The UN Global Compact is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together businesses, governments, academic institutions and other non-business stakeholders to advance the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. Non-business organizations play a crucial role in advancing our mission. Through their issue expertise, convening power within the sustainability community and commitment to holding both businesses and the initiative accountable to shared standards, they significantly strengthen our collective impact. Engaging with non-businesses provides the UN Global Compact with valuable insights into how businesses operate and creates opportunities for direct collaboration. In turn, non-business organizations align with the initiative’s mission and contribute their expertise to help drive meaningful change.

Ways Non-Businesses Engage with the UN Global Compact

Today, Non-business organizations contribute in multiple meaningful ways, such as:

• Holding permanent seats on the UN Global Compact Board and Country Network Boards
• Serving on the Government Group at the national level
• Participating in issue-specific coalitions and initiatives, such as the Water Resilience Coalition, Ocean Stewardship Coalition, and Global Africa Business Initiative
• Supporting the development and delivery of UN Global Compact programming as critical stakeholders and issue experts
• Speaking at and attending global, regional, and local events

Updated Process for Formal Non-Business Participation (Effective 2025)

In August 2025, the UN Global Compact introduced a new process for formal non-business participation to ensure stronger alignment with our mission and strategic priorities. Previously, applications were reviewed without a formal assessment of mission alignment. The updated approach places greater emphasis on thoughtful screening to promote meaningful and impactful engagement.

Non-business organizations interested in formal participation submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), which undergoes a joint review by the UN Global Compact Office and the relevant Country Network. This review assesses eligibility, mission alignment, and potential contribution to the initiative’s goals. If, based on this review, an Expression of Interest is deemed suitable to move forward, the organization will be invited to proceed to the application phase and asked to submit a letter of intent from their CEO before a final review is conducted. Please note that the full process can take up to 6 months.

This enhanced process helps maintain the UN Global Compact’s integrity and focus while continuing to offer meaningful opportunities for non-business to engage with the initiative.

Please note that the review of expressions of interest and applications is conducted by the relevant Country Network in coordination with the UN Global Compact Office.

Non-Business Categories eligible to submit an Expression of Interest

The following categories of non-business organizations are eligible to express interest in joining the UN Global Compact as non-business participants. To submit an EOI, organizations must meet the general eligibility criteria outlined in the Joining Policy, as well as the category-specific criteria listed below. In addition, non-business organizations must have been legally registered for at least two years prior to submitting an EOI.

Labour Organizations

• Must be a nationally or internationally recognized trade union or other accredited labour organization.

Business Associations

• Potential to advance recruitment of business members to the UN Global Compact
• Potential to significantly advance the mission of the UN Global Compact among the members of the business association itself
  
  

Civil Society Organizations and Other

• Provide critical knowledge and expertise to programming of the UN Global Compact or Country Networks
• Challenge and support business participants in advancing their commitment to the UN Global Compact
• Play a critical role in securing business accountability within the UNGC

Academic Institutions

• Academic institutions interested in joining the UN Global Compact are encouraged to join the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative. PRME is an integrated part of the UN Global Compact and PRME members are recognized as UN Global Compact participants.
  
  

Questions?

For any questions, please contact the Country Network in the country where your entity is registered. You can find a list of our Country Networks and their contact information here.