Overview
Sustainability expectations made manageable
SPARK is a three-month learning journey by the United Nations Global Compact designed to help small and medium-sized businesses and suppliers build practical sustainability capabilities and remain competitive in global value chains.
Sustainability expectations are increasing across global supply chains. Businesses are being asked to better understand and manage their environmental, social and governance impacts.
You don't need to solve everything at once. You just need a clear plan. SPARK gives you one.
Through a structured, step-by-step learning journey, SPARK helps businesses build a clear, practical approach that can be applied directly to their operations.
WHAT IS SPARK
SPARK is the UN Global Compact’s global learning programme to provide small and medium-sized enterprises and suppliers with practical guidance, tools and resources to help businesses strengthen their sustainability practices and respond to evolving expectations from customers, partners and regulators.
The 2026 programme has been streamlined into a focused three-month journey, from 10 September to 10 December, with clearer milestones and reduced time requirements, making it easier for businesses to participate while managing day-to-day operations.
SPARK is a foundations programme designed for businesses that are at the beginning of their sustainability journey or looking to strengthen and build on their existing efforts. With content delivered across multiple regions, time zones, and languages, the programme is accessible, practical, and relevant to businesses wherever they are in the world.
WHY JOIN SPARK
Participating in SPARK helps your business
- Gain clarity on sustainability expectations across environmental, social and governance areas
- Learn how to identify risks, set priorities and implement improvements
- Build credibility with customers and position your business within global value chains
- Learn from global experts and connect with other businesses facing similar challenges
- Receive a certificate of completion recognizing your progress
HOW THE PROGRAMME WORKS
Recognizing that suppliers and SMEs often face competing priorities with limited resources, SPARK allows flexibility for participants to complete the 10-11 hours of programme requirements at a pace that fits their schedule.
The experience combines:
-
Self-paced online courses
Short, practical modules designed to help you build core knowledge and take action -
Live sessions
Interactive virtual sessions that deepen learning through discussion with subject matter and business experts, peer exchange and real-world examples -
Tools and resources
Practical tools and further resources to support implementation within your business
Your Learning Journey
SPARK follows a structured, step-by-step learning journey designed to help you build practical sustainability capabilities and apply them directly to your business.
Welcome Session
- Why Environment, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) Matters
- Your 3-Month Journey Explained Baseline Self Assessment
Future-Proofing Your SME
- Understand the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and learn six practical steps to include sustainability in your business strategy
Explore how to identify and manage environmental risks, including greenhouse gas emissions, and take practical steps to improve efficiency and reduce impact.
- Managing environmental risks (on-demand module)
- How to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (live session)
Learn how to improve labour conditions, employee well-being and occupational health and safety, while building stronger, more responsible business practices.
- Using social responsibility to build a people-first business (on-demand module)
- How to strengthen occupational safety and health (live session)
Develop the policies and processes needed to strengthen governance, prevent corruption risks and align with international standards.
- Improving governance and preventing corruption (on-demand module)
- How to develop a Code of Conduct (live session)
Participate in a final session focused on applying what you’ve learned and building a practical action plan for your business.
Participate in a final session focused on applying what you’ve learned and building a practical action plan for your business.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE
Eligible companies:
- Participating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the UN Global Compact
- Suppliers of Global Compact participants