SDG Pioneers 2024

SDG Pioneers 2024

SDG Pioneers 2024

THE SEARCH IS ON FOR THE 2024 SDG PIONEERS

Are you a business leader advancing sustainable development goals. We want to hear your story!

Each year, the UN Global Compact celebrates the 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.

This year, twelve SDG Pioneers will be recognized and rewarded under two award categories: 1) Large National and Multinational companies and 2) SMEs*. These pioneers, regardless of their role, are setting ambitious SDG targets, expanding their impact, and championing a principles-based approach within their companies. Participants must first win the national round in the Netherlands to advance to the global round. These winners will be announced on the global stage during the Leader Summit in September 2024.

The SDG Pioneers programme recognizes the dedicated professionals that drive and innovate solutions through new technologies, initiatives and business models that can enable us to reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. We hope their work will inspire others to advance the Global Goals by implementing our Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Sanda Ojiambo

Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact

Become a SDG Pioneer

 

  • Are you an individual who actively drives initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within your company?
  • Do you strive to make a positive impact and promote sustainability in your work?
  • Are you committed to embodying the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact?
SHOW INTEREST FOR THE 2025 ROUND

Nominate someone

 

  • Do you know a colleague or peer who demonstrates exceptional dedication to advancing the SDGs?
  • Is someone in your company setting ambitious SDG targets and driving meaningful change?
  • Are you aware of individuals who embody the principles of sustainability and corporate responsibility?
NOMINATE SOMEONE

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY TO BECOME A SDG PIONEER

  • Employee engagement and recognition – The program provides companies with an opportunity to highlight how their employees are advancing the SDGs and are indeed next generation leaders.
  • Enable change agents for the SDGs – Leadership in the 2030 era requires change agents, and the SDG Pioneers Program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for professionals to push their vision forward within their organizations and create change.
  • National and global recognition – SDG Pioneers will receive visibility and be recognized for the great work that they have done to advance the SDGs. The Global SDG Pioneers will be announced and recognized at the 2024 UN Global Compact Leaders Summit.

ELIGIBILITY

  • To be eligible, applicants must come from UN Global Compact participating companies with an “Active” status.
  • Companies must have joined the UN Global Compact prior to 1 October 2023.
  • To maintain Active status, companies must submit their Communication on Progress (CoP) within the reporting time frame of 1 April to 31 July. Subsidiaries can participate if their parent company meets this obligation. To avoid any disruption to your 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 the loss of consideration for the global SDG Pioneer title.
My company does not yet participate in the UN Global Compact. Can I still apply?

Only individuals from UN Global Compact participating companies are eligible to apply or be nominated. If your company is not yet participating in the UN Global Compact, it’s time to change that. Learn more about how to join here. 

 

TIMELINE

Date What
6 May – 29 May 2024 Applications open
30 May – 3 June 2024 Review and selection period
5 June 2024 SDG Pioneers 2024 in The Netherlands are announced
September 2024 Global SDG Pioneers 2024 are announced at the Leaders Summit

MEET THE PREVIOUS SDG PIONEERS

To me personally and to Fairphone, being sustainable has always meant to care about the planet and the people. At Fairphone we work day in and day out on how to put the SDGs into practice in our business, in our products and services to make it easier for our users to put them into practice as well. Being named UN SDG pioneer in the Netherlands is a great honour and recognition for these efforts.

Eva Gouwens, SDG Pioneer 2023

Former CEO Fairphone

Diana Visser

Corbion

SDG Pioneer 2020

Iris van Wanrooij

EMMA Safety Footwear

SDG Pioneer 2022

A collaborative approach to help develop more effective and sustainable strategies

A collaborative approach to help develop more effective and sustainable strategies

A collaborative approach to help develop more effective and sustainable strategies

Kicking-off the 2024 Peer Learning Groups

Last week we kicked-off this year’s round of Peer Learning Groups with 60+ ambitious professionals ready to make meaningful change. In 2024, UN Global Compact Network Netherlands facilitates three Peer Learning Groups, each focusing on a crucial pillar of sustainable business: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Climate Action; and Human Rights. These Peer Learning Groups serve as incubators of knowledge, fostering deep dives into common challenges and facilitating discussions around them. Through the exchange of best practices, these sessions aim to equip companies with actionable insights, empowering them to navigate complexities and drive positive impact.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

As societal expectations and regulations evolve, the increasing importance of diversity and inclusion in business cannot be overstated. Companies that welcome diversity not only make a statement about their values, but also reap the benefits such as improved employee satisfaction and attracting top talent. However, how do you make sure that diversity is truly embraced at the core of your organization? On the 11th of April we brought together 20+ professionals at the Akzo Nobel HQ in Amsterdam to kick-off our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Peer Learning Group to discuss exactly that.

