This report presents five case studies of how public policy can accelerate private sector action on three transitions key to achieving the SDGs: digitalization, energy transition and decent work & social protection. Drawing on in-depth, country-specific insights, the report identifies opportunities to accelerate business engagement through public policy that enables and boosts private sector action on the SDGs. It highlights the role of tailored policies in fostering digital, green and inclusive economies that increase and sustain resilience in the face of global complexities. Above all, it emphasizes the critical importance of strong partnerships across the public and private sectors in pursuit of the SDGs.

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.

Check out UN Global Compact Network Singapore's 9th CEO Roundtable Insights Report in partnership with BCG. The report captures key points from the candid discussion that took place during the UN GCNS 9th CEO Roundtable on the theme, “Forward Faster – Guiding Companies Towards Decisive Action for 2030”. Download now for actionable insights and key takeaways on what it will take for businesses to move Forward Faster towards a sustainable future in Southeast Asia.

The Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC), a CEO-led initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, launched its 2024 Climate Report at COP29, spotlighting the strides made by Africa’s private sector in addressing the continent’s climate challenges. Presented as part of the high-level Caring for Climate event, the report showcases significant advancements in climate finance, renewable energy, adaptation and resilience efforts, in addition to strategies for a just transition to a green economy. Founded in 2022, the ABLC empowers African business leaders to unite and amplify their collective voice on critical issues including climate action and gender equality. The 2024 Climate Report outlines achievements made since COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, assessing member progress toward ambitious climate commitments. This year’s COP29 event highlights the ABLC’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development and reinforces Africa’s leadership role in global climate solutions.  

Considerations of training aspects for seafarers on ships powered by ammonia, methanol and hydrogen.

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.