The United Nations Global Compact Business & Human Rights Accelerator 2027 is accepting applications from companies seeking to strengthen their approach to human rights and labour rights across their operations, supply chains and wider value chains. The three-month programme is designed to help participating companies move from commitments to practical action by identifying and prioritising human rights risks, applying human rights due diligence, engaging stakeholders and developing a concrete Human Rights Action Plan. Applications opened on 8 September 2026 and will close on 30 November 2026. The Accelerator is scheduled to begin in February 2027, with exact dates communicated by the relevant UN Global Compact Country Network. About the Business & Human Rights Accelerator Businesses can have significant impacts on the human rights of employees, contract workers, supply-chain workers, communities and consumers. The UN Global Compact Business & Human Rights Accelerator helps companies translate existing human rights commitments into practical measures that can be incorporated into business strategies and operations. Over the course of three months, participants take part in global workshops, regional and in-country peer-learning activities, on-demand learning and guidance from UN Global Compact Country Networks. The programme is aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other internationally recognised standards. By completing the Accelerator, companies are expected to have a practical Action Plan identifying priority human rights and labour rights risks and outlining actions to address them. Who Can Participate? The Accelerator is intended for companies that already have a foundational understanding of human rights and labour rights and are ready to strengthen their human rights due diligence. To participate, a company must be a UN Global Compact participant or be willing to join the initiative. Participating companies should also: Be engaged with a UN Global Compact Country Network or be willing to join one. Be willing to identify human rights risks and impacts within their value chain. Select a core area of their value chain for further assessment and action. Develop and submit a Human Rights Action Plan. Complete all mandatory Accelerator activities. Appoint two working-level representatives to participate in sessions and programme activities. Appoint an additional executive-level representative to follow programme developments and provide leadership support. Commit to applying programme outcomes across the company’s strategy and operations. What Participants Will Gain The Accelerator provides companies with practical tools and guidance to strengthen their human rights approach. Participants will work towards developing: A practical Action Plan addressing the company’s most salient human rights and labour rights risks. A clearer understanding of corporate responsibilities concerning human rights. Prioritised risks and impacts across the company’s value chain. An ongoing human rights due diligence approach. Greater readiness for evolving human rights due diligence requirements. Stronger stakeholder engagement and approaches to remedy. Connections with companies, UN partners and human rights experts. A certificate recognising successful participation in the Accelerator. Accelerator Programme Structure The programme is organised around four main stages. Stage 1: Build the Foundation Participants are introduced to the Accelerator and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. They complete an on-demand course covering foundational concepts and human rights due diligence, followed by a local welcome session facilitated by a UN Global Compact Country Network. Stage 2: Identify Risks and Take Action Three global virtual workshops help companies scope their value chains, identify potential human rights risks, prioritise salient impacts and begin developing actions and relevant indicators. Participants also explore approaches to engaging affected stakeholders and communicating about human rights impacts. Stage 3: Regional and In-Country Peer Learning Companies participate in in-country activities and regional peer-learning sessions. These sessions address regional priorities as well as remedy and grievance mechanisms. Stage 4: Complete the Action Plan Participants finalise their Action Plans and prepare to implement them within their organisations. Companies participate in at least two local sessions, although individual Country Networks may provide additional engagements. Africa and Regional Tracks The Accelerator offers different participation pathways depending on the location of the company. The Africa Track brings together companies from across Africa for the core Accelerator curriculum, supplemented by collaborative regional sessions delivered through UN Global Compact Country Networks. Companies may also participate through in-country tracks where a relevant Country Network is available. In-country tracks are delivered in the local language and time zone and provide opportunities for local peer learning and direct support. Other regional tracks are available for Asia and Latin America. A Global Track, facilitated in English, is available to companies located in areas where a Country Network is not running the Accelerator. Space on the Global Track is limited, so early application is encouraged. Participating Country Networks The programme is being offered through Country Networks and regional structures covering numerous locations, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Brunei, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and several European and Latin American countries. Companies should check the relevant Country Network to determine whether an in-country or regional track is available. How to Apply Companies interested in participating should first determine whether they meet the programme requirements and identify the appropriate participation track. Applicants should be prepared to nominate the required working-level and executive-level representatives and commit sufficient organisational capacity to complete the programme. Companies should submit their applications through the official UN Global Compact application system before the deadline. Important Dates Applications opened: 8 September 2026Application deadline: 30 November 2026Accelerator begins: February 2027Programme duration: Three monthsTarget participants: CompaniesDelivery: Global, regional and in-country tracks APPLY NOW Why Participate? The Business & Human Rights Accelerator provides companies with a structured pathway for moving beyond high-level commitments towards practical human rights due diligence. For businesses operating complex supply chains or working across multiple markets, the programme can help identify priority risks, strengthen stakeholder engagement, improve internal accountability and prepare for changing expectations around corporate human rights responsibilities. The combination of global learning, regional peer exchange and local Country Network support also allows participating companies to consider human rights challenges within their specific operating contexts. Companies should review the official programme information and confirm the relevant Country Network requirements before applying. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.