15 January 2019: The UN Global Compact’s Canadian network issued a call for companies from Canada to submit initiatives for inclusion in a forthcoming guide on emerging practices on the SDGs. The guide will showcase examples of company actions that contribute to progress towards each of the 17 Global Goals.

In partnership with Global Affairs Canada, the initiative aims to “inspire more companies to embed the SDGs into their corporate strategies,” notes Ayman Chowdhury, Global Compact Network Canada (GCNC). Companies’ submitted practices will be judged on criteria such as SDG integration, the extent to which innovative approaches, partnerships and communication are utilized, the practice’s impact and the company’s measurement system/disclosure and reporting.

Entries will be peer-reviewed, and are eligible for the 2019 SDG Leadership Award, which recognizes companies for driving action towards SDG achievement in Canada and abroad. The guide’s website notes that entries will receive qualitative feedback on existing practices and efforts.

Two to four emerging practice examples will be selected for each of the 17 Goals. Companies do not need to be signatories to the UN Global Compact in order to apply.

Submissions will be accepted until 20 February 2019, and the ‘SDGs Emerging Practice Guide’ is expected to be launched in late March 2019. [GCNC Press Release] [SDGs Emerging Practice Guide Webpage]