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/.
Reporting to stakeholders in a transparent and public manner is fundamental for companies committed to sustainability. Your company’s annual Communication on Progress (CoP) is a required key component of your commitment to the UN Global Compact and it describes the progress your company has made on the Ten Principles.
In 2026, participants may fulfill the CoP requirement in two ways: filling out the CoP Questionnaire or uploading their annual sustainability report. The 2026 CoP Questionnaire incorporates a series of updates based on evolving reporting requirements, past CoP data analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement. These updates aim to create a streamlined experience for participants, and better support companies by generating high-quality data to inform future programming. If a company elects to fill out the questionnaire, they may attach their sustainability report to ensure it is featured on their UN Global Compact Profile.
Key updates to the 2026 CoP Questionnaire
For a detailed comparison of the 2024 and 2025 versions, refer to the Content Update overview.
Key resources to help you prepare for CoP reporting will be updated and uploaded on the UN Global Compact CoP webpage and the UN Global Compact Academy (participant authentication required). Please refer to the CoP Policy for details regarding reporting requirements, due dates and more information on how to submit.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact cop-support@unglobalcompact.org.
What happens if I do not submit my company’s CoP by December 31, 2026?
The 2026 CoP is mandatory for all UN Global Compact business participants. For the 2026 reporting year, a sustainability report uploaded through the digital platform can be submitted in lieu of the CoP Questionnaire. “Non-communicating” Participants that do not submit a CoP by December 31, 2026, will be delisted from the UN Global Compact on January 1, 2026, for ‘failure to report’.
We invite you to review these Frequently Asked Questions and contact us for additional support.
What does it mean to be a “non-communicating” Participant?
If you fail to submit your CoP by the deadline, your organization will still be recognized as a participant in the Global Compact, but your status will change from “active” to “non-communicating.” This will happen automatically and there is no need to request an extension if you anticipate you will miss the July 31st deadline. As a non-communicating participant, you may be at risk of losing access to resources such as the UN Global Compact Academy, or unable to sign up for programs such as Accelerators or Peer Learning Groups.
How do I reinstate my company’s “active” status as a UN Global Compact Participant?
Companies looking to reinstate their status as an “active” UN Global Compact Participant must submit their 2026 CoP by December 31, 2026 via the participant dashboard. The CoP requires all participants to submit the following:
1) the CoP Questionnaire AND/OR your company’s sustainability report, and
2) a digitally signed CEO Letter of Commitment (which may be signed by a proxy of the CEO)
Who is responsible for completing the CoP?
All non-subsidiary prospects are required to complete a CoP. Subsidiary prospects that join as an affiliate of their parent company are not required to submit a CoP (their parent company's submission meets this requirement). In the unique case that a subsidiary prospect joins as an independent entity, unaffiliated with their parent company, then their local team is expected to submit a CoP (in addition to the CoP that their parent company submits separately).
What if my company cannot submit our CoP due to internal limitations?
If your company is facing internal limitations that have impacted your ability to compile and submit your data, you will have until December 31, 2026 to gather the required information to submit your CoP before you are delisted. Unfortunately, we cannot grant any extensions beyond this date.
Please do not submit a placeholder CoP, as you cannot amend it later due to integrity complications.
My team was not able to meet the CoP submission deadline and has been delisted from the UNGC. How do I rejoin?
The process begins by logging into the UN Global Compact Dashboard using your existing username and password. If you do not have existing login credentials, you can request access by adding a new contact.
Once logged in, select “Rejoin the Global Compact” in the top-right corner of the Dashboard. You’ll then be guided through the Letter of Recommitment, where you’ll provide a brief explanation for your company’s previous delisting and sign the letter to reaffirm your commitment to the UN Global Compact.
Next, review and update your company information, including the number of employees and annual gross revenue or sales in USD or EUR, where applicable for companies in Spain, Italy and France. You’ll also need to upload your latest Communication on Progress (CoP) or Sustainability Report.
After completing these steps, submit your rejoining request. You’ll receive a confirmation email once the request has been received. Following submission, participants will be asked to pay any outstanding participation fees before the rejoining process is completed.
