The UN Global Compact is launching the Invest in Women Platform, a new approach to address the gender gap in financial services. It aims to share promising practices to promote equal representation in finance and explore areas where finance can support gender equity across issues and industries, wrote Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, in an opinion piece on Context, a Thomson Reuters Foundation's media platform....  Read more »

At the February ILO meeting of experts on wage policies, including living wages, the UN Global Compact delivered a statement calling for authoritative guidance from the ILO to develop a standard definition of a living wage aligned with human rights standards, develop agreed criteria for methodologies for estimating evidence-based and transparent living wages and provide guidance to companies through a template for a living wage implementation roadmap. ILO’s support will be key in enabling and incentivizing more companies to embrace living wages as integral to decent work and economic growth and signaling policymakers to adopt living wage policies...  Read more »

CEOs and UN officials gathered at a convening by the UN Global Compact on the future of responsible business at the World Economic Forum in Davos. They discussed how companies can drive progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), manage global shocks and create partnerships for sustainability through the Forward Faster initiative. Their recommendations will help shape the agenda for the UN Summit of the Future in September...  Read more »

The UN Global Compact launched its Think Lab on Biodiversity and Nature at the High-Level Meeting of Caring for Climate at COP28, co-organized with UNFCCC and UNEP, to showcase corporate thought leadership around the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, said: “The business community has the potential to help drive progress on protecting and restoring biodiversity … 395 million new jobs and over $10 trillion dollars in business opportunities are expected to arise from nature-positive transitions.”....  Read more »

UN Global Compact CEO and Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo visited China to promote the sustainability role of the private sector in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and lay the foundations for a Global Africa Business Initiative–China CEO network to be launched next year. In Beijing, the Global Compact unveiled guidance and tools for companies working on the BRI to innovate and harness resources to ensure infrastructure projects reflect sustainable development....  Read more »

UN Global Compact CEO and Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo visited China to promote the sustainability role of the private sector in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and lay the foundations for a Global Africa Business Initiative–China CEO network to be launched next year. In Beijing, the Global Compact unveiled guidance and tools for companies working on the BRI to innovate and harness resources to ensure infrastructure projects reflect sustainable development...  Read more »

The UN Global Compact launched its Forward Faster initiative to accelerate private sector action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2030 Agenda. Businesses are asked to commit to one or more ambitious targets in gender equality, climate action, living wage, water resilience and finance & investment. “Forward Faster is here to guide companies on where they can make the biggest, fastest impact for 2030,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact....  Read more »

The Global Africa Business Initiative will bring together private sector and Government leaders at a landmark event 21-22 September to promote investment and trade opportunities across Africa and the world. Held during the UN General Assembly week, the meeting of Heads of State and Government, CEOs, UN leaders, investors and entrepreneurs will explore the potential of Africa as a major driver of global business. It will focus on Energy Access & Energy Transitions, Inclusive Growth & Trade and Digital Transformation....  Read more »

Leaders in business, Government, civil society and others gathered at the 2023 SDG Global Business Forum and considered private sector actions to rescue the SDGs. “Sustainability must be core to the business of presidents and prime ministers, parliaments and the private sector,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. Only 15 per cent of SDGs are on track to be achieved by 2030. ...  Read more »

The global shipping industry is aligning businesses to limit the impacts of climate change, according to executives at the Nor-Shipping conference in Oslo in June, ahead of Government negotiations in July when the International Maritime Organization is expected to adopt a draft strategy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Governments must now match private sector ambition by working with the International Maritime Organization to align on an ambitious decarbonization goal,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact...  Read more »

The UN Global Compact released a brief on Just Transition and Renewable Energy, with guidance for businesses and Governments on moving away from fossil fuels while leaving no one behind. It includes an advocacy agenda to influence policies and showcases best practices. “This brief outlines actions to accelerate the pace of a just renewable energy transition that can drive sustainable economic and energy sector diversification,” said Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director and CEO of the UN Global Compact......  Read more »

The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), a platform connecting leaders to invest in the continent’s economic growth, was introduced to South Africa at the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum in April. GABI will support energy access and transition, digital transformation and inclusive growth and trade. “GABI seeks to address challenges unique to Africa and catalyze long-term solutions,“ said Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director and CEO of the UN Global Compact.....  Read more »

More than 50 of the world’s largest corporations committed to the Business Leaders’ Open Call for Accelerating Water Action at a launch event at the 2023 United Nations Water Conference. The Open Call for Water Action is an unprecedented appeal for private sector action to help solve the global water crisis and advance progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Participating companies have committed to build water resilience across their global operations and supply chains....  Read more »

