UN Global Compact CEO Study Reveals Urgent Sustainability Challenges 2024
UN Global Compact CEO Study has officially launched its 12th edition, highlighting how global CEOs are urgently adopting sustainability strategies to build long-term resilience. The report, developed in collaboration with Accenture, reveals that business leaders are increasingly alarmed by the unprecedented speed and scale of global disruption.
Key Findings from the UN Global Compact CEO Study
According to the study, 93% of CEOs report experiencing ten or more simultaneous challenges affecting their organizations. These disruptions—ranging from geopolitical instability to climate impacts—are creating an environment where many businesses struggle to maintain sustainable growth.
Even more concerning, 87% of participating CEOs warn that current levels of disruption may significantly limit progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This recognition underscores the urgent need for stronger corporate action, global collaboration, and innovative sustainability solutions.
The UN Global Compact CEO Study is the largest of its kind, drawing insights from more than 2,600 CEOs across 128 countries and 18 industries. The report also includes over 130 in-depth interviews, representing the most comprehensive leadership sample ever collected, including a record number of executives from the Global South.
- 93% of CEOs face ten or more simultaneous business challenges
- 87% believe disruption threatens SDG progress
- Largest-ever CEO dataset from the Global South
Global Leaders Call for Stronger Sustainability Commitment
Business leaders emphasize that resilience strategies must extend beyond short-term crisis responses. Long-term sustainability initiatives—such as responsible governance, climate action, and social equity—are now essential components of corporate survival and growth.
Many CEOs also highlight the importance of aligning business operations with SDG targets, strengthening supply chains, and investing in digital transformation to withstand future shocks.
To read the full report and explore its global insights, click the official link provided by the UN Global Compact: Access the CEO Study Report.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Global Sustainability
The UN Global Compact CEO Study makes it clear: global businesses are at a critical juncture. Rising disruption threatens progress, yet CEOs worldwide remain committed to delivering sustainable transformation. With strengthened global cooperation and innovative action, the goals of the 2030 Agenda remain within reach.
For related insights, explore our article on UN sustainability initiatives to understand how global organizations contribute to positive environmental and social change.