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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 Circular Economy Peer Learning Group (PLG) offers a unique collaborative forum for sustainability professionals across industries to delve into critical and emerging issues related to the circular economy.
The program cohort will be comprised of 10 companies with 2 representatives each, across various industries and sizes, eager to enhance their circularity strategies through peer collaboration. By engaging in dialogue with peers from the American private sector, UN representatives, and experts in the space, participants of this PLG will gain insight to foster positive change toward circularity within their organizations.
Of the eight topics below, applicants will select four topics that they are most interested in exploring through the Circular Economy Peer-Learning Group. The four topics receiving the highest collective interest will determine the focus areas of each PLG workshop.
Potential topic areas for this year’s program include:
1. The State of the Circular Economy Transition
This is a great level-setting topic to kick off the PLG. The recently released Circularity Gap Report provides valuable insights into global progress and barriers - especially the scaling challenges companies face when moving from pilots to full implementation. It also provides a useful lens for discussing the internal change - management processes needed to embed circularity across functions.
2. Circularity Measurement and Reporting
Measuring circularity is still an emerging topic, but it is critical for accountability and progress tracking. The Global Circularity Protocol, recently developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) offers a framework for companies to assess and report on their circularity performance.
3. Existing and Emerging Legislation
While regulation to promote a truly circular economy is sparse, some regulation is encouraging increased adoption of circularity practices by corporations and companies operating both in the U.S. and internationally. Understanding existing and upcoming policies and their implications for businesses is crucial for strategic planning.
4. Circular Supply Chain Strategies
Supply chains are the backbone of circularity. This topic highlights how companies can integrate circular principles into procurement, logistics, and supplier engagement to improve resilience against resource scarcity and regulatory risks.
5. Design for Circularity
Design is at the heart of the circular economy and is often framed as the most crucial step in circularity. Many organizations, including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, offer leading principles on designing products and systems that maximize resource efficiency.
6. Circular Business Models
Exploring real-world applications makes these topics feel grounded in the tangible. This session would feature a company, ideally a peer from the PLG, sharing its circular business model and lessons learned from implementation.
7. Resource Efficiency, Recovery & Waste Management
Waste recovery and recycling rates remain abysmally low globally, as highlighted by reports from the EU, EPA, and UNEP. This topic will explore the systemic inefficiencies across our supply chains and examine how circular strategies can address these challenges by reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and closing material loops.
8. Traceability and Digital Tools
Traceability and digital solutions are becoming foundational to circularity, driven by increasing disclosure requirements and the introduction of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) in the EU and other regions. By understanding these tools, companies can scale circular business models to support transparency, resource optimization, and consumer trust.
The sessions dates for the 2026 program are:
Kindly note that space in this program is limited and spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Once your application has been received, a representative from Network USA will be in touch to speak with you about your company’s participation.
If you have any questions on the application, please reach out to Haddy Bayo at haddy@globalcompactusa.org.
