The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals 2026 is a nine-month UN Global Compact programme empowering young talent to develop business innovations aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Open to professionals aged 35 and under at participating companies. Learn eligibility, benefits, programme structure, timeline, and how to apply.
Overview: SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals 2026
The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is a flagship programme of the UN Global Compact, designed to equip young business leaders with the skills, tools and networks needed to develop real-world innovations that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Running for nine months (February–September 2026), the Accelerator brings together young professionals from companies in the UN Global Compact network to collaborate on cutting-edge sustainability solutions. It blends virtual learning, in-country workshops, coaching, challenge labs, global expert sessions, and peer-to-peer collaboration.
As António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasizes:
“Young people are bold innovators, resilient organizers, and essential partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The programme is designed to activate this potential by transforming participants into SDG-focused innovators capable of driving meaningful business transformation.
Programme Highlights
- Young professionals work in teams to design solutions that solve real business challenges while contributing to the SDGs.
- The nine-month curriculum includes:
- Global webinars
- Local workshops
- Live case studies
- Innovation camps
- Mentoring and expert guidance
- Challenge labs
- A “learning-by-doing” approach ensures participants work on real, measurable sustainability challenges.
- Each innovator is paired with Mentors and Experts for continuous feedback and support.
- Progress is tracked throughout the programme and highlighted as global examples of SDG-aligned business innovation.
- Participants join a global network of young professionals committed to sustainability and business transformation.
Who Can Participate
- High-performing employees at UN Global Compact participating companies
- Aged 35 or younger
- Interested in sustainability, business model innovation, and emerging technologies
- Able to commit at least 4 hours per month to the learning plan
- Available to attend at least four full-day workshops
Participant Benefits
Participants gain access to:
- Accelerated learning across sustainability, innovation, strategy, and systems thinking
- Online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits, and forums
- Cross-company collaboration on innovation projects tailored to company needs
- Coaching, expert mentorship, and global exposure
- A global network of early-career professionals from top companies
- Opportunities to present solutions at high-level UN Global Compact platforms
Company Benefits
Participating companies benefit through:
- Development of SDG-aligned innovations that address internal sustainability challenges
- Embedding the SDGs into business strategy and operations
- Enhanced employee engagement and professional development
- Access to a global network of sustainability experts
- Global recognition for advancing the SDGs through innovation
Learning Experience and Programme Phases
The programme is delivered through a blended format of on-demand learning, virtual deep dives, and in-person innovation labs.
Phase 1 — SDG Exploration
Understanding the SDGs and their implications for business strategy, risk, and opportunity.
Phase 2 — Challenge Identification
Identifying the SDGs most relevant to the company and mapping business impacts.
Phase 3 — Challenge Definition
Using impact tools to build a challenge statement aligned with company needs.
Phase 4 — Solutions Development
Generating innovative ideas and shaping them into actionable project concepts.
Phase 5 — Solutions Testing & Validation
Refining solutions through internal and external testing, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven evaluation.
Team Composition
Each participating company assembles:
- 1–4 teams (subject to approval)
- 2–4 Innovators per team
- 1 Champion (senior leader supporting the teams internally)
- 1 Mentor (assigned through the programme or selected by the company)
Tracks Available
In-Country Track
Delivered in the local language and time zone, with local workshops and peer engagement.
Africa Track
Brings together companies from Egypt and the Indian Ocean region.
Global Track
Available to companies not covered by in-country tracks.
Delivered in English through virtual global sessions and on-demand content.
Space is limited.
Participating countries include: Bangladesh, Central Asia, China, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, France, Georgia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia & Brunei, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Sweden, Türkiye, UK, USA, and more.
Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 15 October 2025 |
| Applications Close | 31 January 2026 |
| Information Session | 2 December 2025 |
| Programme Starts | February 2026 |
| Programme Ends | September 2026 |
How to Apply
Step-by-Step
- Confirm your employer is a UN Global Compact participating company.
- Contact your company’s Global Compact focal point or HR team to express interest.
- Submit your internal application (if required).
- Your company registers your team with the relevant Global Compact Country Network or the Global Track.
- Attend the information session and await confirmation of placement.
Apply Now:
Companies and professionals can register through their UN Global Compact Country Network or via the Global Track if their country is not listed.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals 2026 |
| Organizer | UN Global Compact |
| Duration | 9 months (Feb–Sept 2026) |
| Eligibility | Professionals ≤ 35 at participating companies |
| Format | Hybrid: virtual + in-person workshops |
| Tracks | In-country, Africa track, Global track |
| Benefits | Mentorship, innovation skills, global network, leadership development |
| Application Deadline | 31 January 2026 |
| Cost | Managed through company participation in UNGC |
| Info Session | 2 December 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Young professionals (≤35) from UN Global Compact participating companies.
2. Is there a fee to participate?
Costs vary by company; individuals do not apply independently.
3. Do I need innovation experience?
No. Interest in sustainability and innovation is sufficient.
4. Can professionals from any country join?
Yes—either through in-country tracks or the global track.
5. How much time is required?
Minimum 4 hours per month, plus attendance at major workshops.
6. Is this a remote or in-person programme?
It is hybrid: a mix of virtual global sessions and country-level in-person workshops.
7. Can individual applicants apply without company sponsorship?
No. Only employees of UN Global Compact companies can participate.
Conclusion
The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals 2026 is one of the world’s leading early-career programmes linking sustainability with business innovation. It develops the next generation of corporate changemakers by equipping them with the skills, networks, and experience needed to drive SDG-aligned transformation within their organizations.
For companies seeking to embed sustainability into their core operations—and for young leaders ready to innovate—the Accelerator is an unparalleled opportunity.
