SMEs are the engine of private sector growth, both in developing and developed economies, and are critical to the fulfilment of the Global Goals. Their per capita contribution may be smaller than that of larger firms, but the cumulative impact of SMEs is significant. The following vision articulates the ambition of fostering meaningful engagement by the UN Global Compact with SMEs at a global scale via the Local Networks. It serves as an aspirational long-term vision, linked to the corporate strategy of the UN Global Compact, towards which this strategic plan as well as future iterations will be directed.

  This guide is a collection of best practices, common challenges, solutions and experiences from the seafood sector to support companies to set a science-based emission reduction target with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). As the seafood sector works towards a low carbon and sustainable future, collective action across geographies and supply chains will be key to reaching these goals.

Guides companies around the world to better understand and address human rights impacts in their operations and supply chains. Users can access in-depth analysis of key human rights issues, due diligence recommendations, as well as case studies illustrating how other businesses have responsibly addressed human rights impacts.

The UN Global Compact China Strategy aims to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of Chinese businesses by upholding the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals.

  2022 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Children’s Rights and Business Principles developed jointly by UNICEF, UN Global Compact and Save the Children in consultation with children, businesses, investors, governments, civil society, trade unions, national human rights institutions and United Nations entities. The joint Brief “Charting the Course: Embedding children’s rights in responsible business conduct” summarizes the findings of a more detailed forthcoming report by the three organizations and aims to chart the course for the coming years. Impact at scale is yet to be achieved to put child rights at the heart of corporate sustainability, the time has come to raise the bar towards making business fit for children.

The number of businesses committing to net-zero emissions is rapidly growing, but not all net-zero targets are created equal. Without adhering to a common definition, net-zero targets can be inconsistent, and their collective impact limited.Responding to the pressing need for a common understanding of “net zero” in a corporate context, the Net-Zero Standard offers the world's first framework for corporate net-zero target setting in line with climate science.In this 20-minute, interactive e-learning course delivered by the UN Global Compact Academy and the Science Based Targets initiative, you will: Discover how the Net-Zero Standard provides a common, robust, and science-based understanding of net-zero Receive guidance on how to set science-based net-zero targets consistent with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C Align your company's near- and long-term targets with climate science New to science-based targets? This e-learning course requires a basic understanding of science-based targets and a familiarity with the Science Based Targets initiative. If you're new to this topic, we recommend the Academy foundations course, Setting science-based targets.

This publication highlights how African businesses can accelerate the sustainable development of their economies while making critical contributions to advance climate action, and includes key insights from CEOs on making low-carbon development a reality in Africa.

This publication highlights the collaborative and creative steps governments, multilaterals and private financers may need to take in order to reduce the funding gap and increase the flows of climate finance in Africa, and includes insights from the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) roundtable discussion on business-led climate action, which took place in Casablanca in July 2022.

  This publication highlights how African businesses can meaningfully engage in adaptation and resilience planning that benefits both the company and the broader community and includes insights from the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) roundtable discussion on business-led climate action, which took place in Lagos in July 2022.

This publication highlights how companies in Africa can prioritize initiatives and restructure business models to support a just transition. Read this roundtable perspective to identify ways businesses can take relevant, meaningful and outcome-oriented action to recognize impact and facilitate inclusive and sustainable economies in Africa. 

This publication highlights the joint actions public and private institutions can take to improve coordination of climate action projects in Africa. Read this roundtable perspective to learn the ways African businesses can help shape the conversations around sustainable development by leveraging their expertise and experience.

As we confront the climate crisis, what is the role of business in ensuring a just transition? In this business brief, the UN Global Compact lays out a vision to ensure the move to net-zero emissions and climate resilience is orderly, inclusive and just—and creates decent work opportunities, leaving no one behind. Created in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Think Lab on Just Transition, this business brief provides an introduction to the role of business in supporting a just transition. The business brief is available in English, Korean and Spanish.