UN Global Compact’s Young SDG Innovators Programme 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 UN Global Compact’s Young SDG Innovators Programme. The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is a unique opportunity offered to participating companies within the UN Global Compact network. It empowers the young talent within these organizations to collaborate and drive business innovation that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This intensive nine-month programme is designed to activate the potential of future business leaders and changemakers. It focuses on the development and implementation of innovative solutions through cutting-edge technologies, initiatives, and business models that contribute to your company’s sustainability objectives.

Requirements

• High-performing professionals at participating companies of the UN Global Compact
• Participants must be 35 years or younger
• Interested in business-model innovation, sustainability and disruptive technologies
• Ability to dedicate a minimum of four (4) hours a month to the Accelerator Learning Plan and attend at least four (4) 1-day workshops.

Participant Benefits

• Engage in accelerated learning opportunities including online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions.
• Collaborate with other businesses on innovative projects tailored to your company and industry.
• Build valuable relationships through coaching, mentoring and peer-to-peer networking.
• Gain insights from leading experts in sustainability and innovation from around the world.
• Join a global network of talented young professionals from top companies across every continent.

Company Benefits

• Apply SDG innovation to address real sustainability challenges your company is currently facing.
• Embed the SDGs into your company’s business strategy through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Enhance employee engagement and create professional development opportunities.
• Access a network of experts from some of the world’s leading companies.
• Receive global recognition for your company’s participation in the programme.

Tracks

Young professionals working at companies participating in the UN Global Compact and based in the following countries can collaborate with their Global Compact Country Network or local office to participate in the programme.

In-Country Track: In-country tracks are facilitated in the local language and local time zone wherever possible. It will feature a series of live and on-demand sessions, hands-on support, workshops, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.

In addition to the in-country tracks, there will be two other specific tracks:

Africa Track: The Africa track will bring together companies from Egypt and the Indian Ocean Region and will offer the same curriculum as the in-country track delivered through a series of global and on-demand sessions.

Global Track: Facilitated in English, the global track is available for companies that do not have a Country Network running the accelerator. It will offer the same curriculum as the in-country track, and is delivered in English through a series of live and on-demand sessions. All workshops will be held virtually. Please note that space is limited.

Application Timeline:

• Application Period: 15 October 2025 – 31 January 2026
• Information Session: 2 December, 2025
• Programme begins: February 2026
• Programme Ends: September 2026

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UN Global Compact’s Young SDG Innovators Programme