Social Good Summit 2018

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the United Nations Global Compact Network Sri Lanka and Biodiversity Sri Lanka organised the Social Good Summit at the UN Conference Hall in Colombo on 26th November 2018.
The Social Good Summit is a one-day conference that is held annually, which unites a community of global citizens and progressive thought leaders around the common theme of #2030Now. The intersection of new media and technology has refined our understanding of human progress and in the midst of this rapidly changing world, the Social Good Summit focuses on where we are headed. The theme for the Social Good Summit 2018 was “Wildlife Conservation and Innovation” where the public and private sectors came together and explored the challenges and dynamic means for wildlife conservation in the country.
Youth groups representing diverse backgrounds were also part of the initiative together with representatives of the public sector, private sector, UN Agencies, civil societies and other networks. Social Good Summit 2018 served as a platform where young activists, and the private and public sectors jointly discussed and explored possible avenues to mainstream their conservation endeavours, paving the way for meaningful partnerships between public, private and other interested stakeholders.
Panellists:
• Zaineb Akberally – Programme Officer, Environment Foundation Limited
o She highlighted the impact of the human – elephant conflict while bringing to light the importance of sustainable solutions such as honey-bee fences to combat the issue in Sri Lanka.
• Ishanda Senevirathna – Environmentalists, Jetwing Hotels
o Shared his experience with frog-life at Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Nuwara Eliya, an exciting night trail in the wetland behind the hotel which was designed and developed to attract wildlife.
• Tharuka Dissanaike – Policy & Design Specialist (Environment Portfolio), UNDP
o shared the work of UNDP through GEF (Global Environment Facility) funded projects in Sri Lanka that help beneficiaries gain access to natural resources and use sustainable practices.
• Chitral Jayatilake – Vice President, John Keells Group & Head-Nature Trails, Cinnamon Hotels
o shared his experience over the years with wildlife including blue whales, leopards, elephants and other endangered animals in Sri Lanka.
• Dr. Enoka Kudavidanage – Country Representative of the Association of Tropical Biology & Conservation (ATBC), Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Conservation Biology, Director of the Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN)
o shared her expertise and stressed on the need of greater data on wildlife conservation around the country.
Moderator:
• Safra Anver – Head of Business Development – Sisili Projects Consortium, Executive Director – Viluthu Chrd, Licensee – TedxYouth Colombo