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/.


SDG Ambition is a three-month accelerator program designed to challenge and support participating companies of the United Nations Global Compact in setting bold corporate targets and accelerating the integration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business operations. The program empowers companies to move beyond incremental change and embrace transformative action - unlocking business value, enhancing resilience, and enabling long-term growth.

Throughout the program, participants learn to strategically prioritize actions that advance their company’s contribution to the 2030 Agenda. They receive guidance on setting ambitious SDG-aligned targets, tracking progress through performance metrics, and embedding sustainability into core business processes. SDG Ambition also supports companies in building a strong business case and securing internal buy-in for their sustainability goals.

Since its launch in 2020, Network USA has engaged over 80 companies through the SDG Ambition program. The format has evolved over time—from an eight-month virtual initiative to a three-month hybrid model—adapting to participant feedback and changing priorities. In 2026, the Global Compact will roll out global updates to the program’s content and structure, giving Network USA greater flexibility in its implementation. Building on our experience and these upcoming changes, we propose a nine-week intensive for 2026—primarily virtual, with a single in-person session to celebrate the program’s conclusion.

If you are interested in joining the 2026 cohort, please contact us.

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:

Program begins: 2026

Program ends: 2026

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