We welcome a wide range of organizations to join the UN Global Compact. Businesses, business associations, labour organizations, academic institutions and civil society organizations can all make a commitment to support business in their realizing their commitments to the Ten Principles of the Global Compact. We know that it takes collective efforts to make a difference for society.
We’re shaping a sustainable future, and you need to be a part of it. Our participants include:
- Large multinational companies with operations in hundreds of countries
- Small companies located in under-developed or conflict-prone regions
- Businesses that rely heavily on suppliers based in markets where sustainability norms are sub-standard
- Business Associations, Labour Organizations, Academic Institutions and Civil Society Organizations
Our participants represent diverse industry sectors, from construction and materials to financial services, support services, computers and electronics.
Exceptions
To ensure the UN Global Compact policies and practices safeguard the integrity and reputation of the United Nations and the values it upholds, we maintain a few exceptions that restrict organizations from joining the initiative.
Organizations that meet the following exclusionary criteria cannot be recognized as participants of the UN Global Compact
- Subject to a UN sanction
- Listed on the UN Ineligible Vendors List for ethical reasons
- Derive revenue from the production, sale and/or transfer of antipersonnel landmines or cluster bombs
- Derive revenue from the production and/or manufacturing of tobacco
- Organizations that receive from or provide significant support to companies that fall within the product-based exclusionary criteria
The exclusionary criteria was updated on 4 August 2025. See our Joining Policy for more information.
