Global Compact Network USA Searches for Professionals Committed to Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, is looking to recognize a new class of Global SDG Pioneers, with applications opening on April 3, 2023. The annual SDG Pioneers program honors company professionals using business to advance and advocate for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Global Compact Network USA welcomes the leadership of companies participating in the UN Global Compact to nominate their employees to the program.

The program allows companies to highlight how their employees advance the SDGs and is indeed next-generation leaders. It also provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for professionals to push their vision forward within their organizations and create change. In addition, SDG Pioneers will receive visibility and be recognized for the great work that they have done to advance the SDGs.

Network USA will award two 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, 2022, to be eligible for this opportunity. Network USA will award the two 2023 Global Compact Network USA SDG Pioneers at the local level, announced on June 30, 2023. The selected individuals will then be able to participate in the final search of global SDG Pioneers to be recognized during the 2023 UN General Assembly in September in New York.

Commenting on the launch of the global search, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, said:

“The SDG Pioneers program recognizes the dedicated professionals that drive and innovate solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models that can enable us to reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. We hope their work will inspire others to advance the Global Goals by implementing our Ten Principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact.”

Employees of companies participating in the UN Global Compact are welcome to submit their own application on contributions towards sustainable development or nominate a colleague inviting them to submit an application here for consideration in the program before May 3, 2023, at 11:59 PM ET.

About the SDG Pioneers Program

As part of the UN Global Compact’s Making Global Goals Local Business campaign, 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, including those spanning all continents, will be hosting a country-level SDG Pioneers campaign to identify business leaders who will then be contenders for the global round to be recognized at the UN General Assembly in September 2023.

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