SLASSCOM recently unveiled itsEnvironmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative,in collaboration with the United Nations in Sri Lanka and Global Compact Network Sri Lanka.
Industry CEOs, Board and Corporate leaders, collectively made a pledge to “work together to build Sri Lanka’s industry as the leading sustainable IT/BPM destination recognised globally” and committed to “prioritising and championing environmental, social and governance across their organisations”.
SLASSCOM had partnered with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Sri Lanka and an expert advisory team to create the ESG strategy that would be embedded into the industry’s overall multi-year strategy. An advisory group and an operational executive committee have been established, consisting of corporate sustainability experts to support the implementation of the sustainability strategy.
SLASSCOM’s Chairperson Sandra De Zoysa said, “All of us are responsible for protecting our planet and people, and to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s “Island of Ingenuity” brand proposition, SLASSCOM is keen to see ESG become one of the key differentiators, where we position ourselves in the global marketplace as an innovative and sustainable solutions and service provider.
“This will make our brand unmatched by others and place us at the forefront on the global map. Going forward, SLASSCOM will also aim to establish business responsibility reporting for the IT/BPM Industry with a suggested set of metrics which are industry relevant, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Compass,” she said.
Vice Chairman, SLASSCOM Jehan Perinpanayagam said, “Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM industry could be the first green IT/BPM destination in the world, renowned not only for innovation and talent, but for responsible, principled business that leads in climate action, diversity and inclusive of growth.” United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Hanaa Singer-Hamdy said, “The United Nations in Sri Lanka is pleased to collaborate with the IT/BPM industry to develop an industrywide sustainability strategy, that would help continue its growth while creating positive economic, social and environmental impact to Sri Lanka and to the global value chains it is part of.”
Keynote speaker, Fellow at the Office of the President Asia Pacific and Japan - Strategic Programs of SAP, Tristan Haberley and apparel industry leader Nikhil Hirdaramani outlined the rising focus on ESG globally as a key priority and business imperative.