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.

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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

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TIMELINE

Company registration:

Program begins: 2026

Program ends: 2026

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