Sustainable Leadership Awards – UN Global Compact

About the Awards

The Sustainability Leadership Awards celebrate leaders within the UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UNGCNS) community who are driving meaningful corporate sustainability transformation, not just in their organisations, but across industries and value chains. Beyond recognition, the Awards serve as a strategic platform to identify and elevate executives advancing the next phase of business leadership in ASEAN. Winners join the broader UNGCNS leadership ecosystem, contributing to regional dialogues, industry working groups, and multi-stakeholder convenings.

Why Apply?

Regional Stage Recognition

Visible recognition that goes beyond the Awards ceremony. Winners receive a Leadership Spotlight Article published across UNGCNS channels, so the impact reaches well past one evening.

Peer Recognition

The UNGCNS Management Committee votes for the finalists, implying recognition comes from within the business community itself.

Beyond the Trophy

Winners join the UNGCNS leadership ecosystem, with access to regional dialogues, industry working groups, and multi-stakeholder convenings. The Award is a starting point for ongoing influence, not just a one-night moment.

Nomination Criteria

These awards are open exclusively to UN Global Compact Network Singapore member companies, in recognition of leaders who are driving corporate sustainability in alignment with the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and advancing the Global Goals.

C-suite leaders

Nominees must hold a senior leadership role — CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO, CSO, or equivalent.

UNGCNS Member

Nominees must be currently employed by a company that has signed on to Global Compact Network Singapore.

Employee nominations only

Nominations must be submitted by an employee on behalf of their leader. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Nomination Process

Submit your Nomination

Complete the nomination form by 30 September 2026. Provide specific examples of your leader's actions and the measurable impact they have achieved.

Secretariat Review

The UNGCNS Secretariat screens all submissions for eligibility and shortlists 3–5 finalists per category based on impact clarity, leadership signal, and story strength.

Panel Vote

Shortlisted finalists are reviewed by the UNGCNS Management Committee, who vote to select winners. Finalists are notified ahead of the Gala.

Recognition at Gala

Winners are announced and celebrated at the UNGCNS Charity Gala Dinner on 4 November 2026, with on-stage citations and a leadership spotlight feature.

Judging Panel

Prof. Audrey Chia

Associate Professor and Director, Leadership Development Programme National University of Singapore

Ms. Esther An

Chief Sustainability Officer City Development Limited

Ms. Fang Eu-Lin

Partner and Sustainability & Climate Change Leader, PwC

Ms. Shannen Fong

VP & Head, Strategic Communications & Corporate Sustainability Income Insurance Limited

Mr. Yoon Young Kim

Cluster President - Singapore and Brunei, Schneider Electric

Awards & Selection Criteria

Nominations are assessed across three lenses: clarity of sustainability impact achieved, strength of C-suite leadership demonstrated, and overall story strength and influence within or beyond the organization.

Implementation of credible decarbonisation strategies and targets
Integration of climate considerations into business operations and risk management
Transparency in climate-related disclosures and reporting
Leadership in advancing climate action across value chains or ecosystems

Leadership in building inclusive, fair, and future-ready workforce strategies
Responsible labour and human capital practices across operations and supply chains
Integration of just transition principles into business strategy
Ethical deployment of technology, automation, or AI impacting workers
Measurable improvements in equity, inclusion, or workforce resilience

Development of innovative sustainable finance products or instruments
Integration of ESG considerations into lending, underwriting, or investment decisions
Mobilization of capital towards measurable sustainability outcomes
Leadership in transition finance or blended finance solutions
Contribution to advancing sustainable finance practices in the market

Development of supplier capability-building or upgrading programmes
Integration of sustainability standards into procurement and sourcing practices
Support for supplier access to financing, training, or technical assistance
Measurable improvements in supplier ESG performance or resilience
Collaboration across industry to scale responsible supply chain practices

RECOGNISING LEADERS ADVANCING THE TEN PRINCIPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT AND THE GLOBAL GOALS ACROSS ASEAN