GCN, NYEF organise learning series on sustainability and business growth
-1764747011.jpeg)
KATHMANDU: Global Compact Nepal (GCN), in collaboration with the Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum (NYEF) Lalitpur Chapter, on Monday organised a Learning Series and social event titled “Unlocking Business Growth Through Purpose and Sustainability”.
The session brought together young entrepreneurs, private sector leaders and sustainability practitioners to examine how sustainability principles can strengthen business resilience, improve operational efficiency and create long‑term value. The event also highlighted the UN Global Compact’s Communication on Progress (COP) reporting framework as a tool for companies to measure and communicate their ESG performance.
-1764747011.jpeg "GCN,-NYEF-learning-series-(6)-1764747011.jpeg")
-1764747011.jpeg "GCN,-NYEF-learning-series-(7)-1764747011.jpeg")
-1764747010.jpeg "GCN,-NYEF-learning-series-(2)-1764747010.jpeg")
-1764747010.jpeg "GCN,-NYEF-learning-series-(3)-1764747010.jpeg")
-1764747012.jpeg "GCN,-NYEF-learning-series-(1)-1764747012.jpeg")
Opening remarks were delivered by Anukul Shrestha, vice president of NYEF, and Samir Thapa, president of GCN. Krishna Bikram Shah, executive director of GCN, followed with a presentation on how sustainability has become a strategic driver of competitiveness and innovation, emphasising that sustainability is “no longer just a responsibility but a catalyst for operational transformation and growth”.
-1764747011.jpeg)
A case study from Formation Carpets featured prominently. Formation Carpets, a social enterprise that manufactures ethical hand‑knotted rugs for export, was represented by its founder, Sulochana Shrestha Shah, who played a key role in creating the Rugmark label (now GoodWeave). Formation Carpets is the first Nepali company to join the UN Global Compact and implements the Compact’s ten principles across its operations.
The second presentation came from Hoste Hainse, a non‑profit organisation that provides free education to underprivileged children in Nepal. Hoste Hainse outlined its efforts to integrate sustainability into its operational model, diversify social‑enterprise programmes and scale social impact through partnerships and fundraising.
The programme also included a testimony from Sumitra Basnet, social enterprise associate at Formation Carpets and a former child‑labour survivor. Rescued by GoodWeave Nepal and later offered employment by Hoste Hainse and Formation Carpets, Basnet recounted her journey and described her ongoing advocacy against child labour through GCN.
-1764747012.jpeg)
The event concluded with discussions on next steps and a networking session that brought together entrepreneurs, private sector representatives and UN agency delegates to exchange ideas and explore collaboration.
Organisers said the Learning Series demonstrated how partnerships between business networks such as GCN and NYEF can advance inclusive growth and sustainability agendas in Nepal, contributing to climate action, innovation and responsible business practices.
