Global Compact Nepal (GCN) collaborated with three of its member companies, namely Daraz, Leaf Plus, and Himalayan Everest Insurance, to jointly organize the fourth session of Peer Learning Groups (PLG) at Daraz headquarters. The event brought together private sector companies from Nepal, providing them with a platform to learn about the latest best practices in Climate Action through company-led sessions.

Global Compact Nepal operates as the local network of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), which is a voluntary non-binding pact aiming to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies while reporting on their implementation. More than 50 companies in Nepal are part of this global corporate sustainability initiative and actively engage with the organization to enhance their understanding of sustainability through participating in events.

Peer Learning Groups constitute one of the many activities organized by Global Compact Nepal to promote sustainability among private sector companies. This year, 25 Global Compact Local Networks worldwide offer such groups, providing a safe space for companies to share their efforts and challenges regarding critical sustainability issues with like-minded professionals. For Nepalese private sector companies, it presents an ideal opportunity to connect with local peers, share insights, and gain knowledge on Climate Action through six sessions held over six months. Prior to this fourth session, three other sessions witnessed companies like Nebico, Hoste Hainse, IUCN, Ingrails, and Smart Paani sharing their sustainability initiatives for the benefit of others.

During the fourth session, Daraz, a well-established and reliable marketplace with over five years of service, explained how they are actively pursuing sustainability. Mr. Raunak Thapa, Operations Support Manager at Daraz, shared their commitment to reduce their environmental impact by minimizing paper usage, recycling plastic packaging, increasing the use of electric vehicles for delivery, and implementing solar panels for energy.

Himalayan Everest Insurance also showcased commendable sustainability efforts, highlighting their digitalization of insurance application procedures to significantly reduce paper consumption. Through a recent initiative in partnership with Ncell, they simplified the insurance process for the public, enabling claims through a single touch on their mobile phones, demonstrating their dedication to providing an eco-friendly insurance experience for customers.

Leaf Plus, another company featured in the session, operates as a socio-economic enterprise focused on making a positive impact on the environment and society by producing and promoting Areca (Supari) Leaf products, involving women, marginalized, and farmer groups in the production chain. Their innovative use of naturally fallen leaves as a sustainable and responsible alternative to plastics reflects their commitment to environmental conservation.

The success of the four PLGs reflects the increasing awareness among Nepalese companies about sustainable business practices. Two more sessions of Peer Learning Groups are scheduled for the coming months. By fostering such collaborations and knowledge-sharing, the private sector in Nepal takes significant steps towards creating a more sustainable and responsible business environment.