Inside the UN Coalition for Sustainable Sourcing
The UN Global Compact has introduced the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement.
This initiative is a strategic move to elevate procurement as a key component in advancing sustainable business, ultimately enhancing business value and competitiveness.
Aligning procurement with sustainability
Rooted in the UN Global Compact's Sustainable Supply Chains & SMEs Programme, the Coalition aims to convene companies committed to integrating sustainability across their procurement practices.
This collaboration will ensure that supply chains evolve to be not only more efficient but also equitable, inclusive and resilient.
While procurement holds a central position in business operations, it remains underutilised in terms of influencing corporate sustainability.
Although there's growing recognition of the importance of responsible business, procurement often remains siloed from broader sustainability efforts.
However, by merging procurement with sustainability, it's possible to achieve cost efficiencies and open new revenue streams, creating financial multipliers as a strategic asset through sustainable sourcing.
The Coalition's goal is to bring together Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and public sector leaders to shape a future where procurement aligns fully with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A vision for systemic change
Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, states: "The Coalition for Sustainable Procurement is not just about changing supply chains ā it's about changing systems."
By prioritising sustainability in sourcing decisions, the Coalition has the potential to enact transformation across industries and geographies.
"This coalition will be a powerful platform to elevate procurement leaders as sustainability champions and ensure that even the smallest suppliers are part of a just and inclusive global economy," Sanda adds.
The founding company members will be confirmed on 25 September 2025 at an event in the Chrysler Building, New York.
The event will assemble CPOs, CSOs, and ministers to discuss shared challenges, opportunities and pathways to reinforce sustainable procurement practices.
A public-private roundtable is planned as the first in a series of engagements designed to foster knowledge sharing, stimulate innovation and catalyse action across corporate supply networks.
Ambitious goals and broad partnerships
For its inaugural year, the Coalition plans several key initiatives, including releasing a State of Sustainable Procurement analysis, creating a practical framework for sustainable procurement and developing guidance and tools for implementation.
Additionally, it seeks to engage with ecosystem partnersāsuch as policymakers, UN agencies, industry platforms and civil society organisationsāto foster collaboration and align efforts for systemic impact.
The Coalition actively recruits leaders from critical industries and strategic supply chains while maintaining a commitment to broad-based participation across sectors and business scales.
Through its ambitious goal of engaging 100,000 businesses by 2030, the Coalition focuses on partnerships with small and medium enterprises and suppliers, offering essential resources and expertise for transitioning to sustainable commerce.
Organisations interested in joining the Coalition for Sustainable Procurement may contact the UN Global Compact Sustainable Supply Chains & SMEs Team at [email protected].
Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand.