UN Global Compact Unveils Innovative Coalition for Sustainable Procurement Transformation

On June 17, 2025, the United Nations Global Compact took a monumental step in promoting sustainable business practices by launching the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement. This initiative aims to position procurement as a pivotal element in advancing sustainability and enhancing corporate value and competitiveness. It emerges as part of the UN Global Compact’s Sustainable Supply Chains SMEs Programme, uniting companies committed to integrating sustainability into their procurement strategies.

Procurement is one of the most influential functions in an organization, yet it remains underutilized when it comes to fostering sustainability practices. Even as awareness of responsible business operations grows, procurement activities are often isolated from broader sustainability initiatives. However, when sustainability becomes a core consideration in procurement, it not only enhances efficiency but also unlocks new revenue opportunities, forming a financial multiplier that highlights the strategic importance of sustainable sourcing. The Coalition seeks to dissolve this disconnect by bringing together Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs), and leaders from the public sector to design a future where procurement practices are in complete alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, emphasized that, “The Coalition for Sustainable Procurement is not simply about creating better supply chains — it's about transforming entire systems.” She expressed that prioritizing sustainability in sourcing decisions has the potential to revolutionize industries and geographical markets alike. The Coalition aims to provide a robust platform for procurement leaders, empowering them as champions of sustainability and ensuring that even the smallest suppliers contribute to a fair and inclusive global economy.

The public announcement of the founding member companies will take place during a high-profile dialogue set for September 25, 2025, at the iconic Chrysler Building in New York City. This flagship event will gather CPOs, CSOs, and government officials to collaboratively identify shared challenges, opportunities, and strategies for enhancing sustainable procurement practices. This public-private roundtable marks the first of many engagements aimed at fostering knowledge sharing, promoting innovation, and driving action throughout corporate supply networks.

In its initial year, the Coalition will release a comprehensive State of Sustainable Procurement analysis, establish a practical framework, and create guidance and tools for effectively implementing sustainable procurement practices. The Coalition will also engage various ecosystem partners—including policymakers, UN agencies, industry platforms, and civil society organizations—to strengthen collaboration and align efforts for systemic impact.

The Coalition is dedicated to fostering inclusivity across different sectors and company sizes as it mobilizes leadership from key industries and strategic supply chains. It aims to engage 100,000 businesses by the year 2030, with a focus on supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and suppliers. This commitment ensures that all businesses have the necessary knowledge, resources, and opportunities to thrive within a sustainable economy.

Organizations interested in supporting or learning more about the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement are encouraged to reach out to the UN Global Compact’s Sustainable Supply Chains SMEs Team at [email protected]

About the UN Global Compact

The UN Global Compact strives to boost the global collective impact of businesses by adhering to its Ten Principles and facilitating the Sustainable Development Goals through accountable corporations and systems that foster change. With over 20,000 participants, the organization maintains 5 Regional Hubs and 63 Country Networks across 80 countries, along with 13 Country Managers working to establish networks in an additional 18 countries. The UN Global Compact stands as the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, uniting businesses for a better world. Follow @globalcompact on social media and visit their website at unglobalcompact.org.