This Annual Report is intended to provide our stakeholders and the public with an overview of the progress of the UN Global Compact across key strategic and operational focus areas as well as to highlight key activities undertaken and resources created to promote business action on UN issues and priorities. The inclusion of company examples in this report is intended strictly for learning purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of the individual companies.

Provides an assessment of how companies participating in the UN Global Compact are adopting the Ten Principles and taking action to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on data collected as part of the UN Global Compact annual survey, the report takes stock of how businesses are performing on critical sustainability topics. For the first time, the 2020 report reviews data from a sectoral perspective. It also dives into the current state of progress for specific industry contributions to the SDGs. Broadly, the report finds that companies need to take more ambitious actions, at scale, to meet the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and create the world we want. This special 20th-anniversary edition of the UN Global Compact Progress Report was developed in collaboration with DNV GL. 

The United Nations Global Compact has recently developed a transformational 2020 Global Strategy that provides a lens through which the initiative and its stakeholders can view the current and future opportunity for the initiative to create game-changing impact through private sector contributions to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Under the umbrella of the 2020 Strategy, this document presents an annualized strategic plan articulating the key priorities and associated financial resource allocations that will enable the UN Global Compact to achieve its 2020 ambitions.

Provides an assessment of how companies in the UN Global Compact are adopting the Ten Principles and taking action to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. Based on data collected in the UN Global Compact annual survey, the report takes stock of how companies are performing on critical sustainability topics. The report also takes a deep dive into the critical issues of climate and gender equality. A feature on the activities of Global Compact Local Networks over the past year is also included. 

This publication presents the main discussions and outcomes from the 2019 UN Private Sector Forum Meeting on Climate Change. The Private Sector Forum took place in New York on 23 September 2019 as the official Luncheon of the UN Climate Action Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General to raise ambition to tackle climate change. It brought together more than 350 global climate leaders for a multi-stakeholder, inter-generational dialogue designed to help the world urgently align on a collective course of action in tackling the climate crisis. Important highlights included the introduction of the “Business Ambition for 1.5˚C” campaign, incentivizing companies to set science-based targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and in line with a 1.5˚C future.

Represents more than a decade of research on sustainable business. Together with the UN Global Compact Progress Report, it forms the world’s most comprehensive research to date on business contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2019 study draws on insights from more than 1,000 CEOs from 21 industries and 99 countries, including over 100 in-depth interviews, and nearly 1,600 senior business leaders who responded to the UN Global Compact implementation survey.

Reports from the semi-annual UN Global Compact Board meetings. 

Celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and builds upon the UN Global Compact Progress Report. The report highlights insight and initiatives by Global Compact Local Networks around the world, presents snapshots of good practice from companies participating in the UN Global Compact and showcases initiatives that are advancing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Summarizes data of bilateral interviews with supply chain, procurement, and sustainability executives of companies that participate in the UN Global Compact Action Platform on Decent Work in Global Supply Chains. The report presents insights into some of the key challenges and opportunities that companies face in their efforts to develop more sustainable procurement strategies. It also offers practical examples of steps taken to combat pressing human rights issues in supply chains, such as modern slavery, child labour and non-compliance with employment standards, and references relevant initiatives and resources for further guidance on these issues.

United Nations Global Compact Global Strategy

Takes stock of the contribution of UN Global Compact business participants towards sustainable development. The report assesses progress in terms of how companies are taking action on the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals, and features ten interviews with disruptive business leaders. It also highlights ten focus areas for the future where further business engagement is needed.

Business has much to gain from more inclusive economic prosperity, through access to new markets, unleashing more innovation, and greater social stability so necessary for markets to function. Conversely, business has much to lose from an economy that fails to capitalize fully on human capital, constricts markets, and experiences sluggish demand. This working paper introduces BSR’s perspective on the business role in creating inclusive prosperity.