Climate Ambition Accelerator

The Application for the 2023 SDG Pioneer program closed May 3, 2023!

As part of the 2023 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers program, UN Global Compact Network USA  is searching for professionals to recognize who are committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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. 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.

The UN Global Compact Network USA will award two 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 1 October 2022 to be eligible for this opportunity.

The UN Global Compact Network USA will award the two 2023 Global Compact Network USA SDG Pioneers at the local level, announced on June 30, 2023. The selected individuals will then have the opportunity to participate in the final search of global SDG Pioneers to be recognized during the 2023 UN General Assembly in September in New York.

Ambitious business leaders are recognizing that they don’t have to choose between taking climate action and having strong economies and bottom lines. On the contrary —taking climate action is the best way to build healthier and thriving people, communities, businesses and economies. The Climate Ambition Accelerator is a six-month accelerator program designed to equip companies with the knowledge and skills they need to accelerate progress towards setting science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the 1.5°C pathway, setting them on a path towards net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Perhaps your company has not yet set emissions targets, or you've created targets without using the science-based targets methodology. Maybe you're overwhelmed by the technical requirements involved.  No matter where you are in your sustainability journey, the Climate Ambition Accelerator will help you get started and make progress towards setting ambitious emission targets.

Led by the United Nations Global Compact with support from Patrons Ørsted and Natura & Co and sponsored by En+ Group, the Climate Ambition Accelerator aims to scale-up credible climate action across companies of all sizes, sectors and regions, enabling them to deliver on meaningful commitments to reduce emissions at scale. The Climate Ambition Accelerator builds on the UN Global Compact’s work to develop and promote the Science Based Targets initiative, its net-zero standards, and Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, and will contribute to initiatives such as the Race to Zero campaign.

Through the Global Compact Local Networks around the world, participating companies will gain access to global best practices, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, capacity building sessions and on-demand training. 

Program Benefits

  • Learn how to set science-based emission reduction targets to achieve net-zero by 2050
  • Motivate investors, leadership, employees and shareholders with an emission reduction plan that sets your organization apart in the market
  • Gain a clear understanding of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and the net-zero concept, including methodologies, requirements, processes, benefits and applicability
  • Hear from peers and share insights in group sessions
  • Take advantage of on-demand learning that enables you to work at your own pace
  • Get access to industry experts and networking opportunities
  • Benefit from local delivery combined with global insights and best practices

Timeline

Company registration: 23 February – 30 April 2023

Program begins: May 2023

Program ends: November 2023