In this first session we focused on care taking and part time work, a topic that is still mostly effecting women. For example, women in the Netherlands are 17 times more likely than men to do non paid work to care for others. What benefits do companies currently offer part time employees? And how do we re-think career paths to provide opportunities for part timers to grow? During the first half of the session we had a plenary discussion, which was followed by breakout sessions allowing the participants to dive deeper into some of the topics that were previously discussed.

Co-leading companies: Akzo Nobel, Blueyse and Sparks Production

Participating companies: Arcadis, Assent, BCD Travel Services, dsm-firmenich, Heineken, HKV Consultants, IDA Foundation, JCL Logistics Benelux, Invest-NL, JDE Peet’s, Johnson & Johnson, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Philips, Plato Group, PostNL, Sustainable Capital Group and Tsunagu.

Climate Action

Taking climate action is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. On April the 16th, we gathered at the IDA Foundation HQ for the first session of the Climate Action Peer Learning Group to move from policies to action. Over the coming months, these pioneers will come together to share challenges & best practices and help each other move forward faster on topics such as SBTi, climate scenario development and stakeholder engagement.

In the first session we focused on data quality and data driven decisions for measuring and reporting on climate goals and targets. Data collection is crucial for climate goals – that’s not the question – but how do you go about it? And once you have your data, how do you use it to create and implement a data-driven strategy? To provide the participants with extra food for thought, we were joined by guest speaker Justin Strueber, Climate Action Project Manager at Philips.

Co-leading companies: IDA Foundation, Wereldhave and Batenburg Techniek.

Participating companies: Irdeto, United Group, JDE Peet’s, Alfen, Corbion, Eneco, KPMG Nederland, Sunrock, COFCO International Netherlands, BDR Thermea Group, Invest-NL, Unilever, LIPTON Teas and Infusions, HKV Consultants, Deloitte, PostNL, Signify and CSC.

Human Rights

The EU’s commitment to sustainability has led to a wave of new regulations, including the CSDDD and CSRD. Companies are now required to gather, track, and disclose comprehensive data about their impacts on the environment and society, including human rights issues such as labor practices, workplace safety, and supply chain management. On the 18th of April we came together at the NN Group office in The Hague to launch our first Human Rights Peer Learning Group to discuss the legislative landscape surrounding business & human rights, and more importantly, how to navigate the challenges.

The session was opened by a short presentation by Gilles Goedhart, Coordinator Mandatory Due Diligence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to set the scene, and followed by breakout discussions to brainstorm practical ways on how to use regulation to enhance human rights within the professionals respective organizations.

Co-leading companies: Deloitte, Arcadis and Invest-NL

Participating companies: Alfen, PF Concept, TenneT, Philips, Inter IKEA group, NN Group, Corbion and ERM NL.

Want to learn with us? 

Peer learning is a powerful tool in addressing corporate sustainability challenges. Our Peer Learning Groups provide a safe space for professionals, encouraging open dialogue and a collaborative approach helping you to develop more effective and sustainable strategies. By leveraging diverse perspectives, you can create more holistic and impactful approaches to sustainability, leading to improved resource management, cost savings, and a stronger reputation for corporate responsibility.

Interested in joining the next round (2025) of Peer Learning Groups? Reach out to one of our Programme Managers to claim your spot!

Firas Abdulhasain

Firas Abdulhasain

Climate Programme Manager

Contact
Jamie Holton

Jamie Holton

DEI and Human Rights Programme Manager

Contact

SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals

SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals

SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals

Programme Overview

Innovation serves as the bridge that connects the aspirations of young professionals to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

Young professionals collaborate within teams to identify opportunities and create solutions that not only benefit their respective companies but also contribute to the broader goal of advancing innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 9-month program encompasses a variety of components such as worldwide webinars, local training workshops, mentoring, live case studies, interactive sessions with both peers and experts, and challenge labs.

