GCNP Sustainability Awards 2026

Karachi, October 1, 2026 — The Global Compact Network Pakistan (GCNP), the country network of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in Pakistan, hosted its annual Sustainability Awards and Summit at the Hotel Marriott, Karachi, marking 21 years of its existence.

The summit was themed around the UNGC’s global “Forward Faster” initiative, calling on businesses to accelerate progress on Gender Equality, Climate Action, Living Wage, Water Resilience, and Finance for the SDGs.

With 36 companies taking part in the awards, the event drew over 100 participants.

The event was graced by Mr. Sirajuddin Aziz, Federal Banking Ombudsman of Pakistan, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Prem Bahadur Chand, Chief Field Officer, UNICEF Pakistan, as Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Khalid Junejo, Executive Director, GCNP, said: “Sustainability is no longer an aspiration for business; it is part of how business moves forward. Today, we celebrate the progress companies have made and set a benchmark for others to follow.”

In his address as Chief Guest, Mr. Sirajuddin Aziz remarked: “Before we talk about sustainability, we must first define our goals. The real challenge is finding the right balance between progress, nature and opportunity, and our greatest investment is in the young people who will shape tomorrow.”

Speaking on the importance of gender-inclusive growth, Mr. Prem Bahadur Chand said: “Investing in girls is not only a gender priority; it is a productivity, competitiveness and growth strategy. Strong economies invest in human capital, and that means ensuring girls have access to skills, apprenticeships and digital opportunities.”

The highlight of the evening was the CEO Panel Discussion, “Forward Faster: Accelerating Sustainable Impact in Pakistan,” moderated by Ms Sabahat Bukhari, CEO MintRewards. The panel featured Muhammad Farid Alam (CEO, AKD Securities), Tara Uzra Dawood (Founder, LADIESFUND), and Rehan Saeed (CEO, L’Oréal Pakistan). The conversation touched on mobilizing capital for the SDGs, advancing climate action and circularity in manufacturing, driving women’s economic empowerment, and building more responsible, purpose-driven business practices. The panelists also spoke of the value of cross-sector collaboration and partnerships in creating lasting impact across the country.

The event also featured a dedicated session on “Sustainability in the Age of AI & Innovation,” spotlighting how startups and SMEs are leveraging AI and innovation to advance sustainability and create real impact. The session featured Syed Salman Tariq (CEO, Davaam Life), Ms. Sabahat Bokhari (CEO, Mint Rewards), and Mr. Sajjeed Aslam (Co-Founder, Sustainability).

Awards Ceremony 

The Awards were also celebrated with the winning organizations, with trophies presented by the Chief Guest to the winners

Recognition shields were also presented to all participating companies for their continued commitment to the UNGC principles and the SDGs; a detailed list of all participating companies can be viewed here.

GCNP continues to promote the UNGC’s Ten Principles and the SDGs, driving responsible and impactful business practices for a more sustainable Pakistan.

𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐳𝐢𝐳
Federal Banking Ombudsman of Pakistan

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦 𝐁𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝
Chief, Field Office, UNICEF Sindh, Pakistan

Khalid Junejo
Executive Director, GCNP

Sabahat Bokhari
CEO, MintRewards

Syed Salman Tariq
CEO, Davaam Life

Sajjeed Alam
CEO, Sustainadility

Tara Uzra Dawood
Founder, LadiesFund Engery

Farid Alam
CEO AKD Secruties ltd

Rehan Saeed
CEO, L’Oréal