Executive Quarterly Update: Q1 2026

I’m excited to share our first quarterly update of 2026 from the UN Global Compact Network USA (Network USA).

‍Reflecting on 2025, I am inspired by the momentum we’ve built and the opportunities that lie ahead. One theme continues to guide our work: meeting leaders where they are while creating spaces for honest, practical conversations about what it takes to make a sustainable impact and create long-term business value.

From hosting conversations alongside events like SXSW and GreenBiz to creating intimate engagements across the US, we’ve connected with participants and partners across sectors, enabling us to understand the opportunities leaders are pursuing in real time and ensure our programming, resources, and initiatives reflect those needs. Here are some highlights of this past quarter:​​​​​​

‍Programming and practical implementation:

• Our Sustainability Integration Program has officially kicked off, helping participants embed sustainability into their core business strategy and operations.
• The Business & Human Rights Accelerator recently held in-person sessions designed to deepen engagement and foster meaningful collaboration.
• Our online offering on greenwashing continues to provide timely guidance on credibility, transparency, and effective sustainability communications.

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Participant activity and other exciting events:

• At GreenBiz 26, in partnership with Mars, we hosted an evening reception, “Paws for Optimism,” bringing together leaders to explore how companies are working alongside civil society and government to drive positive impact in local communities.
• We celebrated International Women’s Day by ringing the Opening Bell at Nasdaq in New York City with participating companies. It was an energizing way to close the quarter and spotlight the role of business in continuing to advance inclusive and equitable workplaces.

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Resources and tools to help your work:

• Over the past few months, we’ve convened a series of webinars focused on priority topics and practical opportunities for engagement, explore our latest sessions here, including our Q1 ESG Regulatory Briefing, which unpacks the evolving regulatory landscape and what it means for business.
• Our latest resource, Resilience in Real Time: Businesses in a Changing Landscape, builds on our peer learning focus by showcasing how companies are operationalizing commitments to human rights, equity, and resilience, offering lessons from across our community.

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Looking ahead, I encourage you to apply to our Climate Ambition Accelerator, as applications close soon on Thursday, May 7th. No matter where you are in your sustainability journey, this accelerator will help you create and make progress towards setting ambitious emission targets aligned with the 1.5°C pathway, creating a path towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

Lastly, Network USA is partnering with GlobeScan, Network Canada, and Network Mexico to launch a survey of companies on sustainability leadership across North America. Keep an eye out for your invitation to participate!

The energy and commitment you bring to this work are what make our community so powerful. We look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months ahead.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and leadership.

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Sincerely,

Amanda Gardiner

Executive Director

UN Global Compact Network USA

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