25 years of uniting business for a better future
Since its launch on 26 July 2000, the UN Global Compact has united business, Government and civil society in pursuit of a more inclusive and ethical world. As we mark 25 years of progress, we reflect on our origins and look ahead to the future. Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s founding call still guides us today:
- Mobilize business leaders to take action
- Foster dialogue among business, labour and civil society
- Build mechanisms that deliver tangible solutions
Call to action
So, what do we hope to achieve at this meeting? First, I hope we can send out a clarion call for others to join us. We need to gain a critical mass among leading companies and in their supply chains so that the Compact can truly be called Global. – Kofi Annan, 26 July 2000
An ambitious vision has grown into the world’s largest sustainability initiative. Since 2000, the UN Global Compact has expanded from 44 companies to over 22,000 participants by 2025. This ever-growing network now drives impact across economic, social and governmental sectors.
Open dialogue
Secondly, I hope we can establish the Compact itself as a forum for dialogue between the three partners [business, labour and civil society organizations] — devising common solutions to common problems. –Kofi Annan 26 July 2000
What began as a forum for dialogue has become a powerful engine for sustainable progress. Each year, many of our sustainability achievements trace back to key convenings — from global gatherings like the General Assembly to more focused discussions such as the Commission on the Status of Women. An iterative, collaborative approach guided by the UN Global Compact, combined with evolving communication tools, proves that meaningful change can happen anytime, anywhere.
Create positive change
Thirdly, and most importantly, we must decide on priorities and devise mechanisms for translating our good intentions into actions that make a real difference to people's lives.
– Kofi Annan, 26 July 2000
The evolving priorities of the UN Global Compact have balanced continuity with progress, focusing on poverty reduction, global health, education and human rights. These commitments have remained steadfast through international cooperation, peacekeeping and development programs. Aligning bold intentions with concrete strategies has delivered meaningful impact across stakeholders.
Commemorating the UN Global Compact at 25 years
The United Nations Global Compact unites the private sector by encouraging businesses worldwide to align their operations with ten universally accepted human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption principles.
The Compact provides a platform for companies to publicly commit to responsible practices and collaborate on Sustainable Development Goals. Through reporting requirements and shared learning, it strengthens the role of businesses in global progress.
The UN Global Compact engages the private sector and business leaders through global initiatives that have helped shift business behaviour and unite leaders in putting a human face on global markets.
As the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative and the largest network of corporations, the Global Compact engages businesses to build a sustainable future together.
As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we honour our history while embracing the innovations still to come. Together with the private sector, labour and civil society, we remain committed to shaping intentional, people-centred solutions for a more sustainable future. The past quarter-century has shown that when we unite for a better world, meaningful progress is possible, together.
