United Nations Global Compact

The United Nations Global Compact (UN Global Compact) is a non-binding United Nations pact designed to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and to report on their implementation. Launched officially at UN headquarters in New York City on July 26, 2000, its core mission is to mainstream ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption into business activities globally, thereby catalyzing actions in support of broader UN goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, the UN Global Compact provides a principle-based framework, best practices, resources, and networking events to guide companies in operating responsibly. It supports businesses in aligning their strategies and operations with its Ten Principles and taking strategic actions to advance societal goals. Key offerings include the UN Global Compact Academy for sustainability proficiency, Think Labs addressing critical sustainability issues, and Accelerators designed to embed SDG-aligned practices within corporate operations. The initiative engages over 25,000 corporate participants and other stakeholders across more than 167 countries, encompassing a wide array of sectors and company sizes.

Led by Assistant Secretary-General, CEO, and Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo, the UN Global Compact continues to expand its global reach and influence. In May 2026, it launched new Country Networks in Angola and Rwanda, further extending its efforts to advance sustainable business practices. The organization also recently partnered with Kantar to release a global benchmark study on sustainable marketing transformation. Positioned as a crucial resource, the UN Global Compact helps companies navigate evolving regulatory landscapes, such as the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the U.S. SEC's Climate Disclosure Rules, by providing a framework for embedding ESG practices and streamlining reporting. The upcoming UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2025 will convene global stakeholders to review the private sector's contributions to the SDGs and challenge companies to commit to ambitious "Forward Faster" targets.