（Singapore, 09 Oct 2025）Singapore reinforced its position as a regional sustainability leader this week as the UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UNGCNS) marked its 20th anniversary with two major events: the 17th UNGCNS Summit and the 10th Singapore Apex Corporate Sustainability Awards. Held at Resorts World Sentosa, the two-day gathering brought together government leaders, corporate executives and sustainability practitioners at a moment when climate action is becoming ever more urgent across Asia.
The Summit, themed “Forward Faster: Collective Action and Leadership for a Sustainable Future,” opened with Guest of Honour Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development. Her presence underscored Singapore’s long-standing commitment to integrating sustainability into its national development agenda. The discussions throughout the day reflected a world grappling with geopolitical polarisation, accelerating climate risks and the rising expectations placed on corporations. Leaders exchanged views on corporate responsibility, clean energy transitions and the challenges posed by Scope 3 emissions, as well as the pressure for stronger supply-chain decarbonisation.
This year’s Summit also marked a leadership transition for UNGCNS. Executive Director David Fogarty, who brings more than two decades of climate and ESG expertise, outlined a renewed focus on strengthening regional cooperation and scaling practical solutions that can support companies at different stages of their sustainability journeys. UNGCNS President Dr Bicky Bhangu highlighted that the organisation’s 20th anniversary, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the global UN Global Compact, represents a decisive moment for businesses to demonstrate measurable and credible impact. He emphasised that sustainability is increasingly becoming a driver of long-term business value rather than a compliance cost.
In line with this direction, UNGCNS unveiled several new initiatives during the Summit, aimed at addressing Singapore’s sustainability gaps and supporting companies—large and small—through their transition. These include a study with Schneider Electric examining how 1,000 Singapore businesses are approaching sustainability investments; a global biodiversity insurance study with Nanyang Technological University and the UN Global Compact Office; a partnership with OCBC to develop a free ESG readiness tool for SMEs across Southeast Asia; and an enhanced LowCarbonSG programme that provides companies with improved tools to track emissions, strengthen verification processes and link decarbonisation efforts to sustainable financing.
As Host and Strategic Sustainability Partner, Resorts World Sentosa reinforced its commitment to sustainability across its operations. CEO Ms Lee Shi Ruh noted that hosting the Summit aligns with the resort’s broader efforts in responsible operations, ranging from Green Mark buildings to sustainable sourcing.
The two-day programme concluded with the Singapore Apex Corporate Sustainability Awards, graced by Guest of Honour Mr Lim Boon Heng, Chairman of Temasek Holdings. Now in its tenth year, the Awards celebrate businesses that have demonstrated excellence in sustainable practices or developed innovative solutions that contribute to national and global climate goals. This year’s APEX Winners were Mandai Wildlife Group in the Sustainable Business category and Keppel Ltd. in the Sustainable Solutions category, reflecting the breadth of industry leaders advancing meaningful environmental and social progress.
As UNGCNS enters its third decade, the organisation aims to deepen its role as a catalyst for global, regional and local partnerships. With rising corporate expectations and intensifying climate pressures, Singapore’s sustainability landscape is set to become even more pivotal to Asia’s transition. This week’s events signal a renewed momentum—one that positions Singapore not only as a convener of dialogue, but as a driving force for collective action in the region.
