SMEs have a unique role to
play in a sustainable economy.
Our commitment is to involve them, empower their collective action, and help them discover a business
opportunity in sustainability. Learn more about the local activities offered by the UN Global Compact
Network Australia, as well as, global activities run by the United Nations Global Compact.
Local resources
Communities of Practice
Access peer learning opportunities to engage with other businesses, share experiences, and develop practical approaches across areas such as climate, governance, supply chains, and risk management.
This is where businesses share challenges, compare
approaches, reduce risk, and co-design solutions.
Modern Slavery Community of Practice
(MSCoP)
To help Australian businesses navigate new developments and share learnings in a safe space, we host the MSCoP for business members. Join the SME stream, which was created specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises that are not required to report under the Modern Slavery Act yet. Be part of a collaborative network committed to understanding risks, sharing practical insights, and strengthening responsible business practices.
Sustainability Reporting Community of
Practice (SRCoP)
Publications
Modern Slavery Risk Management – A playbook for Australian SMEs
Modern slavery remains a key human rights risk for Australian businesses of all sizes and sectors. This publication both raises awareness and provides support…
Reducing Emissions and Respecting Human Rights
This publication provides small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with practical guidance on how to consider impacts to people as they go through…
Are your anti-bribery procedures adequate? Guidance for SMEs
This factsheet summarises your business’s obligations under Australia’s current and proposed laws prohibiting foreign bribery, and the compliance…
Bribery Prevention Network
Knowing how to address the risks of bribery and corruption while succeeding in business internationally can be challenging. The Bribery Prevention Network is a public-private partnership that provides SMEs with the resources and collective knowledge needed to prevent, detect, and address bribery within their operations and supply chains.
Explore resources such as The ABCs for SMEs and the C-suite 5-part video series, as well as a companion piece to the Adequate Procedure Guide published under Australia’s new foreign bribery laws.
Visit the Bribery Prevention Network to find out more.
Global resources available for SMEs
The Academy
Participants of the UN Global Compact have access to over 100 learning modules supporting capability development across leadership, management, and operational teams. This e-learning platform consists of an array of resources, from on demand e-learning courses, masterclasses, live webinars and online tool kits, covering beginner to advanced-level content on business sustainability practices. The Academy helps employees understand key sustainability concepts to begin implementation and eventually deepen integration across your own company.
Academy courses with SME focus
The what and how of sustainable design for SMEs
Modern slavery remains a key human rights risk for Australian businesses of all sizes and sectors. This publication both raises awareness and provides support…
Future-proofing your small and medium-sized enterprise
This publication provides small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with practical guidance on how to consider impacts to people as they go through…
How being more sustainable makes you more resilient
This factsheet summarises your business’s obligations under Australia’s current and proposed laws prohibiting foreign bribery, and the compliance…
Global programs
SPARK
SPARK is a new global community from the United Nations Global Compact designed for SME leaders that want curated and practical guidance on achieving their sustainability goals.
Recognising that SMEs often face competing priorities with limited resources, SPARK allows flexibility for members to complete live workshops and on-demand courses – at a pace that fits your schedule.
Through a mix of on-demand learning, live sessions, impactful networking and tailored regional experiences, you’ll gain ready-to-use knowledge and make lasting connections that can supercharge your sustainability journey.
Explore this page to learn more about what SPARK has to offer, or get started now by joining SPARK today:
SME-relevant publications
The unique role of SMEs and supply chains in charting a positive future
SMEs make up 90 per cent of businesses and account for 50 per cent of total employment worldwide. Nearly 40 per cent of GDP in emerging economies…
The SME Guide to Corporate Sustainability
The SME Guide shines a spotlight on latest sustainability trends and offers insights on how to adapt. It comes with a 6-step process to get started and useful…
SME Sustainability Guidebook – Driving sustainability in four steps
This guidebook shows how SMEs can integrate sustainability into their core business in ways that make sense financially and strategically.
Join our network
All businesses are welcome to join the UN Global Compact. In fact, around half of our participants are small and medium-sized enterprises.
Explore the full list of our participating SMEs and learn more about how to join the UN Global Compact here.
Questions?
Reach out to Farah Dirgantoro, Engagement Coordinator