Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines gather to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on 7 September 2026. Seated at the center (from left) are Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III, Chair, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, and Melissa Vergel de Dios, Chairperson, GCNP, joined by representatives from both organizations to formalize the partnership in advancing a more inclusive and sustainable ASEAN economy.
Mandaluyong City, Philippines — Under its 2026 ASEAN Chairship, the Philippines has set a private sector agenda centered on inclusive, sustainable growth, one that depends on expanding opportunities for MSMEs and connecting business action to the region’s shared development goals. In support of this agenda, the Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen private sector action on sustainable development.
This collaboration builds on discussions following GCNP’s General Assembly earlier this year, where the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship was highlighted as a strategic opportunity for businesses to demonstrate leadership in advancing sustainable development and regional competitiveness.
Under this partnership, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, which represents the voice of the Philippine business community in shaping ASEAN’s economic priorities, will further integrate sustainability into its programs and initiatives. This work draws on GCNP’s mandate to advance the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the Forward Faster initiative. Together, the organizations aim to mobilize private sector efforts, including Philippine SMEs, to contribute more effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while advancing a more inclusive and sustainable ASEAN economy.
Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III, Chair of ASEAN-BAC Philippines, and Melissa Vergel de Dios, Chairperson of GCNP, shake hands after signing the Memorandum of Understanding, sealing a partnership to advance the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and mobilize private sector collective action on sustainability.
“As the Philippine network of the UN Global Compact, GCNP is committed to turning global goals into local action for Philippine businesses. Our partnership with the ASEAN-BAC Philippines expands the reach of our mission, enabling us to engage more companies in collective action, strengthen their sustainability journey, and contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable ASEAN economy,” said Melissa Vergel de Dios, Chairperson of Global Compact Network Philippines and Chief Sustainability Officer of PLDT.
Initial activities will include the Sustainability Summit 2026, themed Beyond Commitments: Sustainability for Business Resilience, to be held on 14 October at Makati Diamond Residences, and the Peer Learning Sessions, running from September to October. These initiatives are intended to equip businesses with practical knowledge, foster collaboration, and accelerate private sector contribution through capability-building.
About the Global Compact Network Philippines
The Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) is the country network of the United Nations Global Compact, uniting participants from top Philippine corporations, SMEs, business associations, academe and civil society to advance responsible business practices. Committed to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), GCNP guides organizations to adapt global frameworks into practical, localized strategies that enhance competitiveness, reduce compliance risk, and attract partners and investors. Therefore, contributing to the well-being of people and the planet.
About the ASEAN Business Advisory Council
The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) is the region’s apex private sector advisory body, established in 2001 to provide business insights and recommendations to ASEAN Leaders. It serves as the primary platform for the private sector to engage with policymakers, advocate for economic cooperation, and advance the ASEAN’s integration agenda.
About the UN Global Compact
As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the vision of the UN Global Compact is clear: to mobilize business to transform sustainability ambition into action at the scale the world demands. With more than 25,000 participants and a presence in over 100 countries through 5 Regional Hubs and more than 70 Country Networks and expansion territories, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.