Introduction

The UN Global Compact Business and Human Rights Accelerator 2027 is accepting applications from companies seeking to strengthen their approach to human rights and labour rights. This three-month program supports participating organizations in understanding their responsibilities and developing a continuous human rights due diligence process. Applications close on 30 November 2026, and the accelerator begins in February 2027.

The opportunity is intended for companies across different sectors and regions, rather than individual students seeking degree funding. Participating companies will work on identifying risks, prioritizing action, and incorporating human rights considerations into their business activities. The program also provides opportunities to exchange knowledge with peers, UN partners, and experts.

Scholarship Overview

Although presented here within an educational opportunities framework, this opportunity is a company-focused accelerator, not a degree scholarship. Its learning objectives center on practical human rights due diligence and organizational action. Companies are expected to complete the program and apply what they learn to their strategies and operations.

• Program: UN Global Compact Business and Human Rights Accelerator 2027
• Organizer: United Nations Global Compact
• Duration: Three months
• Participants: Companies across sectors and regions
• Application routes: Local or global track
• Start: February 2027
• Application deadline: 30 November 2026

Host Institution or Organization

The accelerator is offered by the United Nations Global Compact, described as the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. The program focuses on helping companies translate their human rights and labour rights responsibilities into practical action. Its due diligence approach is aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Engagement with a Global Compact Country Network is part of the participation criteria. Companies should already have a connection with a network in their region or be willing to establish that engagement. The program also offers access to a wider community that includes participating peers, UN partners, and experts.

Scholarship Benefits

Participants will develop a clearer understanding of their company’s progress in addressing human rights. They will learn to recognize actual and potential risks, assess their significance, and identify the actions needing the most urgent attention. This learning supports the development of a practical Action Plan focused on salient human rights and labour rights risks.

The accelerator also provides guidance on reducing negative human rights impacts and engaging affected stakeholders. Companies will explore how to incorporate ongoing due diligence into their social sustainability efforts. Those who successfully complete the program will receive an official certificate recognizing completion.

• A practical Action Plan addressing prioritized human rights and labour rights risks.
• Knowledge of an ongoing due diligence approach aligned with the UN Guiding Principles.
• Guidance on addressing adverse impacts and engaging affected stakeholders.
• Connections with peers, UN partners, and experts for shared learning.
• An official certificate following successful completion.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be companies that participate in the UN Global Compact or are willing to join. They should also be connected with a Global Compact Country Network in their region or demonstrate willingness to engage with one. These conditions accompany expectations concerning risk identification, organizational participation, and implementation.

• Be prepared to identify human rights risks and impacts.
• Select a key area of the company’s value chain for further attention.
• Commit to developing an Action Plan addressing identified and prioritized risks.
• Nominate two representatives to attend sessions actively and participate in accelerator activities.
• Appoint an additional executive-level representative to follow developments, provide support, and participate in high-level events.
• Commit to completing the full program and applying the learning to business strategy and operations.

The representation requirement includes two active participants and a separate executive-level representative. Companies should consider both day-to-day participation and senior-level support when assessing readiness. Eligibility therefore involves more than an interest in the subject: it includes a commitment to sustained participation and subsequent application of the learning.

Application Process

Companies should first review the eligibility criteria and confirm their readiness to meet the participation commitments. They must then register online and complete the application form for the Business and Human Rights Accelerator. Applications can be submitted through either the local or global track.

To begin, apply through the organizer’s official website and follow its registration and application instructions. Before submitting, check that the company information and proposed representatives’ details are accurate. Complete the application before the stated deadline of 30 November 2026.

Important Dates and Deadline

The application deadline for the UN Global Compact Business and Human Rights Accelerator 2027 is 30 November 2026. The program is scheduled to begin in February 2027 and runs for three months. Companies should plan their application preparation and representatives’ participation around these dates.

Tips for Applicants

As general preparation advice, start with an internal review of the published eligibility criteria. Confirm the company’s UN Global Compact participation status or willingness to join, along with its Country Network engagement. Addressing these points early can help the team prepare a consistent application.

Discuss availability with the proposed representatives before completing the form. The two active participants should understand the commitment to sessions and activities, while the executive-level representative should understand the support role. This is a practical preparation suggestion, not an additional eligibility condition.

Allow time for internal review rather than leaving submission until the deadline. Check the organizer’s instructions carefully and verify that the application route is appropriate for the company. For general online safety, use the organizer’s official website and treat unofficial requests for sensitive company information cautiously.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

As general guidance, prepare a clear account of the company’s current approach to human rights and labour rights. Distinguish existing practices from areas the company still needs to develop, rather than overstating progress. This can help the application communicate the organization’s starting point accurately.

Consider which area of the value chain would benefit from focused attention. Discuss known concerns internally and identify where further assessment may be needed. This preparation relates to the published expectation that companies identify risks and select a key value-chain area, but it does not replace the organizer’s application instructions.

Think about how the learning could inform business strategy and operations after the accelerator. Internal discussions about responsibilities, executive support, and follow-through can help clarify the company’s commitment. Present such plans honestly, and avoid claiming actions or outcomes that have not occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can individual students apply for this accelerator?

The eligibility criteria identify companies as applicants. Participating companies nominate representatives to take part in the program. This is therefore a corporate learning opportunity rather than an individual student scholarship.

Must a company already participate in the UN Global Compact?

A company may already be a participant or be willing to join. It must also have a connection with a Global Compact Country Network in its region or be willing to engage. Applicants should review both conditions before completing the application.

How many representatives must a company nominate?

Each company must nominate two representatives for active participation in sessions and activities. An additional executive-level representative is also required. That person follows program developments, provides support, and participates in high-level events.

What will participants receive after completing the program?

Successful completion is recognized with an official certificate. The program also helps participants develop a practical Action Plan and an ongoing human rights due diligence approach. Learning opportunities include guidance on risks, impacts, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration.

Conclusion

The UN Global Compact Business and Human Rights Accelerator 2027 combines practical learning with expectations for company-level action. Participating organizations will work toward identifying and prioritizing risks, developing an Action Plan, and applying human rights due diligence within their operations. Eligible companies should review their readiness, organize their representatives, and submit their application through the organizer’s official website before 30 November 2026.