Programme Overview
〝 Be bold, be revolutionary...and disrupt... because without innovation, there is no way we can overcome the challenges of our times 〞 - António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is a unique opportunity offered to participating companies within the UN Global Compact network. It empowers the young talent within these organizations to collaborate and drive business innovation that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This intensive nine-month programme is designed to activate the potential of future business leaders and changemakers. It focuses on the development and implementation of innovative solutions through cutting-edge technologies, initiatives, and business models that contribute to your company's sustainability objectives.
Highlights of the Programme
Who can participate
- High-performing professionals at participating companies of the UN Global Compact
- Participants must be 35 years or younger
- Interested in business-model innovation, sustainability and disruptive technologies
- Ability to dedicate a minimum of four (4) hours a month to the Accelerator Learning Plan and attend at least four (4) 1-day workshops.
Participant Benefits
- Engage in accelerated learning opportunities including online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions.
- Collaborate with other businesses on innovative projects tailored to your company and industry.
- Build valuable relationships through coaching, mentoring and peer-to-peer networking.
- Gain insights from leading experts in sustainability and innovation from around the world.
- Join a global network of talented young professionals from top companies across every continent.
Company Benefits
- Apply SDG innovation to address real sustainability challenges your company is currently facing.
- Embed the SDGs into your company's business strategy through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
- Enhance employee engagement and create professional development opportunities.
- Access a network of experts from some of the world's leading companies.
- Receive global recognition for your company's participation in the programme.
Watch the videos to learn more
The Learning Experience
A comprehensive learning experience that combines virtual and in-person elements to foster impactful SDG innovation. The curriculum includes but is not limited to:
On-Demand Sessions: Participants access flexible pre-recorded sessions at their convenience, delving into core SDG innovation principles and case studies.
Global Deep Dives: Participants engage in interactive virtual sessions with global experts, exploring advanced concepts and cross-industry perspectives on SDG innovation.
Asia Track: The Asia track will bring together companies from across the region and offer the same curriculum as the in-country track delivered through a series of global and on-demand sessions. Peer-to-peer sessions will focus on regional best practice and case studies.
In-Person and Virtual Innovation Camps: Participants immerse themselves in hands-on innovation at workshops, collaborating with peers on tangible solutions for real-world sustainability challenges
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PHASE 1 SDG Exploration Explore the core concepts around business and the Sustainable Development Goals to understand challenges facing business today. |
PHASE 2 Challenge Identification Identify and prioritize specific SDGs and their relevance for your business as well as the business impact on the SDGs. |
PHASE 3 Challenge Definition Find out how to use SDG impact and assessment tools to build a challenge that is ambitious enough for breakthrough impact and speaks to real needs within their company. |
PHASE 4 Solutions Development Learn how to generate new ideas and use tools to move an idea from a concept into a fully defined project. |
PHASE 5 Solutions Testing and Validation Move your project solution to a more refined version through testing and validation within the company and with external stakeholders. |
Team Composition
2 to 4 innovators*
- High-performing employees at participating companies of the UN Global Compact
- 35 years or younger
- Interest in business-model innovation, sustainability and disruptive technologies
- Ability to dedicate a minimum of four (4) hours a month to the Accelerator
1 Champion
- Senior management representatives from the same company as the Innovators that support them
- Can act as the link to company management to embed and champion outcomes.
- Ability to dedicate a minimum of one (1) hour per month to support the innovators.
1 mentor
- Advisors with a background in innovation, sustainability, organizational design thinking, etc.
- No affiliation with the company
- Ability to dedicate a minimum of one (1) hour per month to support the innovators
*Subject to network approval
Interested in Participating?
Young professionals working at companies participating in the UN Global Compact and based in the following countries can collaborate with their Global Compact Country Network or local office to participate in the programme.
In-Country Track: In-country tracks are 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.
In addition to the in-country tracks, there will be several regional tracks.
Asia Track: The Asia track will bring together companies from across the region and offer the same curriculum as the in-country track delivered through a series of global and on-demand sessions.
Latin America Track: The Latin America track will bring together companies from the region and offer the same curriculum as the in-country track delivered through a series of global and on-demand sessions.
Global Track: Facilitated in English, the global track is available for companies that do not have a Country Network running the accelerator. It will offer the same curriculum as the in-country track, and is delivered in English through a series of live and on-demand sessions. Please note that space is limited.
Participating companies of the UN Global Compact based in the countries below have the opportunity to sign up to the in-country track through their Global Compact Country Network. If your company is not located in one of the countries below, you can still apply to the global track.
The SDG Innovation Accelerator is offered by the below Country Networks:
- Bangladesh
- Central Asia
- China
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- France
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Guatemala
- Indonesia
- Malaysia & Brunei
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- South Africa
- Sweden
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
* Please check exact dates with your Global Compact Country Network
Timeline
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New Applications Open date: |
Information Session: |
Programme Begins: |
Programme Ends: |
Quotes from SDG Innovators
Innovators at the 2024 Leaders Summit in New York
Current Sponsors:
Delivered through the UN Global Compact Academy.
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