10 key accomplishments for the UN Global Compact in 2022

Following the health, societal and economic impacts of more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, mounting humanitarian crises, ongoing war and staggering inflation, 2022 was a critical turning point for international solidarity and private sector commitments to improve global well-being and sustainability. It also marked an urgent need to reprioritize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations.

On this roadmap for action, the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, hosted several major events and ran successful programmes and initiatives to promote our Ten Principles and drive progress on the Global Goals. Here are some of our key accomplishments in 2022:

#1: Unprecedented growth

We went from being present in 69 countries to 96 countries, and our participants surpassed 17,000 companies and 3,000 non-business participants, representing nearly every sector and size. 

#2: Increased impact on the private sector

We continued to drive corporate sustainability progress and ambition on climate, gender and overall SDG implementation with:

• Over 3,700 companies in 60+ countries joining our Accelerators to embed SDG-aligned practices into business operations and across the value chain
• 72,000+ participants across 180+ countries in the Academy, our digital learning platform that provides tools to help companies in their sustainability journey

#3: Renewed focus on Africa

As part of our Africa Strategy, we: 

• Launched the Global Africa Business Initiative to highlight the powerful business ecosystem in Africa
• Rolled out the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) in six countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa), bringing together African CEOs committed to advancing sustainable growth and prosperity on the continent. At COP27, the ABLC also released a Climate Statement with concrete actions for Africa on climate
• Established our Africa Regional Hub in Abuja, Nigeria, to mobilize responsible business across Africa

#4: … and China!

With our China Strategy, we strengthened our value proposition through global and local programming and reorganized the UN Global Compact China Office. 

#5: Elevated role within the UN

In early 2022, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed our Executive Director and CEO Sanda Ojiambo as Assistant Secretary-General of the UN Global Compact. In that role, she advises the UN Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General on the contributions of the private sector to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and manages engagement of the UN Global Compact in UN inter-agency affairs. 

#6: More collaboration with the UN

Throughout the year, we worked actively with the four Guardians of our Ten Principles, namely the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

#7: Stronger influence on the private sector 

In 2022, 90% of surveyed companies confirmed that the UN Global Compact has helped them advance corporate responsibility policies and practices.

#8: Increased visibility 

Amidst a year of global upheaval, we’ve seen growing interest and engagement in our mission, including through the media and social media. 

#9: New class of SDG Pioneers 

We celebrated and recognized a new group of SDG Pioneers — business leaders who are doing an exceptional job in advancing the Global Goals through the implementation of our Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. 

#10: New publications

In 2022, we continued to produce and publish briefs, position papers, reports, strategies, best practices and other publications to assist and guide businesses worldwide in their sustainability journey. 

As we look towards 2023, our team at the UN Global Compact is inspired to build upon the remarkable accomplishments achieved this year and to accelerate the critical corporate sustainability and responsible business practices needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Learn how to join the UN Global Compact today.