The activities within the program are centered around a “learning by doing” approach, emphasizing practical, action-oriented experiences to address real challenges and capitalize on existing opportunities.

Innovators are carefully paired with Mentors and Experts who provide guidance and support throughout the process of designing, developing, and testing their solutions.

The progress of these solutions is closely monitored and tracked throughout their development cycle. This serves as a source of inspiration and as a set of exemplary models for business innovation aimed at achieving the SDGs.

The program establishes a global network comprising young professionals from Global Compact companies. This network fosters ongoing engagement and promotes the concept of SDG innovation within the business community.

Download the Curriculum
Watch the latest information session

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 five (5) hours a month to the Accelerator

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.

Programme Experience

Over the nine-month duration of the programme, each team of young innovators will work on a challenge specific to their company. Their goal is to design more sustainable business models, initiatives, and products that not only advance the company’s sustainability efforts but also drive innovation and deliver tangible solutions with potential market value.

The Accelerator takes participants through a structured design thinking approach, centered around the SDGs. Participants progress through five key phases of the programme, equipped with the necessary resources, tools, and methodologies:

Watch the Videos to Learn More

Download brochure
Download FAQs

Interested in participating?

Interested in participating in the SDG Innovation Accelerator in 2025? Let us know by sending an email. 

Firas Abdulhasain

Sr. Program Manager

Contact person for SDG Innovation Accelerator

abdulhasain@unglobalcompact.nl

Business & Human Rights

Business & Human Rights

Business & Human Rights Accelerator

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The idea of human rights is as simple as it is powerful: That all people have a right to be treated with dignity.
Businesses often impact the human rights of their employees and contract workers, workers in their supply chains, the communities around their operations and even the end users of their products or services. Whether directly or indirectly, they impact virtually the entire spectrum of internationally recognized human rights.

As a result, companies have both a responsibility and an opportunity to advance human rights across operations, supply chains and beyond.

Is your company able to know and show that it supports and respects the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and that it is not complicit in human rights abuses?

The Business & Human Rights Accelerator is a six-month programme activating companies participating in the UN Global Compact across industries and regions. This hands-on programme will help you move from commitment to action on human rights and labour rights through establishing an ongoing human rights due diligence process.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?

  • How to identify your responsibilities in respecting human rights and labour rights, expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
  • How to establish an ongoing human rights due diligence process in line with international standards
  • How to report and communicate on your human rights due diligence journey, including through the Communication on Progress, the annual public disclosure requirement for all UN Global Compact participants

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

  • An understanding of where your company is on their human rights journey
  • An assessment of actual and potential adverse human rights impacts and the ability to prioritize action
  • The ability to mitigate your human rights impacts, including grievance mechanisms and remedy
  • Ways to engage stakeholders on business impacts
  • An action plan to advance human rights in your company and beyond
  • A network of peers, UN partners and experts to support your human rights journey and work collectively to tackle persistent barriers to human rights due diligence
  • A certificate demonstrating completion of programme

Do you need more information or have some questions?

Watch the Q&A session recording

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN 6 STAGES

Stage 1

Participants understand the UN Global Compact Principles and the human rights due diligence process and scope out a core area of the value chain for further focus.

 

  • Global kick-off webinar
  • E-learning course on “How companies can operationalize the UN Guiding Principles, Module 1”
  • Global deep dive session on UNGP core concepts, human rights due diligence and facilitation of the Responsibility to Respect Human Rights’ gap analysis tool
  • Local Network facilitated peer-learning session
  • Participant working session to complete the UNGP gap analysis tool

Stage 2

Participants scope the company value chain and identify potential impacts.

 

  • E-learning course on “How companies can operationalize the UN Guiding Principles, Module 2″
  • Global deep dive session on understanding salient human rights, identifying risk factors, where to find risk information and how to map the value chain and determine focus areas
  • Local Network facilitated peer-learning session
  • Participant working session to complete value chain mapping tool and risk identification matrix

Stage 3

Participants prioritize salient human rights impacts and understand their involvement with those impacts.

 

  • E-learning course on “How companies can operationalize the UN Guiding Principles, Module 3”
  • Global deep dive session on prioritizing potential impacts, understanding severity and likelihood and how to plot impacts on the risk heat map
  • Local Network facilitated peer learning session
  • Participant working session on completing the risk heatmap

Stage 4

Participants start implementing and tracking their human rights action plan.

