The United Nations Global Compact is one of the main bridges between the UN and the private business sector: it is an initiative to guide companies to integrate human rights, environmental sustainability, anti-corruption criteria, among others, into their regular operations. Its most practical aspect is the path towards the goals of the 2030 Agenda. In numbers, it encompasses around 25,000 companies in 160 countries. In Spain alone, it includes 1,860 companies.
Since 2020, Sanda Ojiambo has been the Executive Director of the Global Compact, as well as one of the UN's Assistant Secretaries-General. She meets with EL MUNDO during the meeting of leaders and executives held last week in Madrid, as Spain holds the presidency of the Global Compact for 2026. Representatives from companies such as Iberdrola, Indra, Redeia, Naturgy, or Meliá met with the Kenyan director to discuss various business challenges, such as adapting to the European regulatory framework or transitioning companies to more sustainable business models amid high competitiveness.
Spanish companies' criteria in 2025
Data provided by the Global Compact office in Spain
Sustainability: 70% of the Spanish companies analyzed have already adopted formal policies to mitigate the effects of climate change. "The commitment is even more evident among those listed on the Ibex 35, where 97% have already integrated climate change into their environmental policies." A practical example: reducing waste from operations
Equality: it is the second most relevant topic for Spanish entities (87%), behind occupational safety and health. 80% of organizations have formalized "non-discrimination" policies. And 86% of the Spanish companies analyzed that consider gender equality paramount have implemented measures in this regard. In the case of Spanish listed companies, "97% of Ibex 35 companies detail the actions taken to address these risks and impacts in their sustainability reports."
Corporate anti-corruption: measures against it are increasing. 71% of Spanish companies in the Compact have a specific compliance program in the fight against corruption, six points higher than last year (65%). An additional 16% plan to implement it in the next two years. "Among SMEs, the leap is particularly significant: 63% have a program, compared to 56% in the previous edition," the office states.