2024 SDG Pioneers

Peer Learning Groups

Each year, we celebrate the remarkable efforts of business professionals who are driving positive change by advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and embodying the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. These individuals, known as SDG Pioneers, play a crucial role in inspiring action and showcasing the power of business to create a sustainable future for all.

In 2024, we are thrilled to embark on another journey to identify twelve SDG Pioneers from participating companies. These pioneers, regardless of their role, are setting ambitious SDG targets, expanding their impact, and championing a principles-based approach within their companies.

Through a rigorous selection process comprising both Local and Global Rounds, we will recognize individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership in advancing the SDGs. 

Join us in celebrating these champions of sustainability and learn how you can be part of the movement towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.

Apply Now:

Are you an individual who actively drives initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within your company?

Do you strive to make a positive impact and promote sustainability in your work?

Are you committed to embodying the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact?


Check the list of participating countries to determine if your country is running a Local Round.

Nominate Someone

Do you know a colleague or peer who demonstrates exceptional dedication to advancing the SDGs?

Have you witnessed someone in your company setting ambitious SDG targets and driving meaningful change?

Are you aware of individuals who embody the principles of sustainability and corporate responsibility?


Can’t find your country? You can submit your application directly to the Global Round.


Bangladesh

Bangladesh

Brazil

Brazil

China

China

France

France

Georgia

Georgia

India

India

Italy

Italy

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan

Kenya

Kenya

Lebanon

Lebanon

Portugal

Portugal

South Africa

South Africa

Tajikistan

Tajikistan

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United States

United States

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan
Understanding the difference.

Our Networks spanning all continents will be hosting country-level SDG Pioneers campaigns to identify business leaders who will then be contenders for the global round to be recognized in September 2024.

As part of the UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers programme, Global Compact Networks spanning all continents launched a national search for professionals who are committed to achieving the Global Goals.

Interested candidates from companies headquartered in any of the countries listed above must submit their applications through the respective Local Network. 

The winner of each country’s Local Round will receive the title “2024 Global Compact Network [Country] SDG Pioneer”.


The UN Global Compact will recognize 12 Global SDG Pioneers under two award categories: 1) Large National and Multinational companies and 2) SMEs*.

In addition to this, the UN Global Compact will recognize Global SDG Pioneers under 6 categories representing the regions where we operate: Western Europe and North America, Latin America and Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Oceania.

*SMEs are considered businesses with 10-250 employees while micro-enterprises would be businesses with 1-9 employees.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, applicants must come from UN Global Compact participating companies with an “Active” status.

Companies must have joined the UN Global Compact prior to 1 October 2023.

To maintain Active status, companies must submit their Communication on Progress (CoP) within the reporting time frame of 1 April to 31 July. Subsidiaries can participate if their parent company meets this obligation. To avoid any disruption to your Pioneers application process, companies are strongly encouraged to submit their CoP by 1 June 2024. Failure to report by 31 July will disqualify a Pioneers application. A change in CoP status subsequent to being recognized as a Local and/or Global SDG Pioneer may result in the loss of consideration for the global SDG Pioneer title.

Click here to learn more about our enhanced Communication on Progress:


Campaign Launch: April 3, 2024

Submission Period: April 3, 2024 - May 17, 2024

Local SDG Pioneers Announcement: July 1, 2024

Global Round Review and Selection: May 17, 2024 - August 2024

Announcement of Global Winners and Recognition at the 2024 Leaders Summit: Date Sep 24, 2024


Individuals working at companies participating in the UN Global Compact are invited to submit their own stories describing their contributions towards sustainable development or nominate a colleague for consideration in the SDG Pioneers programme.

In September 2015, all 193 Member states of the United Nations adopted a plan for achieving a better future for all – laying out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. At the heart of the “Agenda 2030” are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 related targets that address the most important economic, social, environmental and governance challenges of our time. To learn more about how companies are taking steps to contribute to achieving the SDGs visit the UN Global Compact website.

Meet the previous SDG Pioneers

FAQ

General

Each year, the UN Global Compact recognizes a class of SDG Pioneers — business professionals working at any level of their company who use business as a force to advance the 17 SDGs. Through their own company or by mobilizing other businesses, they are helping to reach one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also contributing to business success.

In 2024, Networks spanning all continents will host country-level SDG Pioneers campaigns to identify Local Pioneers who will then be contenders for the Global Round to be recognized at the 2024 UN Global Compact Leaders Summit.

Professionals working at any level of a UN Global Compact participating company are eligible to apply or be nominated. To check whether an organization is a UN Global Compact participating company, please search the participant list online.

For the 2024 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact on October 1, 2023 and have submitted their 2024 Communication on Progress (CoP) within the reporting time frame of 1 April to 31 July.

The UN Global Compact reserves the right to remove the SDG Pioneer recognition if the company and/or individual is later deemed a reputational risk to the SDG Pioneer campaign and/or the UN Global Compact initiative.

You are only eligible to apply or be nominated if employed by the company (or its subsidiary).

Only individuals from UN Global Compact participating companies are eligible to apply or be nominated. If your company is not yet participating in the UN Global Compact, please visit the UN Global Compact website website to learn more about how to join.

You can nominate a colleague at your company or someone you know from another UN Global Compact participating company. The UN Global Compact will then contact that individual and invite them to complete the SDG Pioneers application form.

Please complete the online application form, which is available here. To nominate someone, click here here.

No, the SDG Pioneers campaign highlights the work of individuals, not organizations.

The nomination deadline is May 17, 2024.

Selection Process

A multi-stakeholder SDG Pioneers Selection Group will vote on the candidates. The SDG Pioneers Selection Group will comprise representatives from: Global Compact Network Board Members, UN, Government Representatives, Academia, and civil society.

The Local SDG Pioneer will be informed of his/her selection before July 1st, 2024. This individual will then advance to the Global Round to compete. 2024 Global SDG Pioneers will be selected and recognized at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in September 2024. Due to the volume of nominations received, we may be unable to contact nominees who are not selected.

Recognition

Local Networks will recognize Local Pioneers for the great work that they have done to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

2024 Global SDG Pioneers will be recognized at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in September 2024.

Please email sdgpioneers@unglobalcompact.org with any additional questions.