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Breaking the Illusion: Why the Glass Ceiling Is Still Holding Women Back in Business

On International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, reflected on how progress for women in business is masking deeper, structural inequalities that continue to limit access to real power. In an article for Reuters, Ojiambo argued that while representation on corporate boards has improved, the pathway to executive leadership remains constrained. Women are still significantly underrepresented in CEO roles and in the profit-and-loss positions that typically lead to them, with early career barriers continuing to shrink the leadership pipeline.

Her message for International Women’s Day was clear: businesses must move beyond symbolic progress and take deliberate, systemic action to build inclusive leadership pipelines—ensuring women are not just present, but positioned to lead.

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Seizing Africa’s Moment at the Africa Business Forum

At the Africa Business Forum, UN Global Compact CEO and Executive Director, Sanda Ojiambo called for bold, partnership-driven investment across the continent. She highlighted Africa’s young workforce, growing markets and renewable energy potential as powerful drivers of sustainable growth, urging business leaders and investors to seize the moment and scale impact through collaboration.

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A look into 2026 at the UN Global Compact

As 2026 begins, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, shared her Annual Letter to participants, emphasizing “responsible business is resilient business.” Reflecting on a year of global uncertainty, climate extremes and political change, Ojiambo highlighted how companies continue to lead on sustainability, transparency and collective action. She went on to share the new UN Global Compact Strategy 2026–2030 with a clear vision: to mobilize business to transform sustainable business ambition into action at the scale the world demands.

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A year in review at the UN Global Compact

2025 marked a pivotal year for accelerating sustainable business. Amidst global challenges, the UN Global Compact demonstrated that collaboration, accountability and principled leadership can drive meaningful change. Marking our 25th Anniversary, the initiative expanded to over 23,000 participating companies and strengthened action through new Country Networks and SME programmes. Throughout the year, global events — from the UN General Assembly High-Level Week to COP30 — mobilized businesses around climate action, human rights and inclusive growth. With new tools and insights launched, 2025 proved that when businesses act together, real transformation is possible.

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At the Conference of the Parties 30 (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the UN Global Compact emphasized the urgency of aligning public-private efforts with newly submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach. COP30 served as a pivotal moment, shifting the global agenda from pledges to implementation with a focus on just transitions, scaled renewable energy and climate resilience. Leaders highlighted that bold decarbonization and adaptation are economic opportunities. Business is ready to invest, but clearer policies and financing mechanisms are essential. The takeaway: accelerating action now is crucial to protect people, markets and the planet...

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The 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum, held from 7 to 9 October in Lusaka, Zambia, united over 600 participants from business, Government and related sectors to advance the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Co-organized by the African Union, the UN Global Compact and partners, the Forum focused on remedy, reparations and responsible business in Africa. Discussions emphasized access to justice, transparency and Africa-driven solutions to ensure inclusive, rights-based and sustainable business practices across the continent...

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With the conclusion of the 80th UN General Assembly High-Level week, here are five takeaways from the UN Global Compact every sustainability-minded business leader will want to know...

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The UN Global Compact Hub is the premier destination for sustainability leaders during the High-level week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA80). Featuring engaging sessions on human rights, supply chains and climate leadership, the Hub offers a space for curated conversations, networking lounges and our innovative Connection Café. Please confirm you are registered for access, ensuring exclusive opportunities for VIP networking and tailored sessions. Sign up today to secure your place and help drive bold ideas toward a more sustainable future...

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As we mark the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Global Compact, we reflect on a journey that began with a bold vision, one that has remained steadfast despite pressures. Launched on 26 July 2000, under the leadership of then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the UN Global Compact was founded on a powerful idea: that business, Government and civil society can work together to create a more inclusive, ethical and sustainable world. That “can” became “do”. What began with 44 companies has become the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. Today, more than 22,000 participants in more than 160 countries are working together to advance universal principles in human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. This remarkable growth stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of the mission of the Compact...

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The third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held from 9 to 13 June in Nice, France, was a landmark moment for ocean sustainability. Co-hosted by Costa Rica and France, the conference united various stakeholders to tackle urgent ocean issues: biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, overfishing and decarbonization of maritime industries. A major highlight was the formal launch of the Ocean Investment Protocol (OIP)—a joint initiative by the UN Global Compact and UNEP FI. Initially introduced during the Ocean Investment Protocol Webinar, this pioneering framework was developed to mobilize private capital toward a sustainable ocean economy by guiding financial institutions and ocean industries in aligning investments with global sustainability goals...

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Stock exchanges across 14 countries joined the first-ever Ring the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality initiative throughout May. The initiative also emphasized the commemoration of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia designated each year on 17 May. Spearheaded by a coalition of global partners including the UN Global Compact, UN Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative (UN SSE) and Koppa - The LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab, the campaign calls for inclusive economies and equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people. This global action signals rising leadership accountability and the business case for dignity, inclusion and economic empowerment for all...

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Leaders Summit 2025 will take place on 23 September. This is your opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices and collaborate on bold solutions to advance responsible business and accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Pre-sale rates for the Leaders Summit end in less than a month: 21 May 2025. This is the best time to secure your ticket at the most affordable rate. Register now and lock in the lowest available rate to attend this full day of collaboration, innovation and action...

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In recognition of World Water Day on 22 March, the UN Global Compact and its CEO Water Mandate announced new progress in mobilizing the private sector to tackle global water challenges. Businesses scale action through the Water Resilience Coalition to improve water stewardship in priority regions. With growing corporate commitments and strategic collaborations, the UN Global Compact continues to drive a collective effort toward water resilience, ensuring sustainable management of this critical resource for communities and industries worldwide. The Coalition aims to drive corporate action on water stress in 100 Priority Basins by 2030...

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March brings several gender equity-related events and initiatives. These actions work to advance Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Corporate action on gender equality through initiatives like Forward Faster, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and a new male allyship campaign and e-learning course allow businesses to integrate gender-responsive business practices through their interactive fundamentals. By leveraging these tools, companies can unlock economic opportunities and foster inclusive, sustainable growth..

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The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, held 20-24, January, brought together global leaders from various sectors to explore the theme "Collaboration in the Intelligent Age." This pivotal gathering focused on investing in people, safeguarding the planet and rebuilding trust. The UN Global Compact enhanced its presence with events at the SDG Tent, engaging CEOs and stakeholders to drive sustainable solutions, reflecting its commitment to the 2030 Agenda and fostering impactful public-private partnerships. The SDG Tent served as a dynamic hub, bringing together diverse perspectives to explore bold, transformative solutions for a sustainable and inclusive future...

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