The UN Global Compact launched its new Regional Hub for Asia & Oceania in Bangkok, aiming to strengthen its presence in the region with outreach and support for businesses to promote and implement corporate sustainability and responsible business practices. The Hub “will enable us to understand and respond to the needs of the region better and build strategic partnerships with business and stakeholders,” said Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director and CEO of the UN Global Compact......  Read more »

Following the health, societal and economic impacts of more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, mounting humanitarian crises, ongoing war and staggering inflation, 2022 was a critical turning point for international solidarity and private sector commitments to improve global well-being and sustainability. It also marked an urgent need to reprioritize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations. On this roadmap for action, the UN Global Compact proudly hosted several major events and enhanced digital communications to promote our Ten Principles and drive progress on the Global Goals. With more than 17,000 companies and 3,000 non-business participants now a part of our initiative, we invite you to see some highlights from this extraordinary year of uniting business for a better world.....  Read more »

The UN Global Compact brought together representatives from the private sector, Governments and the United Nations at COP 27 to assess, accelerate and deliver climate targets and practices for the transition to a net-zero, resilient world. “Our changing climate means, more than ever, that we are running out of time. It really is now or never for the private sector to turn their bold commitments into tangible solutions,” said Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General; Executive-Director and CEO of the UN Global Compact. More than 50 CEOs presented the Africa Business Leaders’ Climate Statement, outlining key commitments companies can make to galvanize climate action. They called for unlocking climate finance and investment in bankable projects. Over the course of three-days, the forums fostered a shared voice from the private sector, raised ambition and amplified the business advantage to adopting sustainable practices....  Read more »

The UN Global Compact will host an array of events at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 27) from 6–18 November in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The sessions will showcase the initiatives of the UN Global Compact and its Local Networks, mobilizing the private sector to assess environmental risks and opportunities, set and deliver ambitious climate targets and adopt responsible business practices for an inclusive transition to a net-zero, resilient economy. Topics include climate action for African businesses, just transition, water access, sanitation and nature-based solutions, and more...  Read more »

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened the 77th session of the UN General Assembly warning “our world is in big trouble” and calling for action to address inequality, injustice, war and other immediate crises. To help find solutions, the UN Global Compact held Uniting Business LIVE where top government officials, business leaders, experts and advocates shared their views and strategies on actionable solutions for driving the private sector towards shared global sustainability. The event provided ways companies can connect and demonstrate bold leadership to make business models and economies more just and inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind...  Read more »

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General; Executive Director & CEO of the UN Global Compact will join heads of state, global CEOs, civil society and other top leaders for Uniting Business LIVE 19–21 September. The three-day virtual event connects the high-level in-person dialogues of the UN Private Sector Forum, the Global Impact Forum and leadership examples of the online SDG Business Forum, into one inclusive, impactful and innovative virtual event....  Read more »

Following the launch of the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) on 31 May, the group of CEOs has continued to grow through four high level round tables in Abidjan, Cairo, Casablanca, Lagos and Nairobi. More than 50 business leaders have joined the round tables to discuss how to advance Africa’s sustainable growth, prosperity and development...  Read more »

More than 12,000 participants met for the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, an annual event designed to encourage and accelerate private sector action for sustainability. Among those attending were the Prime Minister of Spain and the President of Timor-Leste. The event featured more than 24 hours of discussions and strategy-sharing aimed at holding companies accountable.  Read more »

The Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield are among thousands of leaders, officials and experts gathering for the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit on 1–2 June 2022  Read more »

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Sanda Ojiambo as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact. She has served as its CEO and Executive Director for the past two years. As Assistant Secretary-General, Ms. Ojiambo will be responsible for building innovative and strategic partnerships to drive impact and advocacy at local and global levels. Read more »

The UN Global Compact stands with the United Nations and world leaders in expressing a demand for peace and an end to the war in Ukraine, CEO & Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo said in a statement. She called upon business leaders around the world to renew and amplify their commitment to peace and support the people of Ukraine. “The message is loud and clear: End hostilities in Ukraine — now. Silence the guns — now. Open the door to dialogue and diplomacy — now,” she said.Read more »

The military assault on Ukraine has caused a growing humanitarian crisis. As well as providing some emergency support to colleagues at the Global Compact Network Ukraine, we are partnering with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on a guide for businesses to support the Secretary-General’s three-month Flash Appeal for people in Ukraine, and a Regional Refugee Response Plan for the situation outside, under the leadership of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Read more »

