By Dr Rosemary Sainty, Australian Representative to the UN Global Compact (2008-2011)

In 2026, the UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA) celebrates 15 years of advancing corporate sustainability across Australia. As the network reaches this milestone, it provides an important moment to reflect on its evolution and impact.

This anniversary follows a historic 2025, which marked both the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. As inaugural Australian Representative to the UN Global Compact, I had the privilege of establishing the UN Global Compact Network in Australia and was subsequently elected by signatories to head the network and build Australia’s strongest corporate citizenship movement committed to the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Officially established and registered as its own Australian Country Network in 2011, the UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA) came to life at a time when Australia was seen as a ‘go to’ country in the UN climate talks (UNFCCC): this was a period of optimism in Australia. The early 2010s saw strong national engagement in climate and sustainability policy, creating a fertile environment for the Network’s growth.

Today, however, the corporate sustainability agenda sits within an increasingly politicised landscape. At times, progress can feel uneven—two steps forward, one step back—making it all the more important to acknowledge the significant gains achieved and the depth of activity underway.

With Australia assuming the Presidency of Negotiations for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference COP31 (officially, the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), the stakes for principled leadership and coordinated action have never been higher.

The UN Global Compact’s UNiting Business LIVE Australia conference is a key milestone on the road to COP31, and a unique moment for business leaders to connect and contribute to Australia’s COP31 agenda.

Here are three highlights based on my observations at the previous UNiting Business LIVE Australia conference.

1. Indigenous wisdom.

It was wonderful to see the recognition and inclusion of indigenous perspectives led by the conference MC, Susan Moylan-Coombs.  These were threaded through the conference including in conversations on co-designing a better future, caring for country and a spiritual connection to country. This conversation was supported by an earlier commitment to open dialogue on the referendum for the “Voice”  and guidance for UNGCNA members on how to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in their business practices.

2. The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact are as relevant as ever.

Being based on internationally agreed UN declarations and conventions on human and labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption gives the Ten Principles a moral legitimacy that transcends political agendas. These universal principles are now augmented by UN agreements including the SDGs and the Paris climate agreement, and significant momentum on the net-zero, nature-positive, modern slavery and just-transition movements. The conference also reflected the growing convergence of interest from the investor community. Given increasing controversies polarising the “ESG” agenda, the UN Global Compact’s universal principles-based approach becomes even more significant.

3. The power of a local network!

Early in the genesis of the UN Global Compact, it became obvious that country-based networks were needed to deepen engagement, localising the Compact. For individuals and organisations committed to corporate sustainability, there needs to be a rallying point, a place to come together, to challenge, benchmark, support, mentor, dialogue – to learn, influence and inspire.   And then, to transition this into collective activity: precisely the legacy of the UNiting Business LIVE conference – sustained positive impacts for the network and its many stakeholders.

Finally, it was wonderful to see the support of the New York delegation, in particular Sando Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, and the passion of participants such as Dr Ken Henry and Dr Catriona Wallace. It is this commitment, together with the hard work of the UNGCNA team over the past 15 years, (including Alice Cope and Kylie Porter as previous Executive Directors) and the inclusive nature of the UNGCNA that will hold it in good stead.

Looking ahead to COP31 and beyond, the UNGCNA’s collaborative spirit and principled leadership will be essential as Australia navigates its next chapter in global sustainability engagement.

UNiting Business LIVE Australia returns to Sydney this May!

In a milestone year, with Australia holding the Presidency for Negotiations at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), UNiting Business LIVE Australia 2026 will serve as a key moment on the global sustainability calendar. The conference will unite Australian business leaders to showcase sustainability leadership and strengthen Australia’s voice on the global stage.

Featuring international addresses, keynote talks, fireside chats and deep‑dive discussions, this year’s program brings together some of Australia and the world’s leading voices in climate and nature risks, First Nations engagement, climate governance, ESG reporting, supply chains and sustainable business transformation.

Secure your delegate passes via this link.

Sign up for updates