UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UN GCNS) today concluded its annual premier sustainability event, the UN GCNS Summit, which took place on 3 and 4 October, culminating with the Apex Awards Gala Dinner on 4 October.
The two-day event was graced by guests of honour Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, and Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Manpower.
Senior leaders from public and private sector organisations participated in several plenary and fireside chats at this year’s event, covering key topics such as development finance and workplace diversity.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Themed “Forward Faster: Accelerating Corporate Action for Sustainable Development,” the 16th UN GCNS Summit provided a vital platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and action aimed at advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region, emphasising that purpose and profit can work in harmony.
“We are pleased to share that, in Asia alone, over 300 companies across numerous sectors have already pledged their support for the “Forward Faster” initiative,” said Dr. Bicky Bhangu, President, UN GCNS.
The Forward Faster initiative offers a strategic framework that drives progress while creating meaningful change, ensuring long-term resilience and competitiveness for businesses across Southeast Asia.
Revamped Carbon Emissions Reduction Tool (CERT)
UN GCNS has also launched a revamped version of its CERT programme. This second iteration of the programme will be one of the first tools to use the new Singapore Emissions Factors, which are being launched almost simultaneously.
The upgraded platform, which is aligned with GHG Protocol, ISO14064-1 will allow for faster submissions, expanded accessibility, and an enhanced user experience. Altogether, this upgraded version of CERT is set to accelerate carbon emission reductions by Singaporean companies.
Forward Faster report
UN GCNS unveiled its landmark report, “Forward Faster: Guiding Companies Towards Decisive Action for 2030”, developed in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group. Aligned with the various SDGs, the report includes both qualitative and quantitative insights from 50 senior leaders sourced at a roundtable in July this year which touched on five critical issues: climate action; gender equality; living wages; water security; and financing the green transition.
Singapore Apex Corporate Sustainability Awards 2024
The two-day event concluded with the Apex Awards and a gala dinner, celebrating leaders in sustainability and highlighting some of the most innovative sustainable solutions in the country.
The Awards, now in their 9th year running, saw a record-breaking 130 nominations across three categories: Sustainable Business; Sustainable Solutions; and the LowCarbonSG Award. The Sustainable Business category honours companies which excel in integrating sustainability into their operations, while the Sustainable Solutions category recognises those developing innovative products or services to meet sustainability needs.
The LowCarbonSG Award, now in its second 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.
Apex Award Winners 2024
The winners by category are:
Sustainable solutions : Aseuene APAC Pte Ltd (SME), Kosmode Health Singapore Pte Ltd(SME), Umami Bioworks (SME), Univers Pte. Ltd (non-SME)
Sustainable Business : Call Lade Enterprises Pte Ltd (SME), The Blue Circle (SME) Executive Ship Management Pte Ltd, Singapore (SME), AirTrunk Singapore Pte Ltd (non-SME), Keppel Ltd (non-SME), ComfortDelGro Corporation (non-SME)
Low CarbonSG : Dyna-Mac Holdings Limited, Matex International Limited, BH Global Corporation Limited
Registration for the 2025 Apex Awards will open from 7 October 2024.
This year’s UN GCNS Summit and Apex Awards saw a total of around 600 participants over two days and was held at One Farrer Hotel.
Lead image courtesy of Un GCNS ((Left to right): Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance; and Dr Bicky Bhangu, President, UN Global Compact Network Singapore at a fireside chat)
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