UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka
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CATALYZE

2026SOCIAL

From Commitment to Collective Impact

24TH JUNE 2026 | 8:30AM - 6PM

Growth without social sustainability is no longer viable.

Social sustainability is not a parallel agenda—it is fundamental to business growth.

From workforce productivity and talent retention to supply chain resilience and consumer trust, companies that invest in inclusive, equitable, and responsible practices are better positioned to compete, adapt, and lead.

Yet, across industries, a critical gap remains: while commitments to social sustainability are increasing, implementation is often fragmented, siloed, or treated as a compliance exercise rather than a strategic priority.

CATALYZE: Social 2026 is designed to close this gap.

Track Objectives

Setting the roadmap for translating principles into measurable strategic business outcomes.

Strategic Pillar

Position social sustainability as a core pillar of business strategy, reinforcing its role in long-term value creation.

Actionable Principles

Translate UN Global Compact principles into actionable practices across gender equality, human rights, and inclusive business.

Bridging Gaps

Drive implementation-focused dialogue that bridges the gap between high-level commitments and day-to-day operational reality.

Collective Action

Foster cross-sector collaboration to address systemic challenges and onboarding of new companies into the network.

Three Strategic Shifts

Social sustainability sits at the intersection of people, performance, and purpose.

From policy to practice

From individual action to collective ecosystems

From compliance to value creation

The Agenda

A full day of plenaries, interactive dialogues, and specialized tracks.

09:30 AM

Registration, Networking & Refreshments

Arrival

Act I: Framing the Imperative

Establishing the business case and strategic urgency

10:00 AM

Welcome & Setting the Context

Opening
Speaker / Facilitator
Rathika de SilvaExecutive Director, Network Sri Lanka
10:15 AM

Just Transition: Communities, Culture & the Human Side of Business Transformation

Keynote
Speaker / Facilitator
Hiran CoorayChairman, Jetwing Hotels
10:45 AM

Creative Cultures: The Future of Innovation & Sustainable Business

Keynote
Speaker / Facilitator
Randhula de SilvaFounder, GOOD LIFE x

Act II: Inside the System

Exploring lived realities, workplace dynamics, and implementation challenges

11:15 AM

Men & Inclusion: Navigating Changing Expectations in the Workplace

Dialogue
Speaker / Facilitator
Lihini RatwatteModerator | Gender Specialist, UNDP Sri Lanka
Anika WilliamsonPanelist | Board Director, JAT Holdings
Sanjini MunaweeraPanelist | Regional Head, ADA
Taiyoob AhamedPanelist | Senior GM – Marketing, Brandix
Mevan PeirisPanelist | Innovation Specialist, Hatch Innovation
12:15 PM

Lunch & Networking

Lunch
01:15 PM
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Multiple Tracks
Track AGender Equality / Leadership

From Commitment to Change: Implementing the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) (UN Women x Private Sector)

Focus: WEPs implementation, women’s leadership, workplace equity, setting targets and accountability

Speaker / Facilitator
Esther Hoole
Partnerships Lead, UN Women Sri Lanka
Expert Dialogue
Track BNeurodiversity

Neurodiversity at Work: Unlocking Different Ways of Thinking

Focus: Inclusive hiring, workplace design, innovation

Speaker / Facilitator
Shyamani Hettiarachchi
Consultant
Case-led Discussion
02:15 PM
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Multiple Tracks
Track AResponsible Communications

From Claims to Credibility: Communicating Sustainability Responsibly

Focus: Building credibility through transparency, evidence and alignment between sustainability commitments, actions and communications

Speaker / Facilitator
Sherangi Seneviratne
Brand Strategy Specialist
Interactive Workshop
Track BInclusion

Designing Inclusive Workplaces: From Policy to Practice

Focus: Workplace policies, culture, implementation

Speaker / Facilitator
Amanthi Perera
Head of Sustainable Business, MAS Holdings
Practical Session
Track CFuture of Work

AI, Jobs & the Future Workforce: Navigating Uncertainty, Skills, and Inclusion

Focus: AI disruption, youth employment, skills gaps, inclusive pathways

Speaker / Facilitator
Gayani Hurulle
Senior Research Manager, LIRNEAsia
Moderated Dialogue
03:15 PM

Break

Break

Act III: From Insight to Action

Translating dialogue into commitments, tools, and next steps

03:30 PM

From Reporting to Action: Using Social Data for Strategy

Workshop
Speaker / Facilitator
Aruni RajakarierReporting Consultant
04:00 PM

The Social Sustainability Scorecard: Where Do You Stand?

Interactive
Speaker / Facilitator
Shanuki de AlwisCommunications Specialist
04:30 PM

Catalyzing Action: What Will You Do Next?

Closing
Speaker / Facilitator
Janani WijetungeHead of Programmes & Governance, Network Sri Lanka
Kaif SallyAssociate - Partnerships & Collaborations, Network Sri Lanka

Ready to Commit?

Join the movement and shape the future of inclusive business.

Social Pass

24 June 2026 • Courtyard by Marriott

Full access to Act I, II, and III, including all breakout labs and networking sessions.

Register Now