SDG Ambition is a six-month accelerator that aims to challenge and support participating companies of the United Nations Global Compact in setting ambitious corporate targets and accelerating the integration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business management. This programme enables companies to move beyond incremental progress and step up transformative change, unlocking business value, building business resilience, and enabling long-term growth.

Originally developed in 2019, the programme has now reached over 90 countries and 2,000+ companies in all industries.

SDG Ambition Accelerator will empower and equip participating companies of the UN Global Compact to develop and implement innovative business strategies that significantly increase their positive impact on the SDGs. Through the Global Compact Country Networks, participating companies will assess current performance, identify risk areas, discover new opportunities across business units and functions and take ambitious business action towards achieving the SDGs.

Participating in the SDG Ambition Accelerator allows companies to select benchmarks linked to the Forward Faster targets and use the 8-step approach to help them reach their goals. Almost 70% of companies from previous rounds have committed to adopting SDG Ambition Benchmarks associated with the Forward Faster Initiative. After completing the SDG Ambition Accelerator, companies with goals related to Forward Faster will be invited to join the initiative. This will give them access to:

• Recognition: Receive public recognition for demonstrating highest level ambition ensuring transparency and credibility in sustainability efforts while avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing.
• Policy advocacy: Gain access to closed-door policy dialogues and high-level convenings, influencing decision-making processes and shaping impactful policies.
• Thought Leadership: Showcase successes through case studies, speaking engagements, and featured impact stories, inspiring others with your sustainability leadership
• Global Forums and convenings: Secure access to global forums, enabling leadership representation, peer exchange and amplifying ambitious actions on a worldwide stage ensuring a genuine commitment to sustainability.

PROGRAMME BENEFITS

• Enhanced alignment with the SDGs: The program helps companies align their business strategies with the SDGs, providing a framework to integrate sustainability into their core business practices and goals and a systems thinking approach.
• Improved business performance: Aligning business strategies with the SDGs represents a market opportunity and leads to financial success in the long run. The program allows companies to identify new business opportunities, lower expenses, and enhance risk management.
• Access to resources and expertise: The program provides guidance, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, networking opportunities, and a clear methodology beyond the SDGs.
• Improved innovation: By prioritizing the SDGs, companies can stimulate innovation and the development of new products, services, and business models that meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
• Reinforced resilience: Businesses prioritizing sustainability have a better chance of enduring disruptions and adapting to shifting market conditions and regulatory changes. This resilience can enhance their long-term market competitiveness.
• Participate in the Forward Faster initiative by selecting SDG Ambition Benchmarks linked to the Forward Faster targets.