Join the global search for change agents who are advancing the SDGs in their business from the bottom up. Applications for the 2024 SDG Pioneer program are now open! 2024 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers program 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. May 15, 2024 and please contact Caitlin McGinnis at caitlin@globalcompactusa.org for any inquiries. For additional information, visit https://unglobalcompact.org/sdgs/sdgpioneers/
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 2023 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 . For the 2024 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact on October 1, 2023 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP). If your company joined after the date, please consider applying for the 2024 SDG Pioneers program.
Applications will be accepted from April 3 - May 15, 2024 . A multi-stakeholder SDG Pioneers Selection Group will vote on the candidates. The SDG Pioneers Selection Group will be comprised of representatives from: Global Compact Network Board Members, UN, Government Representatives, Academia, and civil society. Once the selections have been made, the applications will be sent to the UN Global Compact Headquarters for a final screening and review. Once confirmed, the SDG Pioneer will be notified and made public on July 1, 2024 .For the 2024 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact on October 1, 2023 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP). If your company joined after the date, please consider applying for the 2025 SDG Pioneers program.
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
Campaign Launch: April 3, 2024 2024 Leaders Summit : Sep 24, 2024 Who are the 2023 SDG Pioneers?
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 participating company are eligible to apply or be nominated. online . For the 2023 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact 1 October 2022 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP). 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 May 3, 2023.
How do I nominate myself / someone who I think is doing great work?
Please complete the online application form, which will be made available on April 3
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?
The Local SDG Pioneer will be informed of his/her selection before June 30, 2023. This individual will then advance to the Global Round to compete. 2023 SDG Pioneers will then be selected and then recognized at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in September 2023. 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?
Local Networks will recognize Local Pioneers for the great work that they have done to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. 2023 Global SDG Pioneers will be recognized at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in September 2023.
Peer Learning Groups Connect With Your Peers. Share Insights. Build Community. Peer Learning Groups (PLGs) provide a collaborative space for companies to exchange best practices and challenges on critical issues alongside like-minded peers who are determined to build resilience, meet stakeholder demands, and strengthen their competitive advantage in the U.S. market.By adhering to Chatham House Rules, participants can freely exchange insights and explore the latest strategies and approaches in any given issue area.
In 2026, UN Global Compact Network USA focused on two priority issue tracks:
Circular Economy Sustainability Strategy Applications are now closed. If you are interested in joining next year's cohorts, please contact us .
