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.

The inaugural CEO Water Mandate 2022 Impact Report encapsulates the collective efforts of 234 endorsing companies and partners in addressing the water crisis. It maps key strides, from advancing new water stewardship practices and rolling out critical guides, to launching the Water Resilience Coalition Brazil Chapter and the Corporate Water Benchmark Tool at COP27. Their presence at high-visibility events, such as the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Stockholm World Water Week and COP27, further highlights our convening power. Explore their 2022 journey as we continue mobilizing business leaders towards a water-resilient world.

The 2022 Impact Report presents a comprehensive overview of the Water Resilience Coalition's work during the past year. It elaborates on key milestones, including their expansion of 21 collective actions across 15 basins in 6 countries, the launch of the Brazil Chapter and their 2030 Strategy. The report also sheds light on our successful efforts to raise the profile of water action at global forums like the World Economic Forum, Stockholm World Water Week and COP27.

A dramatic rise of interlinked global challenges is forcing business executives to navigate new levels of uncertainty. The war in Ukraine is producing alarming cascading effects across a world already impacted by COVID-19 and climate change. The risks of generations lost, as well as waves of food insecurity, energy shortages, unfolding debt crises, and social unrest are very real. In this context of uncertainty, more and more chief executive officers (CEOs) are stepping into broader leadership capacities, propelled by business necessity and by evolving societal expectations of their role. The UN Global Compact has compiled perspectives from CEOs across the globe, to provide policymakers, companies, and the public with practical insights into business leadership in today’s novel and dynamic operating environment. This report describes how today’s CEOs face complex challenges to their operations—and to their sustainability agenda.

The Annual Report of the Global Seaweed Coalition presents the results of the first two years of the Coalition’s operation, formerly known as the Safe Seaweed Coalition.