Global Coalition Unites Businesses and Governments for Sustainable Procurement Practices

In a groundbreaking initiative announced on September 25, 2025, a new coalition for sustainable procurement convened for the first time during the UN General Assembly High-level Week. This coalition, led by the UN Global Compact, aims to fundamentally change how businesses and governments approach purchasing by integrating sustainability into their procurement and supply chain processes on a worldwide scale.

Purpose and Vision of the Coalition

The Coalition for Sustainable Procurement is designed to facilitate the transition from merely having policies to actual implementation. It seeks to transform purchasing power into a significant catalyst for positive environmental change, social responsibility, and resilient economic growth. The founding members of this coalition include notable organizations such as Altus Power, Inc., BBVA, and Schneider Electric SE, highlighting the commitment of various sectors to embrace responsible sourcing and sustainability.

By uniting diverse stakeholders, the coalition aims to create a framework for collaboration, allowing businesses to share best practices and lessons learned in sustainable procurement. This includes accelerating decarbonization efforts among suppliers and making procurement more transparent and equitable.

A Meeting of Minds: High-Level Dialogue

The inaugural meeting took place in New York's iconic Chrysler Building, bringing together Chief Procurement Officers, sustainability leaders, and policymakers for high-level discussions. The forum emphasized the pivotal role of governmental bodies in facilitating a sustainability-driven marketplace by creating regulatory frameworks that encourage the integration of sustainability criteria into public purchasing decisions.

Participants shared ideas on closing the gaps in sustainable procurement and discussed practical avenues for collaboration that would make sustainable choices the norm rather than the exception. The forum's discussions highlighted how aligning public policy with sustainable development objectives can catalyze significant market shifts, leading to more resilient supply chains.

Publication Launch: Tackling the Current Challenges

Coinciding with the coalition's formation, a significant publication titled "Procurement: A Catalyst for Sustainable Growth and Resilience" was released. This report assesses the current state of sustainable procurement practice, identifies existing challenges, and outlines emerging trends. It offers valuable insights through frameworks, tools, and real-world case studies, assisting organizations in implementing effective ESG strategies into their purchasing decisions.

Future Directions and Areas of Action

Looking forward, the Coalition will focus on three primary areas of action:

1. Collaboration Platform: Establishing a platform for public and private sector collaboration. This space will allow supply chain leaders to share data, challenges, and innovative solutions to enhance sustainable practices across industries.

2. Guidance and Tools: Developing common directions, guidance, and tools to assist procurement professionals in evaluating environmental and social impacts when making purchasing decisions, alongside traditional factors like cost and quality.

3. Transforming Dialogue into Action: Creating a conducive environment for translating discussions into actionable initiatives that promote sustainable procurement practices, empowering organizations to make impactful changes.

Conclusion

The Coalition for Sustainable Procurement represents a formidable step towards operationalizing sustainability commitments across global supply chains. By fostering an environment of shared knowledge and cooperative efforts, the coalition aims to align diverse actors toward common goals. As businesses take tangible actions towards environmental and social responsibilities, they will also guide policymakers in designing comprehensible regulations that reward sustainable practices. The future of procurement could very well depend on the actions taken today to embed sustainability at its core.

Organizations eager to participate or learn more about the Coalition's initiatives can reach out directly to the UN Global Compact's Sustainable Supply Chains SMEs Team.

For more information, visit unglobalcompact.org.