SDG Ambition Accelerator

Activating ambitious action to achieve the SDGs

As we approach the 2030 Agenda deadline, companies are increasingly looking to be part of the solution. We now have a unique window of opportunity to develop business strategies that fully integrate the SDGs and help build more inclusive and sustainable societies.

In partnership with Accenture as the facilitator and sponsored by CPKC, the SDG Ambition Accelerator offers a unique opportunity to elevate your sustainability strategy. This six-month programme challenges and supports UN Global Compact participants in setting ambitious corporate targets and accelerating the integration of the SDGs into core business management, delivering long-term value for both business and society.

Participating in the SDG Ambition Accelerator allows companies to select benchmarks linked to the Forward Faster targets and use the 8-step approach to help them reach their goals. Almost 70% of companies from previous rounds have committed to adopting SDG Ambition Benchmarks associated with the Forward Faster Initiative. After completing the SDG Ambition Accelerator, companies with goals related to Forward Faster will be invited to join the initiative.

Programme Benefits

Comprehensive Framework: Employ an 8-step approach to guide you from strategic planning to the execution of system-wide sustainability solutions opportunities. View the 8-step approach here.
Aspirational Benchmarks: Employ SDG Ambition Benchmarks to set absolute, measurable goals that translate the SDGs for impactful business operations. These benchmarks are designed for all industries and allow for adaptable implementation tailored to your company's material areas. Download the Benchmarks here.
Strategic Integration: Learn how to prioritize actions to reach your company goals while also accelerating your contributions to the 2030 Agenda.
Systematic Approach: Design and implement business processes that embed sustainability and SDG goals across your operations, enhancing sustainability management.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build a compelling business case to secure internal buy-in for a tailored roadmap specific to your sustainability goals.

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Gain a deeper understanding of the Accelerator's framework. This session provides valuable insights into what you can expect and how to maximize the benefits of joining.

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What you will learn

How to strategically prioritize actions & goals that will accelerate your company’s contribution to the 2030 Agenda.
How to set targets aligned with aspirational ambition benchmarks to 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 to take you through all the steps above, from strategic prioritization to actioning on system opportunities to accelerate integration.

The Learning Experience

The Accelerator includes an immersive curriculum consisting of 8 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 and frameworks learned.

The Accelerator curriculum will include:

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

Who Can Participate

The UN Global Compact invites companies to join SDG Ambition. In order to take part, companies are required to be participants of the UN Global Compact in good standing and to meet the following criteria:

Currently engaged with the Canadian Network or willing to join.
Committed to strengthening corporate target setting and action to increase progress on the SDGs.
Willing to appoint two representatives who can commit to one and a half hours per week for a six-month* period to participate in programme activities and events and an executive level “Ambassador” to follow programme developments, provide support and participate in high-level events.

Timeline

Applications Open: 10 July 2024
Application Deadline: 11 October 2024
Programme Begins: October 2024 (exact dates will be communicated to Participants by our team)
Programme Finishes: May 2025

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Sustainability Coordinator, Megan Grace Halferty (she/her) at megan@unglobalcompact.ca.

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If your company would like to sponsor this event/programme, please contact our Engagement Manager, Jen Brundage jen@unglobalcompact to discuss the sponsorship opportunities available.