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/.
Reporting to stakeholders in a transparent and public manner is fundamental for companies committed to sustainability. Your company’s annual Communication on Progress (CoP) is a key component of your commitment to the UN Global Compact. It describes the progress your company has made on the Ten Principles and is a visible expression of your company's continued commitment to the UN Global Compact.
The 2025 CoP Questionnaire incorporates a series of updates based on evolving reporting requirements, past CoP data analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement. These updates aim to better support participants in their sustainability journeys by generating high-quality data for the development of new UN Global Compact programs, improving data quality through refined questions that yield actionable insights for companies, and streamlining the reporting process to optimize time and resource efficiency.
Key updates to the 2025 CoP Questionnaire
For a detailed comparison of the 2024 and 2025 versions, refer to the Content Update overview.
Key resources to help you prepare for 2025 CoP reporting will be updated and uploaded on the UN Global Compact CoP webpage and the UN Global Compact Academy (participant authentication required) in the coming weeks before the reporting period opens. Please refer to the 2025 CoP Policy for details regarding the reporting requirements of this year’s CoP, due dates and more information on how to submit.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact cop-support@unglobalcompact.org.
What does it mean to be a “non-communicating” Participant?
Your organization will still be recognized as a participant in the Global Compact. However, you may be at risk of losing access to the UN Global Compact Academy and are unable to sign up for programs such as Accelerators or Peer Learning Groups.
How do I reinstate my company’s “active” status as a UN Global Compact Participant?
Companies looking to reinstate their status as an “active” UN Global Compact Participant must submit their 2025 CoP by December 31, 2025 via the participant dashboard. The CoP requires all participants to submit the following:
1) a signed CEO Letter of Commitment, and
2) the CoP Questionnaire AND/OR your company’s sustainability report.
What if my company cannot submit our CoP due to internal limitations?
If your company is facing internal limitations that have impacted your ability to compile and submit your data, you will have until December 31, 2024 to gather the required information to submit your CoP before you are delisted. Unfortunately, we cannot grant any extensions beyond this date.
Please do not submit a placeholder CoP, as you cannot amend it later due to integrity complications.
What happens if I do not submit my company’s CoP by December 31, 2025?
The 2025 CoP is mandatory for all UN Global Compact business participants. “Non-communicating” Participants that do not submit a CoP by December 31, 2025, will be delisted from the UN Global Compact on January 1, 2026, for ‘failure to report’.
We invite you to review these Frequently Asked Questions and contact us for additional support.
