Driving Sustainable Impact: Q&A with Amanda Gardiner, Executive Director of UNGC USA

UN Global Compact Network USA (Network USA) has tapped Amanda Gardiner as its Executive Director to lead the network into its next chapter of growth and impact.  

Gardiner, a social impact leader with over two decades of experience, brings a strong track record of integrating sustainability into core business strategies at some of the world’s most influential companies. She previously served as Meta’s first Head of ESG, leading corporate responsibility at Verizon and Pearson, where she helped companies embed sustainability and social impact to drive long-term success.

In this conversation, we explore Gardiner’s perspective on the corporate sustainability landscape, the lessons she brings from her diverse career, and her vision for the future of responsible business. She reflects on the opportunities ahead for US companies, the role of the US private sector in shaping global initiatives, and the importance of collective action. From her leadership perspective to reflections on the value of convenings, this offers a window into the priorities and values that will define Network USA’s next chapter.

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Q1: As you settle into this role, what are you most looking forward to in the year ahead?  

First and foremost, I am excited to work with a fabulous board and dedicated team whose insights and expertise will be invaluable in defining Network USA’s future and steering the organization toward even greater impact and influence.

Companies today operate in a complex web of geopolitical, environmental, and stakeholder pressures, all while striving to make meaningful progress. In the year ahead, I’m especially looking forward to understanding the emerging challenges and exploring new ways we can help them navigate the environment as they work to drive sustainability across their organizations.

In this moment of adaptation, I’m eager to connect with leaders across our network, creating spaces where they can learn from one another and share what’s working. Sustainability isn’t going anywhere, but the context is changing. The question is: how do we rise to that challenge? I’m excited to think creatively with our participants about how to reframe and elevate the agenda in ways that add value to our participants, keep sustainability practical and impactful, and ensure that Network USA remains a trusted partner in this evolving landscape.

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Q2: What opportunities do you see for the United Nations Global Compact in the US?

The 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact is a moment to look forward—a point to define what leadership in corporate sustainability will mean for the next quarter century, and how Network USA can help shape it.

In the US, we have a remarkable opportunity to provide a trusted platform where business leaders can learn from one another and find clarity amid complexity. Companies are facing new pressures, from shifting regulations to heightened stakeholder expectations, and they need space to exchange experiences, test ideas, and share what is and isn’t working. Our role is to create that space!

At the same time, as part of a larger UN initiative, we have a unique ability to connect US companies to a truly global community of peers. We can bridge local leadership with global priorities, insights, and action—helping businesses in the US stay attuned to emerging issues, benchmark against global standards, and bring their own innovations to the world stage to inspire. Many corporations have operations or value chains that extend across borders, making global perspectives and connections critical to business success.

Looking ahead, I see tremendous potential to strengthen the sense of community among the companies in our network. We want leaders and practitioners to get to know one another, to feel comfortable sharing lessons and challenges, and to build relationships that last.

Q3: How do you envision American business leaders shaping the future of sustainability?

The conversation around sustainability has undergone a significant shift in the past year. What was once a race to make big public commitments has evolved toward delivering tangible results. Many companies are now under pressure to cut costs, narrow focus, and justify every dollar spent. Yet, despite the noise, the fundamentals of responsible business haven’t changed: companies that integrate sustainability into their strategy, governance, and operations are more resilient and better positioned for long-term growth.

Leading on sustainability today carries real business risk—but even greater, real opportunity. The companies that will define the future are those that stay anchored in integrity, innovation, and resilience, pressing through short-term pressures to create lasting value for both business and society.

Many companies may be speaking less publicly about their efforts, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The companies that understand the benefits of sustainability and continue on the path to drive value will continue to move forward. The leaders of today will focus on doing the hard, practical work of embedding sustainability into core operations, driving efficiencies, managing risks, and strengthening competitiveness.

One thing that is very clear: To compete and lead globally, American companies must continue to operate ethically, responsibly, and transparently; the market expects it. That means being employers of choice, investing in innovation, and building partnerships that extend impact across value chains. The strongest companies will focus their sustainability strategies on a few key priorities—where they can drive the greatest business value and the biggest societal impact—channeling resources toward the systemic challenges that constrain growth and resilience.

Q4: What benefit do convening events provide to signatories?

I hope that participants leave our events inspired and with ideas they can put into action.

Each gathering provides an opportunity to hear from peers, share lessons learned, and observe how companies are implementing sustainability in practice. We are always experimenting with new ways to convene. This year, we hosted closed-door sessions with CSOs on navigating geopolitical changes and sustainability trivia nights, providing practitioners with a more informal space to connect. The insights participants share with us shape how we evolve our programming and the network’s strategy as a whole.

Building on our convening ability, our goal is to create a year-round experience that strengthens connections, sparks collaboration, and drives real impact for all US participants in the UN Global Compact.

At Network USA, we continue to strengthen our impact by providing participants with resources, partnerships, and strategic guidance to navigate complex challenges, build community, and accelerate progress toward the Ten Principles of human rights, the environment, labor, and anti-corruption. If you’re looking for a space to exchange insights, access practical tools, and connect with peers tackling similar sustainability challenges, you’re in the right place. Click here to join us and take the next step in your journey.

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