Programme Overview

Peer Learning Groups

Facing tough challenges in the constantly evolving world of sustainability and feeling the pressure from both consumers and shareholders, sustainability professionals across the globe are looking for 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 gaining access to industry leaders and unique networking opportunities.

Run in collaboration with Global Compact Local Networks, Peer Learning Groups in 2024 will focus on six priority issue tracks, aligned with our Forward Faster initiativejust transition, gender equality, living wage, water resilience, finance & investment and SMEs — with the goal of moving 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 about solutions that could help overcome those challenges
  • Identify trends on emerging innovations that may be applicable to your company contexts
  • Network with like-minded sustainability professionals

What you will gain


  • A safe space for challenging and courageous conversations, facilitated by thematic expert
  • A community, network and support system working together to face mounting pressure
  • Knowledge, insights and inspiration to advance your company’s sustainability journey


The Learning Experience

Peer Learning Groups in 2024 will focus on six priority issue tracks: just transition, gender equality, living wage, water resilience, finance & investment and SMEs. Companies may choose to participate in a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 6 priority issue tracks. (Please see below for a list of issue tracks offered in your country.)

Each issue track encompasses 4-6 sessions annually. Sessions are facilitated by UN Global Compact staff 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 session, participants learn through case studies, breakout sessions and discussion forms.

Each thematic Peer Learning Group will discuss how to understand and set goals on the priority topic, integrate those goals into your operations, report and communicate them, and engage with key stakeholders. Companies should walk away with a clearly articulated goal and action plan, and the knowledge, insights and inspiration to advance their company’s journey to join Forward Faster.

Priority Issue Tracks

Simply click on the priority issue tracks below and view which Local Networks are offering them in 2024.

  • Austria
  • France
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Mexico
  • Nepal
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Mexico
  • Portugal
  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein
  • Mexico
  • Portugal
  • Sri Lanka
  • Austria
  • Central America
  • France
  • Mexico
  • Portugal
  • United Kingdom
  • Austria
  • France
  • Ireland
  • Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Mexico
  • Portugal
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka

Interested in Participating?

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

  • Be a participant of the UN Global Compact in good standing
  • Currently engaged with a Global Compact Local Network in your country or willing to join
  • Able to appoint two representatives that can commit to joining 4 to 6 sessions annually
  • 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 serve basis. We encourage you to apply early.


Contact your Local Networks to learn which priority issue tracks are they offering in 2024

  • Austria
  • Canada
  • Central America
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Mexico
  • Nepal

Please check exact dates with your Global Compact Local Network



Timeline

Applications Open:
24 January 2024

Application Deadline:
Varies by Network

Peer Learning Groups Begin:
April 2024 Onwards
(Please check exact start dates with your Global Compact Local Network)


What past participants are saying


Do you have questions about the Peer Learning Groups? Please email peerlearning@unglobalcompact.org.



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