SDG Ambition 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 SDG Ambition Accelerator is an initiative that aims to challenge and support participating companies of the UN Global Compact in setting ambitious corporate targets and accelerating integration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business management. SDG Ambition enables companies to move beyond incremental progress and step-up transformative change – unlocking business value, building business resilience, and enabling long-term growth.

SDG Ambition empowers and equips participating companies of the UN Global Compact to develop and implement innovative business strategies that significantly increase their positive impact on the SDGs. Through the Global Compact Local Networks, participating companies assess current performance, identify risk areas, discover new opportunities across business units and functions and take ambitious business action towards achieving the SDGs.

Join the Network USA accelerator to be amongst the US cohort contributing to global SDG Ambition. There is no charge to join the Network USA accelerator if your company is a participant of the Network. The program will start in March 2025 and conclude in June 2025. Applications will open on September 23, 2023. You can apply on the main UN Global Compact website.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The UN Global Compact invites companies to join SDG Ambition. In order to take part, companies are required to be participants of the UN Global Compact and to meet the following criteria:

  • Currently engaged with a Global Compact Local Network in your region or willing to join (In-country program)
  • Committed to strengthening corporate target setting and action to increase progress on the Sustainable Development Goals
  • Willing to appoint two representatives to participate in program activities and events and an executive-level “Ambassador” to follow program developments, provide support and participate in high-level events

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • How to strategically prioritize actions that will accelerate your company’s contribution to the 2030 Agenda.
  • How to set targets aligned with absolute benchmarks that today may seem aspirational but are critical to spearhead the transformation of economies and societies.
  • How to hardwire SDG-related business goals and outcomes into core processes and management of business, to materially.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

  • An understanding of baseline impacts across the business in creating a comprehensive sustainability strategy.
  • The ability to achieve ambitious goals aimed at galvanizing business action with what is actually required to achieve the SDGs.
  • An overview of how to integrate and mainstream ambitious sustainability goals across business units by pioneering a performance integration approach that utilizes enabling technologies.
  • An opportunity to communicate and track progress over time aligned.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU

  • Attendance of all in-person and live sessions.
  • Please note that Network USA is unable to provide support for travels at this time and therefore all expenses are to be incurred by the participating companies.
  • Commitment to approximately 3 online live-learning sessions to be held throughout the months of March and April (approximately 6 hours total).
  • Commitment to on-demand online learning sessions throughout the months of March and April(approximately 3-4 hours total).     

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY

  • Executive sponsor form stating your company's financial and time commitment to your participation in this program, and permission of logo use.
  • Two employees of your company, preferably one junior level and one mid to senior-level professional to attend the workshops and complete the online work

TIMELINE

Company registration: September 23, 2024 – November 1, 2024

Program begins: March 2024

Program ends: June 2024

*Please note, this program operates under the privacy structure of the Chatham House Rule.