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.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the concept of Environment, Society and Governance (ESG), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) has produced a report with the University of Nottingham Ningbo as a knowledge partner. The report highlights the importance of ESG in promoting sustainable business practices globally and brings together case studies from several companies operating in China. These cases, carefully selected through the joint efforts of UN officials, including the UN Resident Coordinator in China, and leading scholars, demonstrate the commitment of Chinese companies to sustainable development. The report combines and compares the initiatives and standards of the United Nations and its related organizations in the field of sustainable development, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Ten Principles of the Global Compact, the Science-based Carbon Target Initiative, the Empowerment of Women Principles, and the Principles of Responsible Investment. The insights and experiences gained in these case reports provide valuable references for the private sector in other countries, showing how innovative practices can contribute to sustainable development. By sharing these examples, the report aims to inspire and guide global businesses to integrate sustainability into their core operations, ultimately creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

The Communication on Progress (CoP) Data Visualization Tools offer insights into the progress of UN Global Compact business participants in advancing the Ten Principles and the SDGs. The Tools include data reported by participating companies of the UN Global Compact through the 2023 and 2024 CoP digital questionnaire. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) file provides detailed explanations and documentation for the CoP Data Visualization Tools.

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.