Global Alignment: Advancing Sustainable Development through Proven Models
Community Connect by Lady J aligns local impact with global vision. Rooted in Sri Lanka’s craft heritage, the initiative contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while drawing inspiration from leading international frameworks — from Fair Trade and Inclusive Business to Shared Value and Circular Economy models.
Together, these principles guide Community Connect to empower artisans, promote responsible production, and build resilient communities that thrive in harmony with global sustainability standards.
Community Connect & the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Community Connect uplifts rural artisans and micro-entrepreneurs by providing them with sustainable income opportunities, reducing poverty at the grassroots level.
Many artisans supported are women. By ensuring equal pay, training access, and leadership opportunities, the program promotes gender equity and women’s economic empowerment.
The initiative directly advances SDG 8 by creating decent jobs through fair-trade practices, skill development, and rural entrepreneurship linked to a national retail platform.
Community Connect builds a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and modern retail innovation — developing product design, logistics, and digital access networks that enhance rural production infrastructure.
By reviving local industries and promoting region-specific crafts, the initiative strengthens cultural heritage and supports self-sustaining rural communities.
Community Connect encourages environmentally responsible manufacturing, recycling, and use of natural materials — promoting a circular economy approach in retail.
Through collaborations with government bodies, NGOs, and private sector partners, the initiative exemplifies cross-sector partnerships essential to achieving the SDGs.
Global Models and Frameworks
Community Connect draws inspiration from globally recognized frameworks that unite commerce, culture, and community.
Guided by Lady J’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth, these models help shape how Community Connect operates — ensuring transparency, equity, and impact across every artisan partnership and product story.
Fair Trade Model (World Fair Trade Organization – WFTO)
Community Connect reflects the spirit of Fair Trade by championing fairness, transparency, and respect for cultural heritage. Artisans receive fair wages, equal opportunity, and safe working conditions. The initiative aligns with the WFTO’s 10 Principles of Fair Trade, promoting ethical sourcing and introducing “Fair Trade Verified by Community Connect” labeling for artisan-made collections.
Shared Value Framework (Porter & Kramer – Harvard Business School)
Community Connect creates economic value by advancing social progress. By linking artisan empowerment with retail growth, it turns community development into a shared advantage. The initiative measures impact through tangible outcomes such as new jobs, increased incomes, and sustainable local supply chains.
Inclusive Business Model (UNDP & ADB)
Community Connect bridges rural entrepreneurs with national and global markets, embodying the UNDP’s Inclusive Business approach. Through a Public–Private–Community Partnership (PPCP) structure, the program integrates low-income producers into fair value chains while applying Business Call to Action (BCtA) principles to measure inclusion and long-term sustainability.
Creative Economy Framework (UNESCO & UNCTAD)
Rooted in Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage, Community Connect positions craftsmanship within the global Creative Economy. The initiative promotes innovation while preserving identity — collaborating with design institutions and cultural networks inspired by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network and UNCTAD’s Creative Economy Programme.
Circular Economy Model (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
Sustainability is central to Community Connect’s philosophy. The initiative adopts Circular Economy principles by encouraging eco-friendly materials, upcycling, and responsible waste management. Through circular design thinking, it reimagines how products are made, used, and reused — minimizing environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
Social Enterprise Ecosystem (British Council / Ashoka)
Community Connect operates as a network of social enterprises that empower artisans to become entrepreneurs. It nurtures talent through mentorship, training, and microfinance, helping local makers scale sustainably. Success is measured not just in revenue but in the Social Return on Investment (SROI) — improved livelihoods, confidence, and community resilience.
B Corporation Model (B Lab Global)
Community Connect embraces the B Corporation ethos — balancing profit with purpose. The initiative is aligning with the B Impact Assessment (BIA) framework across governance, workers, community, and environment, setting a path toward globally recognized certification that affirms business as a genuine force for good.
