Programme Overview
SDG Ambition is a three-month accelerator that aims to challenge and support participating companies of the UN Global Compact in setting ambitious corporate targets and accelerating integration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business management. SDG Ambition enables companies to move beyond incremental progress and step-up transformative change – unlocking business value, building business resilience, and enabling long-term growth.
Originally developed in 2019, the programme has now reached over 80 countries and 1,600+ companies ranging across 40 different industries.
The need for SDG Ambition today is clear. The world is not delivering progress towards the SDGs at the pace and scale needed. While it is still possible to shift the world towards a 1.5°C trajectory and achieve the SDGs by 2030, it will take urgent, scalable and multi-stakeholder action to dramatically accelerate progress. Companies must take a clear stand and demonstrate bold leadership to transform business models and economies so they become more just and inclusive – leaving no one behind.
SDG Ambition will empower and equip participating companies of the UN Global Compact to develop and implement innovative business strategies that significantly increase their positive impact on the SDGs. Through the Global Compact Local Networks, participating companies will assess current performance, identify risk areas, discover new opportunities across business units and functions and take ambitious business action towards achieving the SDGs.
BENEFITS FROM THE ACCELERATOR
Enhanced alignment with the SDGs: The program helps companies align their business strategies with the SDGs, providing a framework to integrate sustainability into their core business practices and goals.
Improved business performance: The SDGs represent a significant market opportunity, and companies that align their strategies with the SDGs are likely to perform better financially in the long term. The program can help companies identify new business opportunities, reduce costs, and improve risk management.
Access to resources and expertise: The program provides participating companies with access to expert guidance, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and networking opportunities with other companies committed to sustainable business practices.
Improved innovation: By prioritizing the SDGs, companies can stimulate innovation and develop new products, services, and business models that meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Reinforced resilience: Companies that prioritize sustainability are better equipped to withstand disruptions and adapt to changing market conditions and stay ahead of regulatory changes, which can help them stay competitive over the long term.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
- How to strategically prioritize actions & goals that will accelerate your company’s contribution to the 2030 Agenda
- How to set targets aligned with aspirational ambition benchmarks that will spearhead the transformation of economies and societies
- How to identify subgoals & track performance metrics to evaluate progress and inform iterative decision making
- How to approach sustainability management and design new business processes & systems that integrate SDG goals across multiple parts of the business
- How to build a business case and generate sustainability buy-in from your company
- A comprehensive 8-step approach take you through all the steps above from strategic prioritization to actioning on system opportunities accelerate integration
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Accelerator includes a three-month immersive curriculum consisting of eight steps; each step will include a short theory on-demand session accessible through the UN Global Compact Academy followed by a hands-on action class to practice the content & frameworks learned. The Accelerator curriculum will include:
- Opening & closing ceremonies
- Eight on-demand coursesEight on-demand courses
- Eight facilitated sessions
- Four Internal check-ins
- Additional supplementary sessions to reinforce curriculum
Learn what participating companies are saying
Interested in Participating?
In-Network Track: Available in 35 Local Networks, the in-network track will be facilitated in the local language and local time zone wherever possible. It will feature a series of live and on-demand sessions, hands-on support, workshops, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
Global Track: Facilitated in English, the global track is available for companies that do not have a Local Network running the SDG Ambition Accelerator. It will offer the same curriculum as the in-network track, and is delivered through a series of live and on-demand sessions. Space is limited. Please apply early.
Participating companies of the UN Global Compact based in the countries below have the opportunity to sign up to the in-network track through their Global Compact Local Network. If you are not located in one of the countries below, you can still apply to the global track.
The in-network track of SDG Ambition Accelerator is offered by these Local Networks:
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* Six-month curriculum programme
Timeline
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Supported by:
Patrons:
Sponsor:
Delivered through the UN Global Compact Academy.
