Join the global search for change agents who are advancing the SDGs in their business from the bottom up. As part of the 2020 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers program , the Global Compact Network USA (GCNUSA) is searching for professionals who are committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.2020 Global Compact Network USA SDG Pioneer at the local level. The selected individual will then have the opportunity to participate in the final search of global SDG Pioneers to be recognized during the 2020 UN General Assembly in September in New York.
Why apply or nominate someone?
Employee engagement and recognition – The program provides companies with an opportunity to highlight how their employees are advancing the SDGs and are indeed next generation leaders. Enable change agents for the SDGs – Leadership in the 2030 era requires change agents, and the SDG Pioneers Program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for professionals to push their vision forward within their organizations and create change. National and global recognition – SDG Pioneers will receive visibility and be recognized for the great work that they have done to advance the SDGs. The Global SDG Pioneers will be announced at the 2020 UN General Assembly in September.Professionals who are working at any level of a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company are eligible to apply or be nominated. To check whether an organization is a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company, please search the participant list online . If your company has yet to select its engagement tier, please see here for more information and to select your engagement tier.For the 2020 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact on 30 September 2019 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP). If your company joined after the date, please consider applying for the 2021 SDG Pioneers programme.
Professionals who are working at any level of a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company are eligible to apply or be nominated. To check whether an organization is a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company, please search the participant list online . If your company has yet to select its engagement tier, please see here for more information and to select your engagement tier.For the 2020 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact on 30 September 2019 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP). If your company joined after the date, please consider applying for the 2021 SDG Pioneers programme.
Date What is Happening
February
Launch of local rounds
February 17 – May 15
Submission period
May 15 – June 5
Review process
June 6 – July 20
Country winners announced
May 21 – July 21
Global submission
July 21 - Mid-September
Review & selection
End of September
Announcement & recognition
Are you a business leader advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a principles-based approach, or do you know someone who is? Please use the following forms to nominate yourself or someone else.
Are you an SDG Pioneer? Apply yourself » Do you know an SDG Pioneer? Nominate someone else » Who are the 2020 SDG Pioneers?
As part of the UN Global Compact’s Making Global Goals Local Business campaign, each year the UN Global Compact recognizes a class of SDG Pioneers — business leaders working at any level of their company who are using business as a force for good to advance the 17 SDGs.
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 .
Professionals who are working at any level of a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company are eligible to apply or be nominated. To check whether an organization is a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company, please search the participant list online . If your company has yet to select its engagement tier, please see here for more information and to select your engagement tier. For the 2020 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact on 30 September 2019 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP). If your company joined after the date, please consider applying for the 2021 SDG Pioneers programme. The UN Global Compact reserves the right to remove the SDG Pioneer recognition if the company and/or individual is later deemed to be a reputational risk to the SDG Pioneer campaign and/or the UN Global Compact initiative.
What if I am affiliated with but not directly employed by a UN Global Compact signatory?
You are only eligible to apply or be nominated if you are either employed by the company (or its subsidiary).
My company does not yet participate in the UN Global Compact. Can I still apply?
Only individuals from a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company will be 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 to learn more about how to join.
My organization is doing great work. Can it be nominated?
No, the SDG Pioneers campaign highlights the work of individuals, not organizations.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
Nationality does not matter as long as the nominee or applicant works for a U.S. company with headquarters in U.S. or a U.S. subsidiary of a global company.
What is the nomination deadline?
The nomination deadline is April 15th, 2020.
How do I nominate myself / someone who I think is doing great work?
Please complete the online application form, which is available here . To nominate someone, click here . The online application link will be emailed to them as they must still fill out an application to be considered.
Who can submit a nomination?
You can nominate yourself or a colleague at your company, or someone you know from another UN Global Compact participating company. That individual will then be contacted to ensure their willingness to be considered and the accuracy of the submitted information.
How and when will I be notified if I was selected?
SDG Pioneers will be informed of their selection by early August. Due to the volume of nominations received, we may be unable to contact nominees who are not selected.
How will the SDG Pioneers be recognized? What will I receive if selected?
The SDG Pioneers will receive visibility and be recognized for the great work that they have done to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. 2020 SDG Pioneers selected in August will be recognized at the UN General Assembly.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Please email adam@globalcompactusa.org with any additional questions.
Action Platforms are time-bound multilateral working groups made up of UN Global Compact participating companies, Global Compact Local Networks, academia, civil society, Government, and the United Nations to solve complex sustainability challenges and to innovate around the Global Goals. They are the process through which the UN Global Compact develops its thought leadership and resources and enables participating companies to shape the definition of leadership, engage with stakeholders, and utilize the unique assets of the UN Global Compact. Companies can apply to join an Action Platform on their UN Global Compact Dashboard.
Current Action Platforms
