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SDG Pioneers

Join the global search for change agents who are advancing the SDGs in their business from the bottom up.

As part of the 2020 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers program, the Global Compact Network Canada (GCNC) is searching for professionals who are committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Through their own company or by mobilizing other businesses, SDG Pioneers help advance one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals while also contributing to business success.

The GCNC will award the 2020 Global Compact Network Canada SDG Pioneer at the local level. The selected individual will be locally recognized and advance to the global round which will open on January 11, 2021.

Why apply or nominate someone?
  • 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 at the 2020 UN General Assembly in September.
Who can apply?

Professionals who are working at any level of a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company are eligible to apply or be nominated. To check whether an organization is a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company, please search the participant list online. If your company has yet to select its engagement tier, please see here for more information and to select your engagement tier.

For the 2020 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact on 30 September 2019 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP). If your company joined after the date, please consider applying for the 2021 SDG Pioneers programme.

The UN Global Compact reserves the right to remove the SDG Pioneer recognition if the company and/or individual is later deemed to be a reputational risk to the SDG Pioneer campaign and/or the UN Global Compact initiative.

Selection process

National and Global Rounds

Global Compact Local Networks are hosting country-level SDG Pioneers programs this year to seek out individuals locally who will then compete in a global round. The country-level programs will take place from February to May 2020 before the global round, which will take place from June to September 2020.

Local Networks are allowed to only recognize 1 (one) SDG Pioneer who will continue to the Global Round.

Internal Review

The judging process for local rounds consists of an internal review and an external review. The internal review will be conducted by the Global Compact Network Canada based on pre-determined judging criteria by the UN Global Compact. Five successful candidates will be chosen from this step to move onto the external review.

External Review

This round of review will be conducted by an External Review Committee consisting of a government official, GCNC board members, and leaders from business, academia, and non-profit.

Timeline
DATE WHAT IS HAPPENING
February Launch of local rounds
February 17 – October 15 Submission period
October 15 – December 2020 Review process
December 2020 Country winners announced
January 2021 Global submission
2021 Review & selection
2021 Announcement & recognition
Submit an application

Are you a business leader advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a principles-based approach, or do you know someone who is? Please use the following forms to nominate yourself or someone else.

FAQ

General

Who are the 2020 SDG Pioneers?

As part of the UN Global Compact’s Making Global Goals Local Business campaign, each year the UN Global Compact recognizes a class of SDG Pioneers — business leaders working at any level of their company who are using business as a force for good to advance the 17 SDGs.

Through their own company or by mobilizing other businesses, they are helping to reach one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also contributing to business success.

In 2020 Local Networks including, spanning all continents will be hosting country-level SDG Pioneers campaign to identify business leaders who will then be contenders for the global round to be recognized at the UN General Assembly in September 2020.

What are the “SDGs”?

In September 2015, all 193 Member states of the United Nations adopted a plan for achieving a better future for all – laying out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. At the heart of the “Agenda 2030” are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 related targets that address the most important economic, social, environmental and governance challenges of our time. To learn more about how companies are taking steps to contribute to achieving the SDGs visit the UN Global Compact website.

 

Who is eligible?

Professionals who are working at any level of a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company are eligible to apply or be nominated. To check whether an organization is a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company, please search the participant list online. If your company has yet to select its engagement tier, please see here for more information and to select your engagement tier.

For the 2020 SDG Pioneers, we only consider companies who were participants of the UN Global Compact on 30 September 2019 and have submitted at least 1 Communication on Progress (CoP). If your company joined after the date, please consider applying for the 2021 SDG Pioneers programme.

The UN Global Compact reserves the right to remove the SDG Pioneer recognition if the company and/or individual is later deemed to be a reputational risk to the SDG Pioneer campaign and/or the UN Global Compact initiative.

What if I am affiliated with but not directly employed by a UN Global Compact signatory?

You are only eligible to apply or be nominated if you are either employed by the company (or its subsidiary).

My company does not yet participate in the UN Global Compact. Can I still apply?

Only individuals from a UN Global Compact Participant or Signatory company will be eligible to apply or be nominated. If your company is not yet participating in the UN Global Compact, please visit the UN Global Compact website to learn more about how to join.

My organization is doing great work. Can it be nominated?

No, the SDG Pioneers campaign highlights the work of individuals, not organizations.

Do I have to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?

Nationality does not matter as long as the nominee or applicant works for a Canadian company with headquarters in Canada or a Canadian subsidiary of a global company.

 

Application process

What is the nomination deadline?

The nomination deadline is October 15th, 2020.

How do I nominate myself / someone who I think is doing great work?

Please complete the online submission form, which is available here. To nominate someone, click here.

Who can submit a nomination?

You can nominate yourself or a colleague at your company, or someone you know from another UN Global Compact participating company. That individual will then be contacted to ensure their willingness to be considered and the accuracy of the submitted information.

 

Selection Process

How and when will I be notified if I was selected?

SDG Pioneers will be informed of their selection by December 2020. Due to the volume of nominations received, we may be unable to contact nominees who are not selected.

 

Recognition

How will the SDG Pioneers be recognized? What will I receive if selected?

The SDG Pioneers will receive visibility and be recognized for the great work that they have done to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. 2020 SDG Pioneers selected in August will be recognized at the UN General Assembly.

 

I have more questions. Who can I contact?

Please email programs@unglobalcompact.ca with any additional questions.