FUTUREPROOFING BUSINESS

Climate Week Is Coming:

Business of Sustainability is on the Agenda

By Stephanie Tonnesen Hornback

September 16, 2025

It’s September.  That means the world’s largest annual climate event is just around the corner.  Taking place September 18-28, 2025, Climate Week NYC 2025 will see thousands of leaders from business, technology, government, academia and society attending over 900 events across New York City and online.     

One of the largest events and the only one with a focus on business sustainability is the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) USA’s annual summit which will be held on September 25, 2025.  With the theme of “bringing American businesses to the forefront of sustainability,” this year’s summit also celebrates UNGC USA’s 25^th anniversary. Convening more than 200 senior corporate leaders with government and UN leadership, the summit champions practical business action and cross-sector partnerships for a more sustainable future.

Despite the perceived sustainability climate in the United States, UNGC USA is seeing its roster of participating companies grow.  In its most recent Executive Quarterly Update:  Q2 2025 Newsletter, UNGC USA reports continued growth.

Future growth is expected to come from the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which collectively have significant influence and impact on shaping more sustainable, inclusive and resilient economies.

One of the featured sessions at the September 25 summit is a roundtable looking at the essential role of SMEs in building a sustainable future.  As UNGC USA points out, “As sustainability becomes a core expectation for business of all sizes, SMEs are demonstrating leadership through agile decision-making, creative problem-solving and a strong connection to the communities they serve.” 

During the roundtable, UNGC USA hopes to “bring SME leaders together to share strategies, uncover common challenges and explore collaborations that can accelerate business practices across the SME community in the United States.” 

This focus on SMEs is also happening at the global level.  Recently, the UNGC launched SPARK. Created to provide SME’s with much needed support on their sustainability journey, SPARK connects SMEs to industry leaders, allows for knowledge exchange and helps build capacity.  Currently SPARK is free to all UNGC members and SME suppliers of UNGC member companies.

To find virtual events, visit https://www.climateweeknyc.org.  On social media, follow Climate Group and UNGC USA on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and watch the hashtags #ClimateWeekNYC and #UNGCUSASummit.