The search is on for 2023 SDG Pioneers
Are you a business leader advancing sustainable development? We want to hear your story
“The SDG Pioneers programme recognizes the dedicated professionals that drive and innovate solutions through new technologies, initiatives and business models that can enable us to reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. We hope their work will inspire others to advance the Global Goals by implementing our Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption: – Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact
In 2023, we are introducing two award categories: 1) large National and Multinational companies and 2) SMEs*. So, in the Netherlands, we will recognize two SDG Pioneers 2023, who will be locally recognized and who will compete in the Global Round.
Apply yourself or nominate a colleague for SDG Pioneer 2023
WHY APPLY OR NOMINATE SOMEONE?
- Employee engagement and recognition – The program provides companies with an opportunity to highlight how their employees are advancing the SDGs and are indeed next generation leaders.
- Enable change agents for the SDGs – Leadership in the 2030 era requires change agents, and the SDG Pioneers Program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for professionals to push their vision forward within their organizations and create change.
- National and global recognition – SDG Pioneers will receive visibility and be recognized for the great work that they have done to advance the SDGs. The Global SDG Pioneers will be announced and recognized at the 2023 UN Global Compact Leaders Summit.
Former SDG Pioneers of The Netherlands
“It was a huge honour to be named as one of the global SDG Pioneers of 2019. As such, I attended the General Assembly of the UN in New York in September last year. It was a truly enriching experience and I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone. I met inspiring people who are very motivated and want to make positive contributions to sustainable development in the world. Looking at the nature of the SDGs, it is clear that all of us need to be working towards their achievement, and particularly businesses need to take an active role. At the end of the day, it is about our own future.”
Dylan McNeill
Diana Visser
Corbion
SDG Pioneer 2020
TIMELINE
Date | Period |
3 April 2023 | Launch of local round |
3 April – 8 June 2023 | Submission period local round |
8 June – 21 June 2023 | Review process by Internal – and External Review Committee |
22 June 2023 during the General Assembly | SDG Pioneers 2023 of The Netherlands announced |
19 September 2023 | Announcement and recognition of Global SDG Pioneers at the Leaders Summit |
*SMEs are considered businesses with 11-250 employees while micro SMEs would be businesses with 1-10 employees.
Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Marco Swan
Senior Program Manager