In her annual letter to participants of the UN Global Compact, CEO & Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo writes about the opportunities that lie ahead to steer companies and the planet on a more sustainable course. Looking ahead, she says the UN Global Compact will strive to expand access for business participants to its entire range of programmes, boost the impact of Local Networks and Regional Hubs and increase support to SMEs to make progress in corporate sustainability. She notes the benefits that public-private partnerships have provided during the pandemic and argues there is growing recognition among investors and governments of the critical and valuable roles that businesses can play in the transition to a sustainable, climate-safe future. Read more »

In its 21st year, the UN Global Compact has risen to the challenges and changes brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to strong leadership, well-executed virtual events and enhanced digital communications, we have been able to engage a growing audience of business professionals in our effort to promote the Ten Principles and drive progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. More than 15,000 companies are now part of our initiative. Read more »

At COP 26, the United Nations Global Compact, in partnership with Accenture, released a survey of chief executives’ perspectives on combating climate change. The Global Compact co-hosted a High-Level Meeting of Caring for Climate and announced a Think Lab on Just Transition to address such issues as inequality and climate change. The Global Standard for Net-Zero Business was introduced to provide assessment of corporate target setting. A virtual Business Ambition for Climate Action: Live from COP 26 drew more than 4,000 participants, and the Status Report: Business Ambition for 1.5°C Responding to the Climate Crisis showed the impact of the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. The Global Compact also launched a roadmap to advance offshore renewable energy. Read more »

The long-awaited COP 26 climate summit is underway in Glasgow, and the United Nations Global Compact is there, sharing its work and helping promote the critical message of sustainability. On 27 October, we released results from a unique and extensive study, conducted with Accenture, looking at CEOs’ views on the climate emergency, and on 28 October the Science-Based Targets initiative launched the Net-Zero Standard, the world’s first framework with guidance and tools for companies to set net-zero targets in line with climate science. Read more »

The UN Global Compact Uniting Business LIVE featured seven heads of State and Government, dozens of chief executives, the UN Secretary-General, agency and civil society leaders - along with more than 7,000 participants- addressing corporate action and ambition on climate change and sustainable development as businesses build back from the pandemic. Read more »

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed will join the CEOs of Pfizer, Avon, Alecta, Melvin Marsh International Ltd and Russell Reynolds Associates as speakers at our Uniting Business LIVE event 20–22 September. Other confirmed speakers include Paul Polman, Sanda Ojiambo and Ghanaian reggae star Rocky Dawuni. Read more »

The UN Global Compact scored big during the Copa America, promoting awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals in campaign ads at the popular football matches. An initiative of the Paraguayan Local Network in partnership with Local Networks across the region, the week-long effort featured sideline ads promoting our Uniting Business campaign for the SDGs that ran at seven of the well-attended CONMEBOL games in July. “Sport has a key role to address the challenges that we face in our societies, and is emerging as a valuable ally to build a better world,” said Cristina Cano, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Paraguay.Read more »

The UN Global Compact hosted its biggest Leaders Summit ever - more than 20,000 attendees from more than 180 countries tuned in for the 26 hours of continuous virtual programming aimed at increasing corporate ambition to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. Read more »

More than 10,000 business leaders have registered for the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit on 15–16 June. Our flagship event will address the converging global crises of climate change, the pandemic, worsening inequality and corruption in order to offer a roadmap for a sustainable recovery.Read more »

With more than 500 companies already committed to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, the UN Global Compact has launched the Climate Ambition Accelerator, a six-month learning programme to equip more companies with the knowledge and skills they need to help halve global emissions by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050... Read more »

Chief Executives from 16 corporations – including Anheuser-Busch InBev, Cargill, Diageo, Dow Inc, Ecolab, Gap Inc., Kurita Water Industries Ltd, PVH Corp, Starbucks, alongside The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Heineken, IHG, Levi Strauss & Co., and Woolworths Holdings – pledged in an open letter to improve the way they use and manage water to ensure ample and resilient freshwater resources for all... Read more »

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN Women’s Phumzile Mlabo-Ngcuka will join the CEOs of MetLife, Natura, PVH, LADOL Nigeria, Klabin, Dentsu International, PT Supra Boga Lestari and Starlight Media as speakers at our TARGET GENDER EQUALITY LIVE event on 16 March. Other confirmed speakers include the Vice President of Costa Rica, Executive Vice Chair of MasterCard and the Academic Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School.. Read more »

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, Chair of the Board of the UN Global Compact, announced a new three-year strategic plan to increase and accelerate corporate sustainability and principled business. With the pandemic and ongoing climate crisis undoing much of the progress the world has achieved since adopting the SDGs in 2015, the new UN Global Compact strategy calls on the global business community to increase its contribution to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement... Read more »

