UNGA81 Event Calendar
20-26 September 2026
New York City
Ten years after Agenda 2030 was adopted, the world has made real progress, but the UN's 2025 SDG Report is blunt: none of the 17 Goals is moving at the required pace. With a financing gap of US$ 4 trillion per year across developing countries, these final four years demand empirical proof.
On the Friday preceding the UN General Assembly (UNGA-81), Brazilian business leadership takes the floor at United Nations Headquarters in New York to show that sustainability is the only path to lasting business.
Anyone interested in attending can submit their interest through the form available on the event website. Please note that submitting the form does not guarantee a seat. All registrations are subject to approval by the organizers and availability.
Unstoppable Africa 2026, under the theme Unstoppable Africa: Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future, positions African business at the centre of this shift. This is not about inclusion in global systems—it is about influence over how those systems are designed. Who sets the terms of trade. Who controls capital flows. Who builds, scales and retains value across supply chains. Taking place on 20–21 September 2026 at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, Unstoppable Africa remains the leading African-convened business forum outside the continent and the flagship platform of the Global Africa Business Initiative. This year’s edition is explicitly deal-focused and execution-driven—bringing together heads of state, CEOs, investors and innovators to catalyse transactions, launch investment vehicles and forge cross-border partnerships.
The global energy transition is at a critical inflection point. Geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruption have exposed the risks of fossil fuel dependence, while strengthening the case for clean, diversified and domestically anchored energy systems. Yet despite falling renewable costs and growing CEO confidence in private sector leadership, progress has not reached the speed or scale the moment demands.
The 2026 UN Private Sector Forum will bring together 150 senior leaders from business, government and the United Nations for a focused conversation on what it will take to accelerate a clean and just energy transition. Hosted by the UN Global Compact on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, this invitation-only roundtable will examine how the private sector and public institutions can work together to close the gap between current commitments and the pace of change required to stay on a 1.5°C pathway.
From investment models and grid infrastructure to policy enablers and energy access in underserved markets, participants will surface practical solutions and help shape a collective business response to the Secretary-General's call to action. This Forum creates a direct channel between business, government and the UN to align on priorities, signal demand and build the cross-sector partnerships needed to move from ambition to action.
This reception brings together Nordic and North American changemakers and global sustainability leaders for an evening of ideas, inspiration, and informal exchange. The event is hosted by UN Global Compact Finland and Miltton, one of the Nordics top consultancies. It is also supported by the UN Global Compact Country Networks of Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Canada.
Expect: Short, sharp perspectives from leaders shaping the new sustainability—and navigating what it means for business, impact, and global competitiveness. Think bold ideas, fresh perspectives, meaningful matchmaking, and conversations that challenge the status quo. Whether you're driving change, exploring new partnerships, or simply curious about where sustainability is heading next, this is your room—and a great way to kick off the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week.
If you have any questions, please contact paavali.koivula@globalcompact.fi.
Africa has staked its position as the cornerstone of the world’s future. The continent is now positioned to be the most important driver of global business with a $3 trillion market opportunity.
The Global Africa Business Initiative puts the private sector at the center of the discussions and the solutions. GABI is a platform that places Africa in its rightful place in the global economy and positions the continent as the premier destination for business, trade and investment.
Themed 'Unstoppable Africa 2026: Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future', this year's edition of GABI is deal-focused and execution-driven. Heads of state, CEOs, investors, and innovators convene not to discuss Africa's potential, but to close transactions, launch investment vehicles, and build the infrastructure that keeps value on the continent.
The High-Level Forum on Sustainable Procurement convenes Government Ministers, Chief Executive Officers and Chief Procurement Officers from across sectors and regions to advance an annual public–private dialogue on sustainable procurement as a catalyst for resilient, secure and competitive supply chains that support sustainable economic growth and development. This year’s High-Level Forum marks the official launch of the Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework, a practical global resource designed to help procurement and supply chain leaders translate sustainability commitments into action, strengthen sourcing decisions, and build more resilient, responsible, and future-ready supply chains in an increasingly complex and disruptive environment. This event is by invitation only. For more information, please contact supplychainsandsmes@unglobalcompact.org.
This high-level roundtable brings together government leaders, heads of UN agencies, and CEOs from across the ocean economy to identify the key enablers needed to meet growing global demand in sectors such as green shipping and offshore renewable energy. The closed-door meeting is designed to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors while fostering innovative solutions that support a sustainable and resilient ocean economy. This event is by invitation only. Please contact naas@unglobalcompact.org for more information.
Join Skanska Group and the UN Global Compact Nordic Networks for an exclusive CEO Roundtable during Climate Week NYC, taking place from 8:30–10:30 AM (with networking breakfast from 8:00) on Monday, September 21, in Empire State Building. Hosted by Skanska Group President and CEO Anders Danielsson, this invite-only conversation - "From Uncertainty to Investment" - brings together a select group of CEOs and business leaders from across the real economy and the financial sector to discuss competitiveness and resilience, energy and infrastructure transformation, and how to move sustainability commitments from targets to commercial scale. Held under Chatham House Rule, the roundtable is designed for a frank, forward-looking exchange among business leaders shaping the next phase of sustainable growth. Participation is limited to ensure a focused, high-relevance discussion. This event is by invitation only. Please contact albert.askeljung@globalcompact.se for more information.
Global Talent for Sustainable Development: Unlocking SDG Careers, Green Jobs, and Leadership Pathways for Indonesia Emas 2045 is an interactive dialogue bringing together Indonesian students, diaspora professionals, business leaders, innovators, and sustainability practitioners in New York. Through a CEO Fireside Chat, Young Innovators’ Project Showcase, and World Café discussions, the event will explore emerging SDG-related careers, green jobs, future workforce skills, leadership pathways, and opportunities for mentorship, knowledge transfer, and cross-sector collaboration to support Indonesia’s sustainable development and Indonesia Emas 2045.
This is a collaboration event between UN Global Compact Network Indonesia (IGCN) and Columbia Indonesian Society (CIS), hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York (KJRI New York).
Join us for our Corporate Water Stewardship Half Day held alongside New York Climate Week The program will feature discussions on collective action initiatives and provide updates on Positive Water Impact (PWI), water value chains, Water Scopes, nature-based solutions, basin-level collaboration, and preparations for the 2028 UN Water Conference. Attendees will also hear examples of innovative partnerships and collaborative approaches that are advancing water resilience around the world. We kindly request that each organization send no more than two attendees. Please fill out the Eventbrite to request an invitation. Due to limited capacity, we will be accepting individuals on an ongoing basis.
Air pollution remains one of the world's most significant environmental and public health challenges, contributing to millions of premature deaths each year while imposing substantial economic costs. Despite its close links with climate change and sustainable development, air pollution has often received less attention within corporate sustainability agendas than other environmental issues. At the same time, there is growing recognition of the important role that businesses can play in driving solutions, alongside governments, investors and other stakeholders. The roundtable will bring together a select group of leaders from business, governments, international organizations, investors, civil society and industry associations to discuss how stronger leadership, partnerships and collective action can accelerate progress towards cleaner air. This event is by invitation only. Please contact sierra.craig@unglobalcompact.org for more information.
The roundtable brings together leaders from across the finance ecosystem—including multilateral development banks, central banks, institutional investors, asset owners, corporations, and governments—to explore the systemic policies and regulatory frameworks needed to increase the pipeline of bankable, investable projects. Discussions will focus on creating an enabling environment that mobilizes private capital at scale, highlighting the actions investors are taking today and identifying opportunities for greater collaboration across the financial ecosystem. Participants will examine how public and private sector stakeholders can work together to unlock investment, accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy, and drive meaningful climate action. This event is by invitation only. Please contact naas@unglobalcompact.org for more information.
As climate change accelerates, so too must the pace and scale of innovation. U.S. companies have long been at the forefront of innovative climate solutions. Today, that innovation encompasses not only technology, but also new ways of thinking, from business models and investment frameworks to cross but also new ways of thinking, from business models and investment frameworks to cross-sector collaborations that challenge traditional ways of doing business. "Driving the Future of Climate Action" will bring together corporate sustainability leaders to explore the innovations shaping climate action. The program is designed to be dynamic and interactive, featuring a brief panel on how U.S. companies are translating ambition into action and where the greatest opportunities lie ahead. This will be paired with a demo drive of the all-electric Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity and a live, digital “climate time capsule,” where attendees can contribute predictions and priorities for the year ahead. Together, the event is designed to spark ideas, surface new perspectives, and leave participants with a feeling of momentum and optimism for the future of climate action
Organised by the Global Compact Network Singapore, this roundtable brings Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia, Brunei and Cambodia Local Networks to shape a shared set of priorities ahead of Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. The discussions will take stock of where ASEAN business action stands today and where it should head next, spanning green finance, the energy transition, sustainable supply chains and nature and biodiversity, in support of the Ten Principles and 17 SDGs. This event is by invitation only. For more information, please contact denise.giam@unglobalcompact.sg.
As the international community prepares for COP31, the private sector has a critical role to play in accelerating the transition from climate ambition to implementation. Businesses are increasingly expected not only to set ambitious climate targets, but also to translate these commitments into concrete action through investment, innovation, value chain transformation and collaboration.
At the same time, companies across different markets face common challenges in advancing their climate agendas, including decarbonizing operations and value chains, mobilizing finance, strengthening climate resilience, deploying new technologies and ensuring a just transition. While these challenges are shared, national and regional contexts shape the pathways and solutions available to businesses.
The lead-up to COP31 therefore presents an important opportunity to strengthen international business dialogue, identify common priorities and explore how cooperation across markets can accelerate implementation.
Against this backdrop, UN Global Compact Türkiye, with the support of the United Nations Global Compact and in collaboration with UN Global Compact Country Networks in Australia, France, Georgia, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the United Kingdom, will convene a high-level business roundtable in New York.
This special private sector roundtable will explore how COP31 can serve as an “Implementation COP” by translating climate commitments into tangible business action. The session will bring together business leaders from different regions to assess progress, identify persistent implementation gaps, and discuss how the private sector can accelerate investment, innovation and cross-sector collaboration in support of ambitious and inclusive climate action.
This event is by invitation only. For more information, please contact gozturk@globalcompactturkiye.org.
Join the Water Resilience Coalition for an exclusive CEO & Executive Roundtable during Climate Week NYC, taking place from 5:30–6:30 PM on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the New York Stock Exchange. Today, the WRC is mobilizing 44 companies across 24 priority basins, reaching 63 million people and catalyzing over $500M alongside partners including WaterEquity. This roundtable will focus on scaling impact, expanding participation, and accelerating capital, innovation, and accountability in water resilience. This session will bring together a select group of CEOs and C‑suite leaders for a focused conversation on how business leadership can accelerate progress across these priorities. We look forward to your participation. This event is by invitation only. Please contact smorales@pacinst.org for more information.
Neste and the Consul General of Finland in New York, Ambassador Miia Rantanen, cordially invite you to an exclusive cocktail reception at the Residence of the Consul General of Finland in New York. Energy security and the energy transition are no longer parallel discussions—they are the exact same imperative. The next decade will not be defined by those who set the highest ambitions, but by those who deliver at scale. We need a decade of delivery.
Gather alongside senior stakeholders from sectors like aviation, transportation and finance as well as global policy, to discuss how to simultaneously strengthen energy resilience, changing regulatory landscapes, and accelerate value chain decarbonization.
What to expect
--> Strategic dialogue: An off-the-record exchange on shifting from ambition to deployment,
scaling renewable solutions, and building resilient value chains.
--> Peer network: Curated networking with senior stakeholder and decision-makers from aviation, heavy transport, finance, and global policy.
--> Private reception: Drinks and bites
The UN Global Leaders Summit is back, bigger and bolder than ever. Experience more keynotes, workshops, breakouts and networking opportunities. Join a powerful community of purpose-driven leaders shaping the future of sustainability.
The 2026 SDG Investment Forum is an exclusive, invitation-only gathering held during the UN General Assembly in New York City. The Forum convenes leading finance executives, institutional investors and global policymakers to explore how sustainable finance can advance long-term resilience, growth and measurable impact. Through real-world case studies and high-level peer exchange, participants will examine practical tools that turn sustainability commitments into business value and results.
The UN Global Compact and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), jointly with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the B Team, are pleased to convene a select group of business leaders for a high-level, closed-door dialogue on business and human rights. This platform unites chief executives, board members and select C-level executives from companies at the forefront of responsible business practices for a frank, peer-to-peer exchange on a key governance challenge: Advancing respect for human rights as a core business priority in a complex, rapidly changing world. Participation in this exclusive event is strictly by invitation, held under the Chatham House Rule. This event is by invitation only. For more information, please contact Joan Birika: birika@unglobalcompact.org and Chris Kip: chris.kip@unglobalcompact.org.
Join the UN Global Compact Network UK for the Dilemmas Forum 2026, taking place from 4:15–7:00 PM on Tuesday, 22 September, at the New York Marriott Marquis. Delivered in partnership with the UN Global Compact and other Country Networks, and supported by Linklaters, Slaughter and May, and Crown Agents Bank. This session brings together Chief Legal Officers, Chief Sustainability Officers, and other senior leaders for a scenario-based workshop in which each table works through a hypothetical dilemma drawn from the pressures facing business today — regulatory recalibration and divergence, value chain accountability, communication and credibility risk, and the efficiency and impact trade-offs of AI. Held under the Chatham House Rule, the forum is designed for a frank, practical exchange between peers navigating the same tensions, turning the questions that rarely make it into public discussion into shared, actionable insight. Participation is limited to ensure a focused, high-relevance conversation. This event is by invitation only. For more information, please contact erin.sharpe@unglobalcompact.org.uk.
The 2026 Africa–Caribbean Leadership Forum is an exclusive, high-level gathering held during the UN General Assembly in New York City, convened by the UN Global Compact Networks Nigeria, Caribbean and Ghana. The Forum brings together business leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to explore how Africa and the Caribbean can accelerate sustainable growth, mobilize investment and strengthen resilient value chains. Through high-level peer exchange and action-focused dialogue, participants will identify practical partnerships and solutions that can translate shared ambition into measurable SDG impact. For more information, please contact programmes@globalcompactng.org.
As part of the UNGA Week, the UN Global Compact Spain and ICEX are organizing an exclusive event for Spanish companies and professionals with a presence in, or strategic interest in, New York. On Tuesday, September 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., we will hold this event at one of New York City's most iconic locations: the Chrysler Building (405 Lexington Ave, 47th floor). The event will feature a “High-level session on the Business Value of Sustainability”, showcasing success stories that demonstrate how ESG commitments can be integrated into corporate strategy, operations, and competitiveness, followed by a networking cocktail reception. The initiative aims to strengthen relationships, exchange perspectives, foster partnerships, and further position Spanish businesses at the forefront of the international dialogue on sustainability and corporate leadership. Event delivered exclusively in Spanish.
This event is by invitation only. Please contact virginiaperezbedmar@pactomundial.org for more information.
The UN Global Leaders Summit is back, bigger and bolder than ever. Experience more keynotes, workshops, breakouts and networking opportunities. Join a powerful community of purpose-driven leaders shaping the future of sustainability.
This event is co-hosted by the UN Global Compact, the Secretariat of the Taskforce on Inequalities and Social-Related Financial Disclosures (TISFD) and WBCSD, aiming to bring together companies for a consultation to gather feedback on the Beta Framework Version 1 of the TISFD.
The TISFD is a global multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to developing a framework and guidance to help businesses and financial institutions understand and report on people-related impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities. The UN Global Compact serves as a Knowledge Partner to the TISFD.
This event is by invitation only. Please contact humanrights@unglobalcompact.org for more information.
The session brings together policymakers, ocean advocates, scientists and industry to discuss how to secure a Marine Protected Area in Antarctica, and what it will take to reach consensus in the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
Programme:
Opening presentation on the proposed Antarctic Peninsula MPA and the new krill fishery management area proposals: what is on the table, how CCAMLR reaches decisions, and where realistic paths to progress lie.
Moderated panel bringing together perspectives from industry, policy, science and civil society. Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine and Aker QRILL Company, joins the panel. Further speakers will be announced.
Open Q&A.
This event is open to everyone.
Solutions with lower climate impact are already here. Materials, fuels and technologies are ready to scale. But what is missing is demand. Will policy now move to create markets for solutions with lower greenhouse gas emissions, or risk losing the next competitiveness race?
Join us for a lunch session and discover how available lower-climate-impact solutions can become the most attractive and profitable choice, and be the first to hear what the happiest country in the world has to offer at COP31.
At New York Climate Week, Outokumpu and Neste are calling from the front lines of industrial decarbonization. Representing Finnish companies with global reach, they argue that proven lower-emission solutions are ready to scale, but governments need to step up to create favorable market conditions for these solutions and continue industrial investment.
The event is hosted by the Partners of the Finland Pavilion at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. Through the Finland Pavilion, the companies aim to contribute to international dialogue on lowering industrial greenhouse emissions, accelerating energy transition, and the scaling of proven climate solutions.
This is an all-day conference, in partnership with the High Ambition Climate Collective, the Port of Seattle, C40 Cities, and the Port Authority of NY/NJ, to discuss port electrification, alternative fuel infrastructure, maritme decarbonization, and more. This event is by invitation only. Please contact naas@unglobalcompact.org for more information.
Over 200 senior leaders from participating companies of the United Nations Global Compact and representatives from the United Nations will come together at UN Global Compact Network USA's annual flagship event.
Hosted during the UN General Assembly, the Summit serves as a platform to champion practical business action, foster cross-sector partnerships, and accelerate collaborative solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Request your invitation to attend at no cost!
AI for SDGs: From Adoption to Impact will bring together business leaders, investors, policymakers, international organizations, and UN Global Compact Country Networks from across Europe and Central Asia to explore how artificial intelligence can advance sustainable development.
The event will explore the opportunities and risks emerging from the rapid adoption of AI, with discussions focused on its environmental footprint and potential to support climate action and circularity; inclusion, skills and the future of work; responsible AI governance; and investment in sustainable digital infrastructure across the region. Participants will share practical private-sector perspectives on how companies can use AI to strengthen efficiency, innovation and competitiveness while addressing challenges related to energy and resource use, workforce transition, algorithmic bias, data privacy and responsible deployment.