United Nations Global Compact Launches Search for SDG Pioneers

This year, young business leaders will be recognized for creative solutions to address the Global Goals
May 21, 2019 11:45 AM ET

United Nations Global Compact launches search for SDG Pioneers

UNITED NATIONS, N.Y., May 21, 2019 /3BL Media/— The United Nations Global Compact today launched a global search for the 2019 class of SDG Pioneers — business leaders who are doing an exceptional job to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

This year's search for SDG Pioneers will focus exclusively on young professionals aged 35 and under promoting the Global Goals in their companies through the implementation of the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

“Four years in, it is clear that progress on the Sustainable Development Goals is much slower than it should be,” said Lise Kingo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “By recognizing and encouraging young business leaders who are driving transformative solutions in their respective sectors, we have the opportunity to drive truly systemic change and shift the world onto a more sustainable path.” 

Nominations will be accepted until 12 July 2019 on the UN Global Compact website. The worldwide search for SDG Pioneers among companies participating in the UN Global Compact will build on national searches by 17 Global Compact Local Networks earlier this year, and each winner of a national round will automatically compete in the global round along with other candidates.

As part of its Making Global Goals Local Business campaign, the UN Global Compact has recognized SDG Pioneers each year since 2016. The 2019 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers will be announced and recognized during the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September.

The 2019 SDG Pioneers programme is supported by the Tuborg Foundation.

About the United Nations Global Compact

As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact works with companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact guides and supports the global business community in advancing UN goals and values through responsible corporate practices. With more than 9,500 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and 70 Local Networks, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world.

For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at www.unglobalcompact.org.

About SDG Pioneers

As part of its Making Global Goals Local Business campaign, each year the UN Global Compact recognizes a class of SDG Pioneers — business leaders, who are using business as a force for good to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2019, the UN Global Compact will recognize at least five young professionals (35 and under) working at any level in a company participating in the UN Global Compact, who are advancing the SDGs through their work. Earlier this year, Global Compact Local Networks in several countries hosted national-level SDG Pioneers programmes. These winners will automatically take part in the global round along with other candidates. The 2019 SDG Pioneers programme is supported by the Tuborg Foundation.

Join the conversation on social media using #SDGpioneers.