While the world around us continues to face evolving challenges, one factor remains constant: we need forward thinkers, doers, movers and leaders to get us back on track. That is why, in September 2023, the United Nations Global Compact launched Forward Faster, a global platform for credible, ambitious corporate action to guide companies on where they can collectively make the biggest, fastest impact by 2030. The Forward Faster 2024 Trends and Insights Report provides a snapshot of how more than 1,700 companies are taking steps to stay ahead of the curve and move us forward, faster to 2030.

Our latest report, Accelerating Innovation in Sustainable Finance: Removing Roadblocks and Unlocking Value, highlights actionable strategies to integrate sustainability into finance, emphasizing the urgent need for private investment to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines innovative solutions like blended finance, sustainability-linked bonds, and AI-driven data tools, while addressing key challenges such as transparency and risk management. The UN’s leadership in fostering global standards and partnerships is pivotal in driving sustainable financial practices and unlocking capital for a more resilient global economy.

Despite their immense importance, plankton are under threat and remain poorly understood. The Plankton Manifesto calls for immediate global recognition and action to protect these vital organisms. It advocates for the adoption of "Plankton-Based Solutions" to benefit humanity and the environment, leveraging advances in DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, satellite monitoring, AI-assisted image analysis, and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance our understanding and stewardship of plankton. The Plankton Manifesto is a result of a collaborative effort, led by the United Nations Global Compact, that involved 30 international experts from leading institutions and industries worldwide. It will seek endorsements at key global environmental conferences, including COP29 on Climate, COP16 on Biodiversity, and the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, in June 2025.

The official policy for the 2025 CoP, detailing requirements, processes, and timelines for submissions in 2025.  

This is the first consultative draft of the Ocean Investment Protocol which is a framework for financial institutions, (re)insurers, ocean industries, governments and development finance institutions (DFIs) to lead the growth of the Sustainable Ocean Economy (SOE) to achieve SDG14 and related SDGs.

The United Nations Global Compact–Accenture CEO Study offers a candid look at perspectives of more than 2,600 CEOs across 128 countries and 18 industries at the urgent opportunities and challenges for leaders to contribute to the 2023 Agenda and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Fifty global executives convened during the UN General Assembly’s week of high-level debates, to candidly share corporate approaches to converging global crises. This business-to-business discussion focused on complex dilemmas related to strengthening peace, justice, and strong institutions (Sustainable Development Goal 16). Discussion centered around three questions: 1. How are you managing increased pressure to take a stand on political and social issues? 2. How are you weighing the cost of doing something, versus the cost of doing nothing? 3. How can lobbying be part of an accountability framework regarding corporate actions in these areas? This document summarizes high-level take-aways.

The world is calling for immediate and collective action towards a universal climate goal, outlined in the Paris Agreement. Working with top talents from around the world, the United Nations is taking urgent actions to standardize guidelines for achieving Net-Zero, creating a platform of global collaboration. China takes the lead in fostering a conducive environment for global collaboration through proposing the Global Development Initiative (GDI), with a series of initiatives surrounding eight key areas including climate actions. A just transition to a Net-Zero future requires bold actions from all parties, and corporates are an indispensable force. The key to success is knowing “where to go” — setting climate targets, and “how to get there” — implementing Net-Zero initiatives.

To address the increasing risk of catastrophic climate change, provide sustainable energy to the 733 million people who currently lack access to electricity, and to power sustainable development, there is an urgent need to transition to renewable energy. Business has a critical role to play in ensuring this transition is just and leaves no one behind. This business brief outlines the context of emerging national just transition policies, provides an advocacy agenda for businesses to influence policies responsibly and includes examples of company best practices and success factors. Download today to learn the 10 recommendations for businesses to advance the just transition within and beyond their companies in support of the goals of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda. The business brief is available in English and Spanish.

The purpose of this position paper is to establish the potential of Global Compact companies all over the world to invest at scale in key private sector solutions for the SDGs, especially in the clean energy transition and economic and social development. It also provides intellectual support for a broad Global Compact call to action to all its companies at the occasion of the SDG stocktake this year, to establish ambitious targets in five key areas including SDG-aligned corporate investments and finance with the SDGs (other areas include living wage, climate change, gender equality, and water stewardship).

Companies of all sizes may be exposed to multiple climate change-related risks through their supply chains. By placing just transition at the centre of their risk management strategies, your company can better manage converging risks that may impact your business. This brief outlines the policies and practices companies can implement to manage the environmental and social impacts of their supply chain, discusses multilateral frameworks, and offers recommendations for businesses to improve their sustainability and resilience, including real-world examples.

The Forward Faster action guides provide companies that have committed or are considering committing to the Forward Faster initiative, with additional, target-specific details on key definitions, examples of actions and key performance indicators (KPIs), including interim targets, resources and policy advocacy that companies can utilize as they define a strategy to meet the target(s) by 2030.