The Climate Ambition Accelerator is a six-month programme that equips companies with the knowledge and practical tools needed to set science-based emissions reduction targets and strengthen their climate strategies. Led by the United Nations Global Compact and delivered through its Global Compact Country Networks, the programme supports companies of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Its objective is to align corporate climate action with a 1.5°C pathway, helping businesses move credibly toward net-zero emissions by 2050 while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Program Benefits and Structure
• Sector Focus: Sector-agnostic, with a strong focus on sustainability and corporate climate action.
• Program Offerings: Participants receive GHG inventory training, peer learning opportunities, access to global best practices, practical exercises, capacity-building sessions, and on-demand learning resources.
• Key Outcomes: Build a stronger climate ambition and GHG management strategy; understand GHG emissions, Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and net-zero fundamentals; and learn how to engage investors, executives, employees, and shareholders around science-based targets.
• Networking: Connect with industry experts, exchange insights in group sessions, and expand professional networks.
• Delivery Model: The programme is delivered locally through Country Networks while drawing on global best practices, enabling participants to progress at their own pace.
• Strategic Alignment: Supports companies in advancing toward the Forward Faster initiative by setting science-based net-zero targets.
Program Experience Outline
• Setting the Scene: Introduction to the programme, cohort onboarding, and orientation to the tools and platforms used.
• GHG Inventory: Best practices and methodologies for building or strengthening a greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
• Setting a Science-Based Target (SBT): Guidance on using SBTi tools, understanding requirements, and identifying the internal stakeholders and resources needed.
• Emissions Management: Focus on developing strategies to reduce emissions and advance climate ambition goals.
• Wrap-Up: Final phase to reflect on lessons learned, consolidate insights, and define next steps.
Eligibility Criteria
• UN Global Compact Participation: Companies must already participate in the UN Global Compact or be willing to join.
• Network Engagement: Applicants must be engaged with a Global Compact Country Network in their region or be willing to join one.
• Climate Commitment: The programme is intended for companies seeking to set ambitious emissions reduction targets aligned with climate science and the goals of the Paris Agreement.
• Company Representation: Participants are expected to appoint two representatives to join accelerator activities and events, as well as one executive-level representative to track progress, provide internal support, and participate in high-level events.
Application Tracks and Timeline
• In-Country Track: UN Global Compact participants in eligible countries can apply through their local Global Compact Country Network.
• Global Track: Companies not located in one of the listed countries may apply through the global track, delivered in English through live and on-demand sessions. Live sessions for the global track take place at 8:00 AM GMT / 5:00 PM JST. Space is limited, and accepted participants are notified in early May.
• Applications Open: 19 February 2026
• Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
• Programme Begins: May 2026
• Programme Ends: November 2026
Informational Sessions
• Session 1: 9 April, 9:00 a.m. (New York) | 3:00 p.m. (Berlin) — Language: English
• Session 2: 9 April, 10:00 a.m. (Santiago) — Language: Spanish
• Session 3: 10 April, 10:00 a.m. (Tokyo) — Language: English
The Climate Ambition Accelerator provides a structured pathway for businesses to strengthen their sustainability efforts, regardless of their current stage. Through expert guidance, collaborative learning, and practical tools, the programme enables companies to take credible climate action, align with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, and contribute to the global transition toward a net-zero future.