The Leaders Summit is the annual UN Global Compact Participant convening which takes place during the UN General Assembly high-level week. This year's Summit will be hosted in New York on 22-23 September 2026 at the New York Marriott Marquis. The 2026 Leaders Summit will provide global sustainability leaders with the tools, networks, knowledge and inspiration needed to scale the impact of private sector contributions to the 2030 Agenda. 

This year's Leaders Summit takes place on Tuesday, 22 September through Wednesday, 23 September at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City. All-Access and Day passes are available to UN Global Compact Participants.

The UN Global Compact Leaders Summit brings together a global, senior audience of sustainability leaders. Nearly 1,000 professionals from 150+ countries participate. Almost 80% of attendees are manager-level or above, including C-suite and senior executives, making the Summit a premier forum for advancing sustainable business worldwide. The Summit brings together a unique cross-section of corporate leaders, UN entities, governments, NGOs, business associations, academia, and Global Compact Country Networks, creating an unmatched forum for collaboration and action. With strong participation from North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, the Leaders Summit is where global business leaders connect, learn and drive progress on sustainable business. Bring your team to gain insight, build influence and stay ahead of the trends shaping the future of sustainability.

All sessions at the Leaders Summit will be conducted in English. If you would like a translator to accompany you, please contact us at events@unglobalcompact.org.

This year's Leaders Summit will not be livestreamed but video content will be available after the event.

As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact works with companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact guides and supports the global business community in advancing UN goals and values through responsible corporate practices. With more than 20,000 participant organizations based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Local Networks, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world. At the UN Global Compact, we aim to mobilize a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders to create the world we want. That’s our vision. For more information about the United Nations Global Compact please visit our website. 

Yes, all attendees must register and submit payment in full via the online registration system. Please be advised that emails and/or letters to the UN Global Compact cannot be processed and will not be considered a substitute for online registration.

Yes, individuals from non-participant organizations are welcome to attend. Please note that higher conference rates apply.

See a full listing of all of our Participants.

When you register for for the Leaders Summit, you’ll get access to plenaries, breakout sessions, roundtables, lunch and networking experiences.

Registrants will receive an automatic confirmation email once registration is finalized.

If you can no longer attend the Leaders Summit, please email us at events@unglobalcompact.org. If you cancel your registration before 23 July 2026, you’ll receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. Between 23 July and 21 August 2026, you’ll receive a 50% refund, also minus the processing fee. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer refunds after 22 August 2026.

If you can’t attend, you’re welcome to transfer your registration to a colleague at any time before the conference, as long as they meet the same registration requirements.

If your visa application is denied, you may request a full refund (minus the $100 processing fee) before 21 August 2026 by providing a copy of your visa denial letter.

Please note, that the organizers may need to adjust the program, dates, or location if necessary. In the unlikely event the conference is canceled, full refunds will be issued.

All cancellation or substitution requests should be emailed to events@unglobalcompact.org . Refunds and credits are typically processed within 7 business days.

Registration for the Leaders Summit is open until the day of the event or until the event sells out.  We highly recommend registering in advance to save on conference rates and to secure your place as the event may sell out! 

At this time, pre-registration for sessions is not required.

Yes, all attendees must secure their own travel and accommodations.

The UN Global Compact is unable to assist with any costs associated with travel or accommodations.

For attendees who require a visa to attend the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, the UN Global Compact will provide a letter of support after your registration and payment are processed. Please note that the responsibility for securing the appropriate visa lies with the attendee. Please indicate that you require a visa to travel to the United States during the registration process. Attendees who complete registration and pay in full will then receive a letter of support from the UN Global Compact via email, which can then be submitted along with other documentation when applying for a visa.

Attendees should refer to their local consulate for detailed information. The UN Global Compact is not responsible for the successful procurement of visas by international attendees.

Please visit our accommodations page for a full list of hotels in the area.

At this time, we are not taking speaking submissions for the Leaders Summit. If you are an employee of a UN Global Compact Participant organization and wish to be considered generally for speaking opportunities at the UN Global Compact, please reach out to your Country Network. The UN Global Compact does not consider non-Participant private sector speakers. For more information on becoming a UN Global Compact Participant, please visit this webpage. . 

At this time, we are not accepting speaker nominations.

If your organization is interested in becoming a Patron or Sponsor, click here.

Please review and become familiar with our Code of Conduct. 

The dress code for the Leaders Summit is business-casual attire. Please wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Conference rooms tend to be on the cooler side so we suggest bringing a sweater or jacket.

1. Cancellation and Refund Deadlines

Before 23 July 2026 (60+ days):
100% of registration fees refunded minus $100 processing fee.

23 July – 21 August 2026 (30–60 days):
50% of registration fees refunded minus $100 processing fee.

22 August – 21 September 2026 (<30 days):
No refund.

2. Substitutions
Registrants unable to attend may transfer their registration to a colleague at any time prior to the conference. The substitute must meet the same registration requirements (Participant vs. Participant rates, if applicable).

3. Visa or Travel Restrictions
Visa denials qualify for 100% refund minus a $100 processing fee before 21 August 2026. To receive a refund, you must submit a copy of your visa denial letter.

4. Event Changes
The organizers reserve the right to modify the program, dates or location if necessary. In case of event cancellation by organizers, full registration refunds will be issued.

