UN Global Compact Strategy 2026 - 2030

Together we can make a difference for the world.

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OUR VISION

The world needs business leadership that is bold, credible, and grounded in action. The UN Global Compact Strategy 2026 - 2030 is our answer to that call. It reflects both the scale of the challenges we face and the opportunities we must seize. With over 23,000 participating companies and a presence in more than 160 countries, we are uniquely positioned to drive transformative impact—globally and locally.

Our vision is clear: to mobilize business to transform sustainable business ambition into action at the scale the world demands.

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The next five years will be decisive in shaping our shared future. With its 2026–2030 Strategy, the UN Global Compact sets a bold course to equip companies, shift systems and scale impact where it counts most. I commend the strategy’s vision to mobilize business as a force for human rights, decent work, climate action and good governance. Let us seize this moment — with ambition, integrity and urgency — to build a global economy grounded in trust, resilience and shared prosperity.

ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
UN Secretary-General, Board Chair UN Global Compact

António Guterres
Sanda Ojiambo
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Our purpose is clear. Our principles are firm. And our belief is unwavering: when businesses lead with integrity and ambition in sustainable business practices, real change is not only possible, it becomes inevitable. The time is now. Let us turn ambition into action together.

SANDA OJIAMBO
UN Assistant Secretary-General, CEO UN Global Compact

THE THREE PILLARS OF ACTION

Our strategy is built around three strategic focus areas:

1

EQUIP
companies to act

The path from commitment to action is unique for every company. To maximize impact, we tailor tools and resources to sector, size, location and sustainability maturity. A targeted participant journey curates content, connections and engagement at every step. Our goal is to equip UNGC participant companies to advance sustainability efforts that are anchored by the Ten Principles and towards the SDGs.

2

CATALYZE
collective action

The UN Global Compact is uniquely positioned to unite companies across markets and industries, driving coordinated, scalable solutions aligned with the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. Together with leading businesses, we will mobilize collective action towards four global impact areas where business leadership matters most.

3

ADVANCE
the business case

To drive lasting change, we must show that responsible business is not only the right thing to do — it is a strategic imperative. Through partnerships with academia and PRME, we will generate evidence proving that responsible leadership delivers results. By convening companies, sharing data-driven solutions, and showcasing scalable strategies, we will prove that sustainability and profitability reinforce each other — shaping smarter investment and growth decisions.

THE GLOBAL IMPACT AREAS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION:

Over the next five years, the UN Global Compact will amplify its efforts to catalyze collective action across a focused set of high-impact areas where private sector leadership is essential and where we are uniquely positioned to drive progress, and enhance business value. These priorities are firmly grounded in the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. In each of these areas, the role of business is both clear and critical: the expectations for ambitious action are well-defined, and the UN Global Compact offers a distinct value-add alongside other global initiatives.

Our impact areas include:

Climate and
Nature

Climate and Nature Icon

This area includes ensuring a credible net-zero pathway through just transition and building nature positive resilience. The world remains far off track from the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement, while biodiversity loss continues to accelerate and climate-related risks intensify across regions and industries. Companies are called to set science-based targets, adopt nature-positive practices, and invest in climate resilience throughout their operations and value chains. Business has a critical role to play in shifting markets, enabling a just transition, and advancing bold, measurable action on both climate and nature.

Decent Work and
Living Wage

Decent Work and Living Wage Icon

This area includes advancing decent work and improving living standards for all workers across global supply chains, helping reduce inequality and foster resilient, inclusive economies. Despite economic growth in many regions, hundreds of millions of workers remain trapped in informal, underpaid, or unsafe employment. Companies are called upon to respect labour rights, ensuring decent work throughout their operations and supply chains, and to actively contribute to fair and inclusive labour markets. Upholding decent work is not only a human rights responsibility —it’s also essential for long-term economic and social stability, enhanced productivity, and greater equity in the global economy.

Gender
Equality

Gender Equality Icon

This area includes advancing equal representation, participation and leadership opportunities at all levels as well as advancing equal pay for work of equal value. Despite some progress, women remain drastically underrepresented in leadership and management roles, overrepresented in insecure or unpaid work, and disproportionately affected by economic and climate-related shocks. Businesses are called upon to take measurable, data-driven action to advance gender equality across the workplace, marketplace and community—spearheaded by executive-level commitment, leveraging clear targets and transparent reporting to accelerate progress. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right—it is a proven catalyst for innovation, enhanced performance, and sustainable growth.

Sustainable
Finance

Sustainable Finance Icon

This issue includes driving sustainability-linked corporate investments and SDG-aligned financing. Today’s global financial system remains misaligned in addressing critical sustainability challenges, with insufficient investment in climate solutions, social equity, and long-term value creation. Companies are called to integrate sustainability into capital allocation, engage with investors on ESG risks and opportunities, and contribute to the development of transparent, credible financial standards. Finance is a powerful lever to accelerate sustainable development—and responsible businesses can help reshape financial flows to support a thriving, low-carbon, inclusive economy.

CONTEXTUALIZING WITHIN OUR REGIONS:

Over the next five years, the UN Global Compact will amplify its efforts to catalyze collective action across a focused set of high-impact areas where private sector leadership is essential and where we are uniquely positioned to drive progress, and enhance business value. These priorities are firmly grounded in the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. In each of these areas, the role of business is both clear and critical: the expectations for ambitious action are well-defined, and the UN Global Compact offers a distinct value-add alongside other global initiatives.