UNGCNS Strengthens Singapore’s Sustainability Leadership with Flagship Event and Collaborative Corporate Action Initiatives

UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UNGCNS) today concluded its annual flagship event: the 17^th UNGCNS Summit (10/8), followed by the 10^th Singapore Apex Corporate Sustainability Awards (10/9). Here, Singapore showcases its sustainability leadership by announcing four new collaborative corporate action initiatives.

The two-day event at Equarius Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa was honoured by distinguished Guests of Honour: Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, who graced the 17th UNGCNS Summit; and Mr Lim Boon Heng, Chairman of Temasek Holdings, who attended the 10th Singapore Apex Corporate Sustainability Awards.

The 17th UNGCNS Summit

Centred on the theme “Forward Faster: Collective Action and Leadership for a Sustainable Future”, the Summit convened senior leaders from both public and private sectors. Participants engaged in plenary and breakout discussions on pressing topics, including corporate sustainability leadership in a polarised world, Singapore’s clean energy transition, and the growing challenges of Scope 3 emissions and supply chain climate risks.

The Summit also marked UNGCNS’ 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of advancing responsible and purpose-driven business. This milestone comes at a pivotal time of renewal, with Executive Director David Fogarty bringing over 20 years of ESG and climate expertise to the organisation. Under new leadership, UNGCNS will seek to strengthen regional collaboration, scale collective solutions, and position Singapore at the forefront of sustainability action across Asia Pacific.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr. Bicky Bhangu, President of UNGCNS, said, “This year marks a decisive moment for sustainability in Singapore and the wider region. As we celebrate 20 years of UN Global Compact Network Singapore and 25 years of the UN Global Compact, the message is clear: businesses can and must be engines of measurable impact.”

He further emphasised Singapore’s ambition in sustainability leadership, saying, “The Summit is not just a platform for dialogue – it is a catalyst for bold leadership, collaboration, and solutions that advance both Singapore’s Green Plan and the global SDGs. By acting with urgency and integrity, we can demonstrate that sustainability can be a driver of long-term business value.”

Sustainability Leadership Through Collaborative Initiatives

Looking ahead, UNGCNS remains committed to catalyse global, regional and local partnerships that accelerate collective action. Building on its legacy, the organisation will continue to shape Singapore’s role in sustainability leadership, as a regional sustainability hub and a driving force in advancing the global Sustainable Development Goals.

Underscoring the power of collective action, the Summit announced four new initiatives aimed at deepening partnerships and driving impact across local, regional, and global fronts:

1. Green Impact Gap Report with Schneider Electric
   UNGCNS, in collaboration with Schneider Electric, released “Bridging the Green Impact Gap in Singapore.” Drawing on responses from 1,000 business leaders across startups, SMEs, large local enterprises, and multinationals, the report shows that 91% of Singapore companies continue to prioritise sustainability, with investments in energy efficiency, electrification, digital solutions, and AI driving measurable impact. Nearly three-quarters of respondents also see Singapore playing a leading role in promoting regional sustainability cooperation.
2. Global Biodiversity Insurance Study
   In partnership with Nanyang Technological University and the UN Global Compact Office, UNGCNS launched a pioneering study on biodiversity and insurance. Surveying around 250 insurers worldwide, the study aims to understand how biodiversity risks are integrated into underwriting, risk management, and investment practices, paving the way for next-generation insurance models that incentivise positive outcomes for nature.
3. Strategic Partnership with OCBC on ESG Readiness Assessment Tool for SMEs
   UNGCNS has embarked on a strategic partnership with OCBC to co-brand and develop an ESG readiness assessment tool for SMEs across Southeast Asia. Free to use and tailored to the regional context, the tool enables SMEs to benchmark and improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, while linking progress to sustainable finance opportunities through OCBC’s green financing solutions. The ESG readiness assessment tool is expected to be launched in the 1st Quarter of 2026.
4. Revamp of LowCarbonSG Programme
   UNGCNS will unveil an upgraded LowCarbonSG programme to accelerate corporate decarbonisation. Featuring a three-tier framework enabled by the enhanced CERT (Carbon & Emissions Recording Tool), the programme supports companies in tracking emissions reductions, accessing third-party verification, and linking progress to sustainable financing mechanisms such as Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs) with OCBC. The programme also includes expanded Scope 3 coverage, advanced analytics, and new workshops to build enterprise capabilities in emissions reduction planning.

Singapore Apex Corporate Sustainability Awards 2025

The two-day event concluded with the Apex Awards gala dinner, celebrating leaders in sustainability and highlighting some of the most innovative sustainability solutions in the country. The Awards, now in its tenth year, saw nominations across three categories: Sustainable Business; Sustainable Solutions; and the LowCarbonSG Award.

The Sustainable Business category honours companies excelling in integrating sustainability into their operations, while the Sustainable Solutions category recognises those developing innovative products or services to meet sustainability needs. The Low CarbonSG Award, now in its third year, celebrates businesses that have reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by at least 5% over the past 24 months through significant efforts or investments.

Companies who perform exceptionally well in each sustainability category of the awards stand a chance of winning the highly coveted Apex Winner Award. This year we recognise Mandai Wildlife Group and Keppel Ltd. as APEX winners in the Sustainable Business and Sustainable Solutions category, respectively.

Last but not least, as Host & Strategic Sustainability Partner of the Summit, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) provided a platform for meaningful conversations around sustainability. Ms. Lee Shi Ruh, CEO of RWS, remarked, “We’re proud to have supported the 17th UNGCNS Summit as Host & Strategic Sustainability Partner. At RWS, we champion sustainability, from Green Mark certified buildings to guest offerings like sustainable seafood. Beyond our resort, we make meaningful partnerships that drive impact beyond our doors and contribute to building a more resilient future.”

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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UN Global Compact Network Singapore

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The UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UNGCNS) is the local chapter of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. Representing over 300 signatories in Singapore, UNGCNS advances the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through capacity building, partnerships, and collective action.

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