Indian Ocean Forward Faster Accelerating Sustainable Business Action Across Africa Regional Event

The Indian Ocean Forward Faster Regional Event is a three-day sustainability convening led by the UN Global Compact Network Indian Ocean Region, in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Open to companies across UN Global Compact Country Networks in Africa, the event will bring together business leaders, public institutions, and sustainability practitioners to advance collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This regional gathering is designed to support companies in aligning with the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles and the Forward Faster initiative, while strengthening collaboration across sectors and regions.

Why Attend?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Explore emerging sustainability challenges and opportunities across Africa and the Indian Ocean region
• Strengthen capacity in priority ESG areas aligned with Forward Faster targets
• Exchange best practices and engage in peer learning with businesses from across the continent
• Build partnerships that accelerate progress on the SDGs

Programme Overview

Day 1 – CEO Convening (High-Level Session)

Exclusive to CEOs and senior executives

The opening day will feature a high-level CEO event, with panel discussions moderated by UNITAR, focusing on:

• Embedding ESG into corporate governance and leveraging public–private partnerships for strengthened governance
• Financing climate resilience and adaptation through innovative financial instruments for sustainable development

Attendance on Day 1 is by invitation only. Organisations may request an invitation for their CEO by contacting the organisers.

Day 2 – Environmental Solutions Workshop

This practical workshop will explore:

• Climate change adaptation and resilience building
• Circular economy practices in the Indian Ocean region
• Biodiversity preservation and ecosystem restoration

Day 3 – Social Impact Workshop

Discussions will focus on advancing inclusive and responsible business practices, including:

• Social inclusion and community partnerships
• Gender equality for inclusive growth
• Decent work and fair labour practices

Who Should Participate?

• Companies participating in the UN Global Compact across Africa
• CEOs and senior executives committed to sustainability leadership
• Sustainability, ESG, and CSR professionals
• Public sector and development partners engaged in sustainable development

Registration Organisations are encouraged to confirm their participation early.

For Day 1 (CEO Event) invitation requests or additional information, please contact:

UN Global Compact Network Indian Ocean Region
secretariat@globalcompact-mauritius-indianocean.org
CC: pooja.etwah@globalcompact-mauritius-indianocean.org