UN Global Compact: Forward Faster

The United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, announced on September 18th the Forward Faster initiative to accelerate private sector action to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations Global Compact enlisted Accenture Song's Sustainability Studio to create the effort's name and brand and bring awareness to Forward Faster through a launch film that premiered during the 78th United Nations General Assembly and includes a dedicated website and social media campaign. The work builds on Accenture's long standing partnership with the United Nations Global Compact, which helped frame the Forward Faster campaign strategy. Accenture Song's Sustainability Studio is dedicated to embedding sustainability and making it relevant and actionable for everyone – for ourselves, for our clients, and for the public at large. It's made up of human-centred designers, strategists, creatives, innovators, marketers, specialists, researchers, and producers - all with a deep understanding of sustainability challenges and tightly connected with the expansive network of sustainability experts and capabilities across Accenture at large. The United Nations Global Compact tapped Accenture Song's Sustainability Studio to help companies understand the window for preventing irreparable damage to our world is rapidly closing, and to urge them to not fall behind the times. By committing to Forward Faster, companies can better focus and accelerate more ambitious action. The forward thinkers of today will get us where we need to be tomorrow. This idea is captured in our film's opening scene, where two young protagonists, aged nine and 10, recite quotes from leaders of the past who misjudged the trajectory of the future. The final quote takes us to 2023, representing the current misguided attitude of many leaders: "Sustainability is important, but we have more urgent issues." A statement that, with time, will once again be proven short-sighted. These young voices – representatives for future generations – deliver an impassioned address, serving as a rallying cry to forward thinkers and leaders. With Forward Faster as their guide, companies can help drive ambitious, world-changing action. The film launched during the 78th United Nations General Assembly to a captive audience of CEOs, CSOs, officials, and government leaders. The film is part of the launch of the Forward Faster initiative, which also includes a dedicated website and social assets.