Each year the UN Global Compact recognizes a class of SDG Pioneers — business leaders working at any level of their company who are using business as a force for good to advance the 17 SDGs.

Through their own company or by mobilizing other businesses, they are helping to reach one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also contributing to business success.

In 2023 Local Networks spanning all continents will be hosting country-level SDG Pioneers campaigns to identify Local Pioneers who will then be contenders for the Global Round to be recognized at the 2023 UN Global Compact Leaders Summit.

Professionals who are working at any level of a UN Global Compact participating company are eligible to apply or be nominated. To check whether an organization is a UN Global Compact participating company, please search the participant list online. 

For the 2023 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact 1 October 2022 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP).  

The UN Global Compact reserves the right to remove the SDG Pioneer recognition if the company and/or individual is later deemed to be a reputational risk to the SDG Pioneer campaign and/or the UN Global Compact initiative.

You are only eligible to apply or be nominated if you are either employed by the company (or its subsidiary).

Only individuals from a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company will be eligible to apply or be nominated. If your company is not yet participating in the UN Global Compact please visit the UN Global Compact website to learn more about how to join.

You can nominate yourself or a colleague at your company, or someone you know from another UN Global Compact participating company. That individual will then be contacted to ensure their willingness to be considered and the accuracy of the submitted information.

In September 2015, all 193 Member states of the United Nations adopted a plan for achieving a better future for all – laying out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. At the heart of the “Agenda 2030” are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 related targets that address the most important economic, social, environmental and governance challenges of our time. To learn more about how companies are taking steps to contribute to achieving the SDGs visit the UN Global Compact website.

Please complete the online application form, which is available here. To nominate someone, click here.

No, the SDG Pioneers campaign highlights the work of individuals, not organizations.

The nomination deadline is May 15, 2023.

A multi-stakeholder SDG Pioneers Selection Group will vote on the candidates. The SDG Pioneers Selection Group will be comprised of representatives from: Global Compact Network Board Members, UN, Government Representatives, Academia, and civil society.

The Local SDG Pioneer will be informed of his/her selection before June 30, 2023. This individual will then advance to the Global Round to compete. 2023 SDG Pioneers will then be selected and then recognized at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in September 2023. Due to the volume of nominations received, we may be unable to contact nominees who are not selected.

Local Networks will recognize Local Pioneers for the great work that they have done to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. 

2023 Global SDG Pioneers will be recognized at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in September 2023.

please email sdgpioneers@unglobalcompact.org with any additional questions.