The UN Global Compact reached a broader and more engaged audience this year thanks to a successful 20th anniversary campaign, a well-executed leadership transition and an emphasis on digital communications and events as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift from in-person to virtual events for our 20th anniversary Leaders Summit in June and Uniting Business LIVE during UN General Assembly week in September resulted in the best attendance, best media coverage and best social media reach that the Compact has ever achieved....Read more »

The death of João Alberto Silveira Freitas following a barbaric assault at the hands of security guards at a supermarket in Porto Alegre, Brazil is yet another wake up call for private sector companies everywhere of their role in protecting human rights. Following global outrage in the wake of George Floyd’s death in the United States, the fact that Mr. Freitas, an Afro-Brazilian, died on the eve of Black Consciousness Day in Brazil makes it all the more poignant of a reminder that racism continues to be a constant challenge to our progress....Read more »

Nearly 10,000 people working for UN Global Compact-participating companies and organizations worldwide have contributed images and messages to celebrate the 75th birthday of the United Nations and the 20th anniversary of the UN Global Compact.....Read more »

More than 12,000 business and sustainability experts joined Government, Civil Society and UN leaders for Uniting Business LIVE from 21–23 September, the UN Global Compact’s virtual (and most sustainable ever) event to mark the opening of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly....Read more »

To mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, we are calling on our network of CEOs to demonstrate private sector support for inclusive multilateralism by signing on to a Statement from Business Leaders for Renewed Global Cooperation. Hundreds of business leaders have already signed and the full list of CEO supporters will be presented to the UN Secretary-General during the Private Sector Forum...Read more »

Two decades ago, on 26 July 2000, the United Nations Global Compact was officially launched by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. What started off with 44 private sector participants, two labour organizations, 12 civil society representatives and six business associations has now grown into a global corporate sustainability movement led by more than 11,000 companies and 3,400 non-business participants united in the business of a better world. .... Read more »

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Presidents of Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ethiopia joined the UN Secretary-General, dozens of Chief Executive Officers and UN chiefs at the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit on 15 and 16 June to address the private sector’s response to three global crises — health, inequality and climate change.... Read more »

The UN Global Compact’s 20th Anniversary Leaders Summit will take place virtually on 15–16 June and be bigger, better and more inclusive than any physical event. More than 10,000 sustainability leaders have already registered. Our high-level programme will “chase the sun” allowing our participants and Global Compact Local Networks to participate in their own time zones.... Read more »

The UN Global Compact Academy kicked off this month by launching a special series of high level webinars hosting senior leadership from both the private and public sectors to hear insights on how to tackle the immediate and upcoming challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.... Read more »

To help drive responsible corporate action, the United Nations Global Compact is #UnitingBusiness to respond to COVID-19 and providing guidance and support to companies everywhere. For every decision maker, the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact provide ideas and inspiration during uncertain times.... Read more »

The UN Global Compact and UN partners are calling on business leaders everywhere to unite to support communities and companies affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. A coordinated international plan involving the business sector will be critical in efforts to support countries and companies affected and limit further disruption. In the spirit of responsibility, solidarity and international cooperation, the UN Global Compact is encouraging businesses everywhere to take immediate action to support affected communities and businesses in their time of need... Read more »

Launched at Davos this month, SDG Ambition will challenge thousands of companies to raise their level of ambition to meet the needs of society by fully integrating sustainability into business strategy and operations. The world is not delivering progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the pace and scale needed. The initiative aims to empower and equip participating companies to develop and implement innovative business strategies that significantly increase their positive impact on the SDGs.... Read more »

The UN Global Compact welcomes the issuance in Europe of the first general-purpose SDG Linked Bond — an innovative corporate financial instrument that aims to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. The €2.5 billion multi-tranche bond released by the multinational energy company Enel on Thursday was almost four times oversubscribed signalling strong demand for SDG-related investment opportunities. It follows the company’s first SDG Linked Bond issued on the American market in September, which raised US$ 1.5 billion.... Read more »

On November 26, the high level United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights to be held in Geneva will address how the business sector can help advance sustainability practices.... Read More..

The UN Global Compact welcomes the issuance in Europe of the first general-purpose SDG Linked Bond — an innovative corporate financial instrument that aims to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs... Read more »

The UN Global Compact Leaders Week, from 23 to 26 September, will provide business leaders with an opportunity to meet with Government, civil society and youth leaders to identify clear actions to respond to the climate crisis and accelerate the SDGs... Read more »

Recognizing the key role that companies play in driving progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UN Global Compact will bring the world’s leading Chief Executives and corporate sustainability experts to the UN Headquarters in New York for the UN Global Compact Leaders Week 2019, a series of participant events convened alongside the 74th session of the UN General Assembly week in September... Read more »