Message from the Executive Director
Dear friends, the past year has seen outcomes that reflect the collective strength of our network and I am happy to share the key milestones of UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) for the year 2023.
As we reflect on our initiatives and valuable lessons learned, we are set to embrace opportunities in 2024. This year, we are bringing you our newly launched Forward Faster initiative— to guide companies on where they can make the biggest, fastest impact on targeted sustainability areas.
We need forward thinkers and doers who see the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a driver of growth, not reputation. Those who are keen to make progress, not just pledges. Those who embrace sustainability as the future, not just a trend.
This article also outlines some ways for each of us to upskill and contribute to our commitment to sustainability. I encourage each of you to continuously embrace the spirit of improvement and further take ambitious actions.
On behalf of UNGCMYB, I thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to working together to build a more sustainable future together. I also congratulate once again all winners of UNGCMYB Forward Faster Sustainability Awards 2023.
With dedication, I am confident that 2024 will be another year of achievements and shared success with all our members, partners and stakeholders. Happy New Year!
Best regards,
Faroze Nadar
Executive Director
UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei
Our Impact and Key Result Area of 2023
Forward Faster
Guiding companies on where they can make the biggest, fastest impact before 2030.
An Urgent Need
The latest SDG Progress report shows that only 15% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track—and some 37% have either seen no movement or regressed below the 2015 baseline. Urgency is needed to accelerate our collective progress and inspire businesses to accountability. That’s why UNGCMYB is joining local networks around the world in challenging the private sector to put words into action.
Move your company forward faster for 2030
With 2030 fast approaching, the world needs ambitious, credible business action from forward-thinking companies like yours. Will you join us?
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2023 Wrapped Key highlights of 2023
RM3bil green financing for the Climate Inclusive Financing & Development Programme
We are one of the few networks globally to have a RM3billion green facility tagged to a locally developed tool. UNGCMYB, Invest Sarawak Sdn Bhd, and Alliance Bank signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate under the Climate Inclusive Financing & Development Programme. With a total of RM3bil financial support for SMEs, RM1bil will be allocated specifically for Sarawakian SMEs to boost sustainable-trade readiness and business resiliency towards environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance.
UNFCCC Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023
Being one of the 4 regional climate weeks leading up to COP28, Asia-Pacific Climate Week (APCW2023) was hosted by the Government of Malaysia in Johor Bahru. UNGCMYB was a regional partner for this key event and we kicked off the first day with our Executive Director, Mr. Faroze Nadar delivering the keynote speech at the high-level session ‘Global Stocktake Regional Dialogue: Enhancing Climate Action and Support’. The conference was also concluded by our Director, Mr. Edey Suresh, with a closing keynote.
Launch of SME ESG Hub - a one-stop ESG resource platform for SMEs in Malaysia
This eLearning platform is designed to empower SMEs in developing and implementing ESG strategies confidently. The hub is a one-stop platform developed for Malaysian SMEs to support them with comprehensive tools and resources to assess, track, and deliver sustainability performance. It is available in English and Bahasa Melayu, and full access is FREE via a one-time registration.
GO ESG 2023
Organised in collaboration with the Parliament of Malaysia, our 4th edition of GO ESG gathered over 400 in-person participants from government ministries, agencies, and C-suite leaders in the private sector. We were pleased to have YB Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the House of Representatives, share his opening keynote at the symposium.
Launch of the UNGCMYB Academy
The UNGCMYB Academy is a premier provider of ESG and corporate sustainability training for members and corporate clients in Malaysia and Brunei through face-to-face and self-paced eLearning programmes. This academy was officiated by Y.B. Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami, former Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, and the programmes are designed based on the Corporate Sustainability Practitioner (CSP) Competency Framework by Bursa Malaysia & UNGCMYB.
Participation in Policy-Making Platforms
To accelerate meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we engaged in various policy making platforms. One key gathering was the second National SDG Council meeting where Malaysia has set national SDG targets. Chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, this council meeting was joined by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg along with various chief ministers and representatives. Our Executive Director, Faroze Nadar, was present as the co-chair of the Private Sector Working Group.
CSOs Recommend Decarbonisation Pathways
Our exclusive gathering brought together the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Chief Sustainability Officers from our network of members. This gathering has enabled local leaders to collaboratively share recommendations to advance sustainable development and foster active engagement of the business community.
Sustainability Workshops for over 700 participants
In 2023, we conducted workshops for a diverse participants including high-level executives such as Board of Directors and also aspiring sustainability practitioners from various companies. The workshops allowed our 700 participants to gain an understanding of sustainability from a strategic perspective and insights into effective sustainability implementation & communication.
Member CEO representative at COP28
At UNGC's High-Level Meeting of Caring for Climate during COP28, one of our member's CEO, Datuk Suhaili Sharbini from Sarawak Energy represented Malaysia. The event brought together CEOs from various sectors and countries, with Datuk Sharbini among the 60 global CEOs participating in discussions on nature-based solutions and just transition.
UNGCMYB Forward Faster Sustainability Awards 2023
3 Free and Simple Ways to Upskill and Embrace Sustainability this New Year
Highlights: COP28 & Member Spotlight
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