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/.
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.
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.
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.
The USA SDG Pioneer will then be submitted to the Global SDG Pioneer round, where the Global SDG Pioneer will be announced at the 2024 Leaders Summit in New York City.
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.
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.
Are you a business leader advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a principles-based approach, or do you know someone who is?
Please use the following forms to nominate yourself or someone else here.
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.
Through their own company or by mobilizing other businesses, they are helping to reach one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also contributing to business success.
In 2023 Local Networks spanning all continents will be hosting country-level SDG Pioneers campaigns to identify Local Pioneers who will then be contenders for the Global Round to be recognized at the 2023 UN Global Compact Leaders Summit.
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.
To check whether an organization is a UN Global Compact participating company, please search the participant list 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.
You are only eligible to apply or be nominated if you are either employed by the company (or its subsidiary).
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.
No, the SDG Pioneers campaign highlights the work of individuals, not organizations.
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.
Please complete the online application form, which will be made available on April 3. The online application link will be emailed to them as they must still fill out an application to be considered.
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.
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.
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.
Please email jessi@globalcompactusa.org with any questions and/or comments.
The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is an opportunity for participating companies of the UN Global Compact to identify young talent within their organizations to collaborate and accelerate business innovation towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Network USA will not be running the SDG Innovation Accelerator Program in 2024, however we will resume offering this program in 2025.
This six-month accelerator program activates future business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models and deliver on their company’s sustainability objectives.
The Young SDG Innovators Program is designed to engage your company’s brightest and best talent in advancing your sustainability efforts and driving innovation, and delivering tangible solutions with potential market value for your company. The program engages three high-potential young professionals from across your company and supports the development of an innovative and proprietary solution to achieve the SDGs for your company. Participation is free if accepted to the program, though there is a suggested donation.
Eligibility Requirements
Companies must be confirmed to participate in the program before nominating individual young professionals to join. If you are a young professional interested in the program, please talk to your company's UN Global Compact contact to see how your company can sign up and join the program.