Executive Quarterly Update: Q3 2024

As we enter the final quarter of the year, following the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), I reflect on the past few months with immense pride in the private sector’s efforts to drive responsible and sustainable business practices.

Under Secretary-General António Guterres’s leadership, the Pact for the Future was adopted, uniting governments, businesses, and civil society to commit to future-oriented, long-term goals like sustainable development, climate action, and digital cooperation.

This commitment extended to our global Leaders Summit, where more than 1,000 leaders gathered to exchange tools and strategies for mobilizing private capital, advancing responsible business practices, and fostering innovation toward the 2030 Agenda.

Here in the U.S., we are bolstering private sector action in several ways. Here’s a snapshot of our work in the past quarter:

‍
Growth & Engagement
​​​In Q3 2024, we welcomed 53 new participants, expanding our network. We’re also excited to announce the appointment of our new Head of Engagement, Lucy Barry. Looking ahead, our Engagement Team will attend VERGE 24 later this month. If you’re attending, we’d love to connect!

UNGA & SDG Summit USA
Our flagship event during the UN General Assembly, SDG Summit USA, brought together over 200 business, government, and UN leaders. This unique conference, focused on celebrating U.S. private sector contributions to sustainability, spotlighted key areas such as sustainable finance, DEI, regulation and reporting, and corporate water stewardship. We also hosted intimate roundtable discussions to facilitate in-depth knowledge sharing.

‍

‍

A special thank you to our co-presenting sponsor, Accenture, for hosting this event for the third consecutive year, to our supporting sponsor BASF, and to our roundtable sponsors FMC and Salesforce.

Companies aiming to incorporate the SDGs more deeply into their operations are encouraged to apply for the SDG Ambition Accelerator. Additionally, starting October 31, emerging leaders can apply for our SDG Innovation program.

New York Climate Week
At our recent event, “Enhancing Your Company’s Climate Impact with the United Nations Global Compact,” companies gained insights on scaling climate action through Network USA. The event reinforced the importance of aligning corporate strategies with science-based frameworks like the Science-Based Targets initiative. Attendees heard from industry leaders about setting targets, reducing emissions, and fostering internal support for ambitious climate action.

We extend our thanks to Lucid Motors for hosting this wonderful event.
Next, we will be at COP 29 in Baku, where we will continue promoting private sector action on climate and the environment.

Business & Human Rights
Last July, the UN’s High-Level Political Forum raised awareness of the importance of lifting populations out of poverty. In alignment with this topic, we hosted an official side event that spotlighted the private sector’s role in promoting living wages and fair labor practices. We were honored to hear from distinguished speakers from Álvarez‐Díaz & Villalón, ASCM, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
​​​​​​

‍

Companies interested in embedding human rights in their operations are invited to apply for the Business and Human Rights Accelerator, with spots available on a first-come, first-served basis for 20 companies.

Thought Leadership
During UNGA, the UN Global Compact released five pivotal reports covering the private sector’s role in accelerating the SDGs, sustainable finance innovation, public-private collaboration on global food systems, oceans and maritime industries, as well as the transformative potential of generative AI. These reports offer actionable insights for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders.  

Network USA will soon launch its own thought leadership report on sustainable finance in the U.S., providing insights and strategies for businesses to deepen their SDG engagement.

As we move forward into the final stretch of the year, we remain committed to fostering collaboration and driving meaningful change through sustainable business practices. Thank you for your ongoing support and contributions to these initiatives. Together, we will continue advancing the SDGs and shaping a more just and sustainable future for all.
‍

‍
Best,

Richard Pearl
Acting Executive Director
UN Global Compact Network USA

‍