SDG Ambition Accelerator - Global Compact Network SA

Activating ambitious action to achieve the SDGs

SDG Ambition is a three-month accelerator that aims to challenge and support participating companies of the UN Global Compact in setting ambitious corporate targets and accelerating integration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business management. SDG Ambition enables companies to move beyond incremental progress and step-up transformative change – unlocking business value, building business resilience, and enabling long-term growth.

Learn More

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The need for SDG Ambition today is clear. The world is not delivering progress towards the SDGs at the pace and scale needed. While it is still possible to shift the world towards a 1.5°C trajectory and achieve the SDGs by 2030, it will take urgent, scalable and multi-stakeholder action to dramatically accelerate progress. Companies must take a clear stand and demonstrate bold leadership to transform business models and economies so they become more just and inclusive – leaving no one behind.

SDG Ambition will empower and equip participating companies of the UN Global Compact to develop and implement innovative business strategies that significantly increase their positive impact on the SDGs. Through the Global Compact Local Networks, participating companies will assess current performance, identify risk areas, discover new opportunities across business units and functions and take ambitious business action towards achieving the SDGs.

WHY ENROLL?

Enhanced alignment with the SDGs: The programme helps companies align their business strategies with the SDGs, providing a framework to integrate sustainability into their core business practices and goals.

Improved business performance: The SDGs represent a significant market opportunity, and companies that align their strategies with the SDGs are likely to perform better financially in the long term. The programme can help companies identify new business opportunities, reduce costs, and improve risk management.

Access to resources and expertise: The programme provides participating companies with access to expert guidance, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and networking opportunities with other companies committed to sustainable business practices.

Improved innovation: By prioritising the SDGs, companies can stimulate innovation and develop new products, services, and business models that meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Reinforced resilience: Companies that prioritise sustainability are better equipped to withstand disruptions and adapt to changing market conditions and stay ahead of regulatory changes, which can help them stay competitive over the long term.

PROGRAMME BENEFITS

Take this opportunity to deepen the integration of the SDGs and Ten Principles into your company’s business strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement with the SDG Ambition accelerator programme.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

How to strategically prioritise actions & goals that will accelerate your company’s contribution to the 2030 Agenda
How to set targets aligned with aspirational ambition benchmarks that will spearhead the transformation of economies and societies
How to identify subgoals & track performance metrics to evaluate progress and inform iterative decision making
How to approach sustainability management and design new business processes & systems that integrate SDG goals across multiple parts of the business
How to build a business case and generate sustainability buy-in from your company

A comprehensive 8-step approach take you through all the steps above from strategic prioritization to actioning on system opportunities accelerate integration

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are now open for the SDG Ambition Accelerator.

- New Applications Open date:
  6 July 2023
- Application Deadline date:
  30 September 2023

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

The Accelerator includes a three-month immersive curriculum consisting of eight steps; each step will include a short theory on-demand session accessible through the UN Global Compact Academy followed by a hands-on action class to practice the content & frameworks learned. The Accelerator curriculum will include:

Opening & closing ceremonies
Eight on-demand coursesEight on-demand courses
Eight facilitated sessions
Four Internal check-ins
Additional supplementary sessions to reinforce curriculum

Join your peers in kickstarting the Decade of Action!

To apply, visit unglobalcompact.org/sdgambition or contact Global Compact Network South Africa.