Maximizing Impact at UNGA79

The 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the Summit of the Future provide critical platforms for deepening collaborations, building on successes and accelerating investments in a sustainable future.

The UN Global Compact will gather thousands of business and Government leaders to drive sustainable economic growth, foster strategic partnerships and shape the future. In turn, this will help catalyze progress towards the SDGs and maximize the outcomes of the Summit of the Future. 

With only 17 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track, the urgency for global collaboration is clearer than ever. The mounting crises—from climate change to economic inequalities—are straining the world's ability to meet these ambitious targets. Governments and private enterprises must join forces to create innovative public-private partnerships that leverage both sectors' strengths to drive progress. 

The UN Global Compact, as the largest corporate sustainability initiative, plays a vital role in guiding businesses toward achieving the SDGs. By encouraging companies to align with principles of sustainability, human rights and environmental stewardship, the UN Global Compact emphasizes that today’s investments in sustainable practices will yield significant benefits for businesses and societies alike.

“Business already partners with government on healthcare, education, and scientific advancement, but now, more than ever, the financial sector must step into a pivotal role. With $200 trillion in global private financial assets, the potential for driving sustainable development is immense. The work we’re doing, alongside our partners, is setting the foundation for a global shift in capital markets, ensuring that investments drive both financial returns and impactful, long-term value creation for a sustainable future."  
— Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact

The message is clear: urgent action is not just an ethical imperative, but also a strategic one, with long-term economic opportunities and global stability hanging in the balance.