10-07-202656
The Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP), at the Sustainability Summit 2025 held in Makati City, called on private sector representatives to adopt the "Forward Faster" initiative, aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) swiftly and effectively. The event brought together representatives of the United Nations, major transnational corporations, government institutions, and civil society. In 2025, global progress towards sustainable development stands at a mere 18 percent. Five key priority areas were identified for the development of the business sector:
· taking decisive action on climate;
· ensuring gender equality;
· ensuring a decent standard of living;
· sustainable management of water resources;
· SDG-aligned investments.
As industry representatives emphasised, sustainability has evolved beyond a mere component of corporate image to become an integral element of business decisions, capital allocation, and corporate strategies.
Leaders of international companies stressed that integrating environmental and social solutions enhances business performance. They noted that the adoption of clean energy, the application of resource-efficient technologies, and the development of equitable working environments strengthen corporate competitiveness. From this perspective, the principle that "what is good for humanity is also good for business" is finding practical validation. The necessity of engaging small and medium-sized enterprises in sustainable development processes was also highlighted, given that in many countries this sector accounts for the predominant share of the economy — over 90 percent.
It was noted that the commitments recorded through the Forward Faster Commitment Wall could serve as a catalyst not only for the Philippines but for global sustainable development processes. According to experts, the implementation of this initiative is expected to lead to more decisive action in the environmental sphere, measurable progress on gender equality, wider adoption of resource-efficient technologies, and enhanced corporate accountability. A positive impact on the growth of SDG-aligned investments is also anticipated. Overall, this step by GCNP is designed to position business as a key driving force in securing a sustainable future on a global scale and to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs.