As progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals fall behind with only five years to go before the deadline of meeting the 17 objectives, the Global Compact Network Philippines, local companies organized to realize the SDGs, is moving to accelerate actions on five priority areas where they have growing momentum. Business leaders at the Sustainability Summit 2025 held in Makati City on 12 November agreed on moving Faster Forward on climate action, gender equality, living wage, water resilience, and finance & investment.

The GCNP CEO Forum, a key segment of the summit, saw next-generation leaders from major Philippine conglomerates share some sustainability strategies.

Jessica Sy 

Vice president and head of design, innovation and strategy of SM Development Corp. and SM Prime Holdings 

Sustainability is not an afterthought; it is in the architecture, the supply chain, and the experience of every person who enters an SM property.

Rafael Fernandez de Mesa

President and CEO of Aboitiz Land and Aboitiz Economic Estates

Technology allows us to reimagine sustainability as the new measure of performance.

Jaime Z. Urquijo

Chief sustainability and risk officer of Ayala Corporation

What is good for the planet can also unlock efficiencies and competitiveness.

Kristina Samantha Pobre

Head of sustainability of Arthaland

Sustainability is the smartest investment we can make.

Cecile Ang

Vice president of New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. and chair of San Miguel Foundation

Every major project we build, from airports to expressways, must contribute to resilience and leave no one behind.