 

  • Global deep dive session on developing an appropriate action plan based on at least one salient impact identified with articulation of desired outcomes and high-level metrics
  • Local Network facilitated peer-learning session
  • Participant working session on completion of action plan for one salient impact, including metrics

Stage 5

Participants understand how to effectively engage affected stakeholders and communicate their impacts.

 

  • Global deep dive session on communicating with a range of stakeholders, both within and external to the business and examine the components of effective communication, including formal disclosure processes
  • Local Network facilitated peer learning session
  • Participant working session on starting a communication plan and stakeholder engagement plan

Stage 6

Participants understand remedy and grievance mechanisms.

 

  • E-learning course on “How companies can operationalize the UN Guiding Principles, Module 4”
  • Global deep dive session on the different types of remedy and pathways for providing remedy including operational level grievance mechanisms that support the broader hrdd process
  • Local Network facilitated peer learning session including best practice case studies
  • Participant working session to complete the grievance gap analysis and develop a remedy plan

Timeline

Applications open:

October 2024

Application deadline:

Mid-december 2024

Accelerator begins:

February 2025

Already want to show your interest in the programme before the official applications open? Send an e-mail to Programme Manager Jamie Holton.

Download brochure
Download FAQs

Supported by

The Social and Economic Council

The Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) is the most important advisory council to government and parliament. In the SER employers, employees and independent experts (Crown-appointed members) work together to reach agreement on social and economic issues. The SER also facilitates agreements on international responsible business conduct.

 

JAMIE HOLTON

JAMIE HOLTON

Sr. Program Manager Business & Human Rights and Gender Equality

Contact person for Business & Human Rights Accelerator

holton@unglobalcompact.nl

Would you like to have our training services and the other member benefits?
Take a step forward in your commitment and join the UN Global Compact.

APPLY HERE

Peer Learning Groups

Peer Learning Groups

Bringing together sustainability professionals to connect, share and learn

The business world today is defined by speed, innovation, and scalability. At the UN Global Compact, we can help you make valuable connections so you can make true progress on your sustainability journey. Our Peer Learning Groups (PLG) provide a safe space for companies to share their best practices and challenges on a variety of sustainability topics while gaining access to industry experts and unique networking opportunities. The sessions are participant-driven and highly interactive.

 

In 2024, we will run 3 peer learning groups:

Applications for this year are closed. Interested in joining a Peer Learning Group in 2025? Reach out to peerlearning@unglobalcompact.nl

Climate action

In this Peer Learning Group we cover topics such as SBTi net-zero pathway, Just Transition, Climate Scenario Development, Climate Roadmap Development and Collective Pathway Creation.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

During these sessions you’ll work on topics such as improving equality within the company between people of different genders, ages, cultural backgrounds, physical and mental abilities, and how to report and monitor your company’s progress.

Human Rights

This PLG covers topics such as due diligence & legislation at the global/EU/local level, living wage, child labour, and occupational safety hazards (OSH).

Note: A company can participate in multiple Peer Learning Groups at the same time, but we ask you to send different company representatives to each group. 

Join if you want to:

  • Exchange best practices and challenges with peers on themes of your interest in a confidential, constructive, and educational environment
  • Increase your visibility on practices in relevant areas towards peers by participating in peer learning group discussions and presentations
  • Establish yourself as an ambassador within the UN Global Compact NL on your chosen topic, which can lead to speaking opportunities at our events, programmes, and global/regional platforms

Format

  • 10-20 participating companies, each represented by 1 or 2 employees
  • 6 sessions a year between March and November. This includes 1 welcome call (1 hour), 4 in-person workshops (3 hours), and 1 in-person closing reflection session (2 hours)
  • The groups are run in English (unless all group participants prefer Dutch).

Requirements

  • Participants must be able to demonstrate that they have reached a certain level of maturity in the thematic area of the relevant peer learning group
  • Participants must be able to join the workshops and closing session in person
    • We will have an onboarding call on 12 March 2024:
      • Climate Action: 09:30 – 10:30
      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 11:00 – 12:00
      • Human Rights: 14:00 – 15:00
    • Each company pays a fee of €250

Responsibilities co-leading companies

  • Hold preparation meetings, invite lecturers, set the agenda, manage the budget
  • Run the PLG sessions; record keeping and documentingen
  • Support UNGC NL in creating an outcome document
  • (Optional) – Run sub-groups
  • There will be an online onboarding on 5 March 2024 for co-leading companies. It’s important to be available for this call.

