider the transformative power of partnerships. Collaboration between the UN, businesses, civil society and government will be crucial in addressing emerging challenges and ensuring corporate sustainability drives a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.”

Panel discussion | Collective action: Insights from regional forum

Engaging the theme of collaboration, the panel discussion reflecting on insights from the Forward Faster Now Asia and Oceania Regional Forum featured some of the speakers who shared insights at the forum across diverse topics, discussed the value of being agile as we make progress.

The speakers were MAS Holdings Head of Social Sustainability Amanthi Perera, Hatch Works CEO Mevan Peiris, Aitken Spence PLC Deputy General Manager Corporate Communications and Sustainability Dr. Stephanie Rahaman de Silva and it was moderated by Network Sri Lanka Head of Programmes and Governance Janani Wijetunge. 

Reimagining Sri Lanka: Innovation and sustainability for a thriving future

Good Life X Founder Randhula de Silva delivered an inspiring speech on the intersection of innovation and sustainability. 

“Sustainability is about recognising that our well-being is deeply intertwined with the ecosystems that surround and sustain us. True sustainability is not just about minimising harm—it’s about regeneration, about giving back more than we take,” she said. 

She urged businesses to embrace innovation, seeing it as “the courage to reimagine and the ability to connect dots where others see none”.

Closing remarks

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Board Member and Global Strategic Sustainability Chairman/CEO Dr. Ravi Fernando emphasised the need for governance and board-level engagement in sustainability. He urged companies to align their actions with Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and actively engage with the UN Global Compact’s initiatives. 

“The most credible, efficient and cost-effective way to position yourself globally is by engaging with the UN Global Compact. You get the opportunity to be credibly positioned at the global level,” he concluded.

Looking ahead | Compass 2025 strategic priorities

Compass 2025 unveiled the key strategic priorities for Network Sri Lanka, including the launch of enhanced working group structure, the SDG Innovation Centre, new Accelerator Programmes and the 2025 programmes road map. Focus areas for the year ahead include driving innovation, delivering greater value, strengthening governance, fostering continued growth and cultivating meaningful collaborations.