The UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2024 concluded today in New York, marking a significant moment in global efforts to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event brought together nearly a thousand leaders from the business world, governments, civil society, and the United Nations to explore innovative strategies aimed at meeting the 2030 Agenda. The day was packed with plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities that emphasized responsible business practices, innovation, and collaborative partnerships. Among the key discussions was “The Technology Supercycle and its Promise for our Shared Future,” led by Amy Webb, which explored how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) could drive sustainable development. Another notable session, “Accelerating Towards 2030,” featured Don Cheadle, UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador, who highlighted the importance of empowering the communities most affected by global challenges to lead the way in crafting solutions. In addition, the summit addressed the role of businesses in upholding human rights in the context of AI through the “Rights and Bytes” session, while discussions like “The Dos and Don’ts of Sustainable Supply Chains” provided insight into how companies can adopt best practices in responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
Gender equality was a focal point, with the “Gender Equality by Design” session offering practical strategies for businesses to achieve equity goals, and sessions on corporate investment highlighted how aligning financial strategies with climate ambitions can make a significant impact. The summit also emphasized the private sector’s role in five key areas, including gender equality, climate action, living wages, water resilience, and sustainable finance, under the UN’s Forward Faster initiative. Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, stressed the importance of private capital in sustainable finance, noting the potential of the financial sector to drive transformative change. She highlighted the critical need for innovative mechanisms to unlock private investments, particularly in emerging markets, where financing gaps are most pronounced. One of the highlights of this event is the announcement of the SDG Pioneers 2024. The awards honor entrepreneurs who promote sustainable development goals in their organizations, and champions from Asia Pacific, Latin America and Western Europe. At the end of the conference, there was a clarion call for the private sector: companies must go beyond indicators and take measurable steps to create lasting and sustainable change in the world.