Business & Human Rights Accelerator

Applications for the 2024 SDG Pioneer program are now open!

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.

As part of the 2024 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers program, UN Global Compact Network USA is searching for individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership in advancing the SDGs.

The UN Global Compact Network USA will award two 2024 Global Compact Network USA SDG Pioneers this year. One to represent Small & Medium-sized enterprises (<250 employees), and one to represent Large National & Multi-National Companies. Please note that companies must have submitted at least 1 CoP and be a signatory since October 1, 2023 to be eligible for this opportunity. The selected individuals will then have the opportunity to participate in the final search of Global SDG Pioneers and to be recognized during the 2024 UN General Assembly in September in New York.

Apply now before May 15, 2024 and please contact Caitlin McGinnis at caitlin@globalcompactusa.org for any inquiries. For additional information, visit https://unglobalcompact.org/sdgs/sdgpioneers/.

The idea of human rights is as simple as it is powerful: That all people have a right to be treated with dignity. Businesses often impact the human rights of their employees and contract workers, workers in their supply chains, the communities around their operations, and even the end users of their products or services. Whether directly or indirectly, they impact virtually the entire spectrum of internationally recognized human rights.

As a result, companies have both a responsibility and an opportunity to advance human rights across operations, supply chains, and beyond. Is your company able to know and show that it supports and respects the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and that it is not complicit in human rights abuses?

The Business & Human Rights Accelerator is a six-month hybrid program activating companies participating in the UN Global Compact across industries and regions. The objective is to help businesses swiftly move from commitment to action on human and labor rights by establishing an ongoing human rights due diligence process. Network USA is excited to welcome a select group of 20 companies into our cohort, and slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to all companies that apply and meet the necessary qualifications for participation.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • How to identify your responsibilities in respecting human rights and labor rights, expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
  • How to establish an ongoing human rights due diligence process in line with international standards
  • How to report and communicate on your human rights due diligence journey, including through the Communication on Progress, the annual public disclosure requirement for all UN Global Compact participants

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

  • An understanding of where your company is on their human rights journey
  • An assessment of actual and potential adverse human rights impacts and the ability to prioritize action
  • The ability to mitigate your human rights impacts, including grievance mechanisms and remedy
  • Ways to engage stakeholders on business impacts
  • An action plan to advance human rights in your company and beyond
  • A network of peers, UN partners and experts to support your human rights journey and work collectively to tackle persistent barriers to human rights due diligence
  • A certificate demonstrating completion of program
TIMELINE

Company registration: September 11, 2024 – December 15, 2024

Program begins: February 2025

Program ends: July 2025