Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact guides and supports the global business community in advancing UN goals and values through responsible corporate practices. With more than 10,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Local Networks, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world. For its 20th anniversary Leaders Summit, the UN Global Compact convened virtually on Hopin.
The 20th Leaders Summit was especially crucial in 2020 given the state of the global economy and ongoing events. Not only were they expecting tens of thousands of attendees from the majority of the world's countries, but it was also the UN's first virtual summit.
Instead of the annual 2,000 attendee in-person event at the UN Headquaters in New York City, the events team wanted to use this opportunity to engage its 69 local networks by creating a global experience; the most inclusive event.
"We designed a 26-hour 'Chasing the Sun' conference," said Courtney McNeese, Head of Strategic Events. "The conference had 26 plenaries, 50 breakout sessions with over 500 speakers, 21 United Nations Partner Agencies convened over 55 sessions.