Each year, we celebrate the remarkable efforts of business professionals who are driving positive change by advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and embodying the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. These individuals, known as SDG Pioneers, play a crucial role in inspiring action and showcasing the power of business to create a sustainable future for all.
In 2024, we are thrilled to embark on another journey to identify twelve SDG Pioneers from participating companies. These pioneers, regardless of their role, are setting ambitious SDG targets, expanding their impact, and championing a principles-based approach within their companies.
Through a rigorous selection process comprising both Local and Global Rounds, we will recognize individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership in advancing the SDGs.
Join us in celebrating these champions of sustainability and learn how you can be part of the movement towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
About United Nations Global Compact
The United Nations Global Compact is a strategic initiative that supports global companies that are committed to responsible business practices in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment, and corruption.
Subscribe for scholarship alert.
Be among the first to know whenever new United Nations Global scholarship is going on. Enter your email address and click the Subscribe button ↓
2024 SDG Pioneers
Requirements for 2024 SDG Pioneers Qualification
- To be eligible, applicants must come from companies with active status as participants of the Global Compact. To maintain active status, companies must submit their Communication on Progress (CoP) for 2024 within the reporting time frame of 1 April to 31 July. Subsidiaries can participate if their parent company meets this obligation. To avoid disrupting the Pioneers application process, companies are strongly encouraged to submit their CoP by 1 June 2024. Failure to report by 31 July will disqualify a Pioneers application.
- A change in CoP status subsequent to being recognized as a Local and/or Global SDG Pioneer may result in losing consideration for the SDG Pioneer title.
- Companies must have joined the UN Global Compact prior to 1 October 2023.
- Global Compact Network Board Chairs and Board Members are not eligible to apply, given their core role and influence at the Global Compact Network. However, other representatives from the company represented by the Board Chair and Board Members are welcome to apply. For Expansion Countries, Leadership Council members are also not eligible to apply, given their influence. However, other representatives from the companies represented by the Leadership Council members are welcome to apply.
- If a representative of a Global Compact participating company has been part of the SDG Pioneers External Review Committee (e.g., member of the LN Board), this person will be asked to step down from their Committee role if a candidate from the same company will be applying to the same Pioneer local round.
- Any individual who has been part of the SDG Pioneers External Review Committee will need to wait out for one cycle before submitting an application to the Local or Global round of the SDG Pioneers.
- Previous Local or Global SDG Pioneers can apply for another year of recognition, but a thorough review of their application will be required to ensure it covers different activities/ projects than in the previous application. Additionally, if the former SDG Pioneer sat on the External Review Committee, this person will need to wait out one cycle since having covered that role before being able to submit an application again.
- Global Compact Networks cannot recognize individuals from the same company within five years.
Interview date, Process and Venue for 2024 SDG Pioneers
A multi-stakeholder SDG Pioneers Selection Group will vote on the candidates. The SDG Pioneers Selection Group will comprise representatives from: Global Compact Network Board Members, UN, Government Representatives, Academia, and civil society.
Application Deadline
May 17, 2024
How to Apply
For more details, visit United Nations Global Compact website.
Menu