In today’s world, where companies are increasingly involved in the transition to a sustainable economy, the United Nations Global Compact provides an internationally recognized framework to guide corporate action.
It is now the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, with over 25,000 participants across 167 countries, supported by 64 local networks.
What is the Global Compact?
Launched in 2000 by the United Nations, the Global Compact invites businesses and organizations worldwide to align their strategies and operations with a responsible vision of economic development.
It is not a binding regulation or a monitoring system for sustainability performance. Instead, it is a voluntary initiative that calls on organizations to commit to implementing 10 principles covering human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption.
Every year, participating organizations must report on their progress through the Communication on Progress (CoP), a public document that ensures transparency and accountability.
For many businesses, joining the Global Compact is a chance to better understand their impact and start a structured path toward continuous improvement.
Who can join?
The Global Compact is open to a wide range of organizations, including large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profits, trade unions, business associations, universities and research centers.
Its goal is to build a global network of actors committed to change, where each organization can share experiences and contribute, in its own way, to a fairer, more inclusive and environmentally responsible economy.
When joining, businesses are not required to have a sustainability strategy or internal experts in place — it’s possible to begin from scratch and progress along the way. Even organizations at the very beginning of their journey can join, as long as they commit to the 10 principles. To support them, the Global Compact offers practical tools, training programs, and opportunities for peer exchange.
What are the 10 Principles?
The UN Global Compact’s 10 Principles form the foundation of the commitment required from participating organizations. They are grouped into four thematic areas and are inspired by key international declarations and conventions.
Human Rights
- Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
- Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour:
- Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
- Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
- Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
- Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment:
- Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
- Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
- Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Anti-corruption:
- Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Why join the Global Compact?
Joining the Global Compact offers access to concrete tools and the chance to actively contribute to the transition toward a more sustainable development model.
Key benefits include:
- Networking and knowledge sharing: participate in local, regional, and global events, engage in peer learning groups, exchange challenges and solutions, and contribute to advocacy activities promoted by the Global Compact.
- Access to resources and training: benefit from a wide range of practical tools and learning content, including guides, a digital resource library, and the “Academy” dedicated to training. In addition, “Accelerator” programs provide training, mentoring, and networking opportunities on specific topics (e.g., setting emission reduction targets).
- Support from local networks: More than 60 national networks – including the Global Compact Network Italia – serve as a reference point for participants. They provide localized support, facilitate dialogue with institutions and stakeholders, and create opportunities for businesses operating in the same area to connect.
How to join
To become part of the Global Compact, organizations must submit an online application through the official United Nations website.
Membership requires a formal commitment from the organization’s leadership. By joining, the organization pledges to align its activities with the 10 Principles of the Global Compact.
Participants should also pay an annual financial contribution, calculated according to revenue and geographic location, to support the work of the Global Compact and its local networks.
How we can support you
The Global Compact is just one milestone on the broader road to sustainability.
At Kyklos Carbon, we support you through every stage of this process by helping you:
- measure environmental, social, and governance impacts,
- prepare sustainability reports,
- calculate your company’s carbon footprint,
- design and implement improvement actions,
- navigate regulations, standards, and available incentives.
Contact us to start your sustainability journey.
Driving Sustainable Business Growth with the UN Global Compact