Programme Overview

SDG Innovation Accelerator

Programme Overview


Facing tough challenges in the constantly evolving world of sustainability and under pressure from both consumers and shareholders, sustainability professionals across the globe are seeking opportunities to connect with their peers for insights and knowledge sharing.

Peer Learning Groups at the UN Global Compact create a safe space for companies to share their best practices and challenges on critical sustainability issues with like-minded professionals, while offering access to industry experts and unique networking opportunities.

Run in collaboration with Global Compact Country Networks, Peer Learning Groups in 2026 will focus on seven priority issue tracks—Just Transition, Gender Equality, Living Wage, Water Resilience, Sustainable Finance, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Human Rights—to move companies forward in taking ambitious action on these issues.

Through facilitated sessions, curated resources and group discussions, participants learn about the latest best practices in any given issue area in a trusted, regulated environment.

What you will experience


  • Learn from the challenges other companies are facing
  • Share ideas and solutions that could help overcome shared challenges
  • Identify trends and emerging innovations that may apply to your company's context
  • Network with like-minded sustainability professionals

What you will gain


  • A safe space for challenging and courageous conversations, facilitated by thematic experts
  • A supportive network of sustainability professionals and industry experts
  • Knowledge, insights and inspiration to advance your company’s sustainability journey

The Learning Experience


Peer Learning Groups in 2026 will focus on seven priority issue tracks: Just Transition, Gender Equality, Living Wage, Water Resilience, Sustainable Finance, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Human Rights. Companies may choose to participate in a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 7 priority issue tracks. (Please see below for a list of issue tracks offered in your country.)

Each issue track encompasses 3-5 live sessions. Facilitated sessions take place virtually and bring together 20-60 participants from different industries and sectors in your region.

Leading up to each session, participants receive materials from the UN Global Compact to help them prepare. During the sessions, participants learn through real-world case examples and interactive discussions among trusted peers.

Priority Issue Tracks


Simply click on the priority issue tracks below to view which Country Networks are offering them in 2026.

  • Portugal
  • Mexico
  • Colombia
  • Tunisia
  • Paraguay
  • Ecuador
  • Angola
  • Pakistan
  • Bolivia
  • Bangladesh
  • Singapore
  • Nigeria
  • Mexico
  • Colombia
  • Central America & Dominican Republic
  • Saudi
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Philippines
  • Paraguay
  • Croatia
  • Ecuador
  • Bolivia
  • Bangladesh
  • Chile
  • Guatemala
  • Nigeria
  • Portugal
  • Mexico
  • Colombia
  • Central America & Dominican Republic
  • Philippines
  • Paraguay
  • Ecuador
  • Angola
  • Bolivia
  • Guatemala
  • Singapore
  • Nigeria
  • Mexico
  • Colombia
  • Thailand
  • Central America & Dominican Republic
  • Saudi
  • Uruguay
  • Tunisia
  • Philippines
  • Ecuador
  • Guatemala
  • Nigeria
  • Mexico
  • Colombia
  • Georgia
  • Central America & Dominican Republic
  • Uruguay
  • Lebanon
  • Philippines
  • Paraguay
  • Croatia
  • Ecuador
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • Guatemala
  • Singapore
  • Nigeria
  • Portugal
  • Mexico
  • Colombia
  • Georgia
  • Thailand
  • Switzerland & Liechtenstein
  • Central America & Dominican Republic
  • Uruguay
  • Tunisia
  • Philippines
  • Croatia
  • Ecuador
  • Angola
  • Pakistan
  • Chile
  • Guatemala
  • Singapore
  • Nigeria
  • Portugal
  • Colombia
  • Central America & Dominican Republic
  • Saudi
  • Uruguay
  • Croatia
  • Ecuador
  • Angola
  • Bolivia
  • Bangladesh
  • Chile
  • Guatemala

Interested in Participating?


To participate in the Peer Learning Groups programme, companies are required to meet the following criteria:

  • Be a participant company of the UN Global Compact in good standing
  • Currently engaged with a Global Compact Country Network in your country, or willing to join
  • Able to appoint two representatives who can commit to joining 3 to 5 live sessions
  • Willing to candidly share, learn and engage with peers. Active participation and active listening are key to peer-to-peer learning

Companies of all sizes and levels of advancement are encouraged to apply. Participation in Peer Learning Groups is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to apply early.

Don’t see your country here? Please contact peerlearning@unglobalcompact.org to indicate your interest in participating in a peer learning group.

  • Angola
  • Bangladesh
  • Bolivia
  • Central America & Dominican Republic
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Croatia
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Ecuador
  • Georgia
  • Guatemala
  • Lebanon
  • Mexico
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Paraguay
  • Philippines
  • Portugal
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
  • Switzerland & Liechtenstein
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay

* Please check exact dates with your Global Compact Country Network

Timeline


Applications Open:
26 February 2026

Application Deadline:
Varies by Country Network

Peer Learning Groups Begin:
April 2026 Onwards
(Please check the exact start dates with your Global Compact Country Network)

What past participants are saying


Have questions about Peer Learning Groups? Please email peerlearning@unglobalcompact.org

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