Insider Spotlight
The new leadership team is chaired by PLDT chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, with Globe Telecom sustainability head Apple Evangelista as vice chair. Other officers represent sectors spanning agriculture, water, finance, and public policy.
Why it matters
GCNP plays a central role in aligning Philippine businesses with global sustainability standards, particularly the UN Global Compact’s principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
A stronger leadership bench could help expand adoption of sustainability practices among both large corporations and small and medium enterprises, a segment often lagging in ESG integration.
The big picture
The network aims to take a more proactive role in embedding sustainability into core business strategies, not just compliance.
This includes expanding capacity-building programs, creating more networking opportunities, and helping companies align with international frameworks that can improve competitiveness and investor appeal.
Between the lines
GCNP is also positioning itself as a bridge between Philippine companies and UN agencies.
This strategy is designed to unlock partnerships that can accelerate progress in priority areas such as climate action, gender equality, living wage, water resilience, and sustainable finance.
What they’re saying
UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral welcomed the new board and pledged support in strengthening collaboration between GCNP and UN agencies operating in the Philippines.
The move underscores the UN’s intent to mobilize more private sector participation in sustainability initiatives at a national level.
What’s next
With fresh leadership in place, GCNP is expected to ramp up engagement efforts and expand its influence across industries.
The group’s challenge will be translating global sustainability commitments into tangible, localized action that delivers measurable impact for both businesses and communities. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
