Sustainability Summit 2021 held to accelerate recovery of MSMEs

The Global Compact Network Philippines and UNIDO Country Office Philippines held the Sustainability Summit 2021 with the theme, “Accelerating MSME’s Recovery through the 10-in-10 Agenda” on 17-18 November 2021. This two-day online event, joined by 21 speakers and seven CEOs, launched the 10-in-10 Private Sector Champions, an initiative formed to transform into concrete action the 10-in-10 Business Ambition, a recovery and sustainability roadmap to support micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In the opening program, Teddy Monroy, UNIDO Country Representative – Philippines mentioned, “We in the UNIDO Country Office are pleased to have been able to contribute to this effort, also through the support and assistance provided by our sister UN agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, looking after the agriculture sector and food security matters, and the International Labor Organization, contributing their expertise on issues around human resources, safety in the workplace, and decent work principles, among others”. On the other hand, Yayu Javier, Local Representative of GCNP emphasized, “This is the time to make the difference in the way we operate our products and employees, to build resilience and sustainability of MSMEs”.

Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Resident Coordinator for the Philippines spoke at the plenary where he recognized, “People are at the centre of the UN’s Socio-economic and Peace Framework (SEPF), particularly the ones most at risk for being left behind. The emphasis is on transitioning to a healthier, resource-efficient green and circular economy, health and education systems that are fit for purpose and deliver services better to all, and sustainable social peace”. He commended the GCNP members for its 10-in-10 Business Agenda and welcomed the efforts to align with the SEPF to make the MSMEs more agile in the new normal and harness private sector contributions to the 2030 Agenda.

Ma. Victoria Tan of Ayala Corporation and Private Sector Champions Chair introduced GCNP’s response to support the MSMEs, more specifically the initial work pulled together by GCNP, UNIDO and the private sector champions such as for People: mental health, access to medical support, and food security; for Prosperity: financing, supply chain sustainability, business continuity management and diversification and market access; for Planet: circularity and plastic and solid waste management; energy, clean production and conservation, and water stewardship. Antoinette Taus joined the speakers in a fireside chat where they talked more about sustainability and how to help MSMEs recover from the consequences and impact of the pandemic.

The second day started with the annual CEO SDG Circle, with  Ms. Anna Lagon, Co-CEO & Chief Creative Officer, BAYO Manila Inc, Mr. Jose Teodoro Limcaoco, President & CEO, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Mr. David Sutherland, Chairman of the Board, International Care Ministries, Ms. Sharon Gulmatico, Founder & CEO, Morination Agricultural Products, Mr. Kais Marzouki, Chairman & CEO, Philippines, Mr. Benjie Yap, Executive Vice President & CEO, Philippines Mr. Edwin Bautista, President & CEO, Union Bank of the Philippines.  Ms. Neha Das, Asia-Oceania Regional Coordinator, UN Global Compact. The CEOs in the side event discussed the sustainability commitments of their companies in People, Planet and Prosperity, with emphasis on their support to MSMEs.

Furthermore, SANDA OJIAMBO, CEO and Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact talked about the need for business leaders and GCNP to work together to promote principled business and harness the collective power of the MSMEs. She also emphasized that GCN provides an enhanced reporting framework that can guide companies accountable in their progress in their commitments to sustainability. Sonda concluded that if we operate sustainably, align with SDGs and COP, the efforts to strengthen MSMEs with the help of the GCNP, may accelerate the efforts of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, uniting businesses for a better world.

The event closed with the recognition of the 5th year anniversary of GCNP and its pioneer members and the announcement of the SDG Awards 2021.