This past year has made it ‘increasingly clear that change is possible through shared ambition’, the UN Global Compact has said, citing the level to which businesses, civil society and international bodies have stepped up their collaboration.
2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the Global Compact, with the organisation describing the year as an ‘inflection point’ in terms of growth and impact, with more than 23,000 companies now involved across over 160 countries.
In addition, in the past five years, participation has nearly doubled, with increased involvement from SMEs and regional programmes. Three new Country Networks were also welcomed into the Global Compact this year.
‘In the face of complex global challenges, the UN Global Compact demonstrated that through collaboration, accountability and collective leadership, businesses have the power to step up and show up for people, the planet and the future,’ the UN Global Compact said in a statement.
‘The private sector plays a critical role in creating a safer, more inclusive and resilient world. It’s not just the right thing to do – it’s good business.’
Events and highlights
Among the highlights of the year included several high profile events, including activities during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, which took place during the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, while business leaders and partners also came together to participate in the Private Sector Forum, the UN Global Compact Hub and the Leaders Summit, among others.
As well as specific events, the UN Global Compact noted that companies engaged meaningfully across themes and regions through:
- Financing for Development: Mobilising capital for the SDGs
- High-Level Political Forum: Strengthening accountability for progress
- Food Systems Summit Stocktake: Accelerating action for sustainable, equitable food systems
- COP30: Reaffirming climate action and charting a path for our future
‘Accelerate progress’
Looking to 2026, the UN Global Compact said that this past year ‘affirmed that when businesses take action grounded in principles, guided by science and united around shared goals, transformation is possible.
‘As we enter the next chapter of the UN Global Compact, our ambition is clear: to accelerate progress, deepen accountability and mobilise the full power of business to create a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable world.’ Read more here.