Responsibilities participating companies

  • Have 1 or 2 company representatives who will actively participate
  • Provide input for PLG Meetings if applicable
  • Attend at least 4 meetings
    • If participating organizations misses more than 2 sessions, they will be removed from the group and will not be mentioned in the outcomes document.
  • Provide feedback to UNGC NL and co-leads to help improve format

Target Gender Equality

Target Gender Equality

Target Gender Equality

Setting and meeting ambitious corporate targets for women’s representation & leadership

Introduction
Programme
FAQ

Target Gender Equality is a gender equality accelerator programme for participating companies of the UN Global Compact. Through facilitated performance analysis, capacity building workshops, peer-to-peer learning and multi-stakeholder dialogue at the country-level, Target Gender Equality will support companies engaged with the UN Global Compact in setting and reaching ambitious corporate targets for women’s representation and leadership, starting with the Board and Executive Management levels.

Companies participating in Target Gender Equality have the opportunity to deepen implementation of the Women’s Empowerment Principles and strengthen their contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 5.5, which calls for equal women representation, participation and leadership in business globally. Companies will be equipped with the latest data and research supporting the business case for gender equality and gain insights from UN partners and experts on how to accelerate progress on gender equality.

Claim your spot
explore the 300+ companies participating in target gender equality across 19 countries

PROGRAMME BENEFTIS

N

Confidently set ambitious and realistic corporate targets for gender equality demonstrating commitment and action to your employees, investors and other stakeholders

N

Understand your current gender equality performance through the facilitated use of the Women’s Empowerment Principles Gender Gap Analysis Tool

N

Engage in accelerated learning opportunities specific to your country context

N

Build a network of peers, UN partners and experts to support your gender equality strategy and work collectively to tackle persistent barriers to gender equality.

N

Showcase women in your company who are driving business success, sustainability and contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Eligibility

In order to take part In Target Gender Equality, companies are required to be participants of the UN Global Compact or willing to join, and meet the following criteria:

 

  • Committed to learning about corporate target setting and taking actions to increase women’s representation and leadership in business
  • Willing to appoint two representatives to participate in programme activities and events and an executive-level “Ambassador” to follow programme developments, provide support and participate in high-level events
  • Currently engaged with a Global Compact Local Network or willing to join if required by the Network

%

of past Target Gender Equality participants would recommend the programme to their peers

%

of participants report that they have benefited from Target Gender Equality

I left the sessions inspired to continue our journey and learn from others experiences to work towards our 2030 ambitions.

 

Monique Slaats

Executive President People & Organization, IGM Resins

We started this program with high ambitions and many different angles on how to reach them. TGE helped us determine focus and discuss the different approaches, which ended in a stronger commitment and ready-to-use actions.

Julie Folmer-Niemann

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Advisor, ISS

The programme gave concrete guidance on what you could be doing for gender equality. It doesn’t matter what gender you are to engage in these questions. Diversity includes all of us.

Martin Bang-Löwgren

Head of Sustainability, Polaris Management

I enjoyed hearing about the practices that already exist in other companies. Very useful to share with my team!

 

Peipei Yang

Product Stewardship Analyst, Trivium Packaging

Participating in this programme and setting targets sends a strong internal communication that gender equality is a priority. It’s something we promise to our employees: that we will do our best.

Mia Møgelgaard

Impact Manager, FRITZ HANSEN

Programme

The below programme will take place virtually in each country, complemented by further optional regional and global engagement opportunities.

 

  • Performance Analysis and aggregate results discussions through the WEPs Gender Gap Analysis Tool
  • Three capacity building work-shops:
    • “Setting Targets & Defining Ambition”
    • “Strategies for Success”
    • “Measuring & Communicating Progress”
  • An Action Planning Guide will support participants to apply learnings within their company’s context
  • Learning opportunities through the UN Global Compact Academy
  • Multi-stakeholder Action Dialogues to jointly advocate to raise the bar for gender equality

Interested in participating?

Are you interested in joining the Target Gender Equality Accelerator in 2025? Let us know by sending an email.

Any questions? Please contact us

Jamie Holton

Jamie Holton

Program Manager

Schedule a call with Jamie

Our accelerator alumni

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Target Gender Equality Global Coalition

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