Peace for Progress: The Foundation of Sustainability and Shared Prosperity

In the world of business, we often talk about scale, innovation, investment, and now thankfully sustainability. But there’s something even more foundational that quietly holds all of it together—and that is Peace.

Not just peace in the diplomatic sense, but peace as we experience it in our daily lives: stability in institutions, trust in systems, justice in workplaces, and harmony in communities. It may not always make headlines like technology breakthroughs or GDP growth rates, but at the UN Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI), we firmly believe this:

Peace is the foundation that allows everything else to thrive.

At first glance, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) may not sound like a business priority. But consider this: no enterprise can sustainably succeed where the rule of law is weak, institutions are unstable, or communities are divided.

A telling example is Colombia. Once defined by conflict, the country began a new chapter after its peace accord in 2016. The result? A surge in foreign investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Where peace returns, opportunity follows. Contrast that with regions rich in resources and talent, but plagued by unrest. Investors hesitate. Innovation stalls. Young people leave in search of stability. The cost of instability isn’t just social, it’s economic.

In today’s world, peace and stability aren’t optional—they’re strategic. Institutional investors now assess not just profitability, but political stability, fairness in legal systems, and community engagement strength.A Harvard study revealed that investors are more likely to invest in countries with strong, predictable institutions than those offering only short-term returns.

Put simply: trust is becoming a form of currency.

At UNGC, we’ve seen time and again that you cannot build sustainability without peace. Climate change, if not managed equitably, can ignite new conflicts over water, land, food, and livelihoods. Communities under environmental or economic pressure often experience unrest. Without strong institutions, disputes become divisions. That’s why efforts toward sustainability whether clean energy, green supply chains, or circular economy models must be rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and fairness. And the good news? When peace and participation go hand in hand, sustainability becomes real, rooted, and resilient.

One of the most inspiring parts of my work at UNGC India is seeing how many businesses are already stepping up. We’re seeing companies actively embracing transparency and accountability not because of regulations, but because their values demand it. From setting up ethical practices to listening more openly to employees and communities, these are real steps toward trust and stability. Many are also making inclusive hiring and local engagement a priority. By opening doors to people from diverse backgrounds, and investing in education and skills where they operate, businesses are weaving themselves into the social fabric, not just standing on sidelines. Others are taking a hard look at their supply chains, making sure that what they buy, how they produce, and whom they partner with reflects their commitment to peace and dignity.

These actions may not always make headlines—but they are laying the groundwork for a business culture that contributes to peace.


At UNGC , we help businesses align with these principles—not just to tick boxes, but to become more resilient and purpose-driven.

At UNGC, we help companies align their strategies with these principles, not to tick boxes, but to become more resilient, purpose-driven, and trusted.It’s easy to think of peace as the domain of diplomats and politicians. But in truth, it belongs to all of us, especially those in business. Because without peace, markets falter, communities fragment, and innovation slows. But with peace, possibility expands. So as we navigate this crucial decade for the Sustainable Development Goals, let’s remember: Peace isn’t soft, it’s strategic. It’s not a cost, it’s an investment. And the businesses that understand this are building not just profit, but purpose.