5. Communication
All cancellation or substitution requests must be submitted in writing to events@unglobalcompact.org. Refunds or credits will be processed within 7 business days of receiving the request.

1. Cancellation and Refund Deadlines

Before 23 July 2026 (60+ days):
100% of registration fees refunded minus $100 processing fee.

23 July – 21 August 2026 (30–60 days):
50% of registration fees refunded minus $100 processing fee.

22 August – 21 September 2026 (<30 days):
No refund.

2. Substitutions
Registrants unable to attend may transfer their registration to a colleague at any time prior to the conference. The substitute must meet the same registration requirements (Participant vs. Participant rates, if applicable).

3. Visa or Travel Restrictions
Visa denials qualify for 100% refund minus a $100 processing fee before 21 August 2026. To receive a refund, you must submit a copy of your visa denial letter.

4. Event Changes
The organizers reserve the right to modify the program, dates, or location if necessary. In case of event cancellation by organizers, full registration refunds will be issued.

5. Communication
All cancellation or substitution requests must be submitted in writing to events@unglobalcompact.org. Refunds or credits will be processed within 7 business days of receiving the request.

CROWD RELEASE AND CONSENT FORM

UN GLOBAL COMPACT EVENTS
 

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE ENTERING THE EVENT PREMISES

By entering a UN Global Compact event (the "Event"), you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. NOTICE OF RECORDING

You are entering an area where photography, audio recording, and video recording (collectively, "Recording") may occur. Such Recording may capture your likeness, voice, and actions while at the Event.

2. CONSENT AND GRANT OF RIGHTS

2.1 Your entry and presence at the Event constitute your consent to:

a) Be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded; and
b) The release, publication, exhibition, reproduction, licensing, and use of any Recording of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with the UN Global Compact and its initiatives.

2.2 You grant the UN Global Compact, its affiliates, licensees, assigns, and sublicensees the following rights:

a) The right to use, reproduce, distribute, exhibit, display, perform, edit, create derivatives of, and otherwise exploit any Recording in any medium now known or hereafter devised, including, but not limited to, websites, social media platforms, news outlets, and advertising materials;
b) The right to combine the Recording with other materials; and
c) The right to sublicense any or all such rights to third parties.

2.3 Specific examples of intended uses include, but are not limited to:

a) Promotional materials for future UN Global Compact events;
b) Educational content related to UN Global Compact initiatives;
c) Social media posts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn;
d) Press releases and news articles about the Event and its outcomes; and
e) Annual reports and other organizational documents.

3. WAIVER AND RELEASE

3.1 By entering the Event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of Recording of you at the Event, including, without limitation:

a) Any right to inspect or approve the Recording or its use;
b) Any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement;
c) Any claims for compensation related to the use of such Recording; and
d) Any moral rights you may have in the Recording.

3.2 This waiver and release is made in accordance with New York Civil Rights Law §§ 50-51, which prohibit the use of a person's name, portrait, picture, or voice for advertising or trade purposes without their written consent. By entering the Event, you are providing such consent as required by these statutes.

3.3 You acknowledge that this waiver and release is limited to claims that are directly related to the use of the Recording as described in this document and does not extend to any claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct by the UN Global Compact or its representatives.

4. RELIANCE ON CONSENT

You understand and agree that all Recording will be done in reliance on the consent and release provided herein.

5. INTERNATIONAL USE AND DATA PROTECTION

5.1 You acknowledge that Recordings may be used internationally and consent to the transfer and use of such Recordings outside of the United States, subject to applicable laws.

5.2 With respect to data protection and privacy:

a) The UN Global Compact will process any personal data collected through the Recordings in accordance with its Privacy Policy, available at https://unglobalcompact.org/privacy-policy
b) For individuals subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other applicable data protection laws, you acknowledge that your consent to the Recording and its use as described herein constitutes a valid legal basis for processing your personal data.
c) You have the right to request access to, rectification of, or erasure of your personal data, subject to certain limitations as provided by applicable law.

6. MINORS

6.1 If you are under 18 years of age, you may not enter the Event premises unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

6.2 By allowing a minor under your care to enter the Event premises, you, as the parent or legal guardian:

a) Represent that you have read, understood, and agree to this release on behalf of the minor;
b) Warrant that you have the legal authority to provide such consent; and
c) Agree to indemnify and hold harmless the UN Global Compact from any claims arising from the minor's participation in the Event or the use of Recordings featuring the minor.

7. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this release is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and such provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal, and enforceable.

8. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

8.1 This release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

8.2 Any dispute arising out of or relating to this release or the Recording shall be resolved as follows:

a) The parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiations.
b) If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiations within 30 days, it shall be submitted to mediation under the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
c) If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in New York City, New York, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.

9. OPT-OUT PROVISION

9.1 If you do not agree to this release, please do not enter the Event premises. If you have concerns or questions, please contact events@unglobalcompact.org before entering.

9.2 If you have entered the Event premises and subsequently wish to opt-out:

a) Immediately notify an Event staff member of your desire to opt-out;
b) You acknowledge that any Recordings made prior to your opt-out may still be used as described in this release.

SUMMARY: By entering the Event, you consent to be recorded and grant the UN Global Compact extensive rights to use such recordings for various purposes. You waive certain related claims, subject to limitations. If you disagree with these terms, do not enter the Event premises or follow the opt-out procedure if already inside. This release complies with New York law and addresses international data protection concerns.