Business groups widen sustainability push across ASEAN

Insider Spotlight

• GCNP and ASEAN-BAC Philippines signed an agreement to mobilize private sector action for inclusive and sustainable economic growth
• The partnership will bring sustainability further into ASEAN-BAC Philippines programs while engaging more Philippine SMEs
• Initial activities include the Sustainability Summit 2026 on Oct. 14 and Peer Learning Sessions from September to October
  
  
  
  

The Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines have formalized a partnership aimed at getting more businesses, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), involved in the region’s sustainable development agenda.

The organizations signed a memorandum of understanding on Sept. 7 as the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship puts inclusive and sustainable growth at the center of its private sector agenda. The partnership follows discussions after GCNP’s General Assembly earlier this year.

Shaping economic priorities

The agreement seeks to connect corporate sustainability efforts with ASEAN’s broader economic priorities, potentially expanding the role of Philippine companies in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

ASEAN-BAC Philippines, which represents the Philippine business community in shaping ASEAN economic priorities, will further integrate sustainability into its programs and initiatives. The work will draw on GCNP’s mandate to promote the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles and its Forward Faster initiative.

Collective action

“As the Philippine network of the UN Global Compact, GCNP is committed to turning global goals into local action for Philippine businesses. Our partnership with the ASEAN-BAC Philippines expands the reach of our mission, enabling us to engage more companies in collective action, strengthen their sustainability journey, and contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable ASEAN economy,” Global Compact Network Philippines chair and PLDT chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios said in a press statement.

Sustainability Summit 

The partners will kick off activities with Peer Learning Sessions running from September through October, followed by the Sustainability Summit 2026 at Makati Diamond Residences on Oct. 14.

The summit, themed “Beyond Commitments: Sustainability for Business Resilience,” and the learning sessions are designed to give businesses practical knowledge, encourage collaboration and accelerate private sector contributions through capability-building. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma