UNGA81 Event Calendar
20-26 September 2026
New York City
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
UN Global Compact Spain will host a cocktail reception for Spanish companies attending the UN Global Compact Week and the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations. On Tuesday, September 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., we will hold this gathering at one of New York City's most iconic locations: the Chrysler Building (405 Lexington Ave, 47th floor). It will be a unique opportunity to visit one of the city’s architectural landmarks while networking with other companies/ Spanish institutions/UN agencies, building relationships, and exchanging ideas in a relaxed and exclusive cocktail-style setting. 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.
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!