UN Global Compact Network Japan
UN Global Compact Network Japan is the Japanese country network of the UN Global Compact, supporting 500+ Japanese companies in implementing the UN's 10 principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, and advancing the SDGs through seminars, subcommittees, toolkits, and research.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What UN Global Compact Network Japan does
UN Global Compact Network Japan (GCNJ) is the designated Japanese country network of the United Nations Global Compact, founded in 2003 as a general incorporated association under Japanese law. It supports Japanese companies and organizations in implementing the UN Global Compact's 10 principles across human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, and in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization operates as a non-profit, member-funded body with over 500 participating companies and organizations, a small staff of 11-50, and headquarters in the UN University Building in Shibuya, Tokyo.
GCNJ's service portfolio comprises educational seminars at beginner, management, and young-executive levels; 15 specialized subcommittees covering supply chain, anti-corruption, human rights due diligence, ESG, circular economy, and well-being; practical assessment tools such as the multi-lingual CSR Procurement Self-Assessment Questionnaire; research publications including the annual co-authored SDGs Progress Report with IGES and Gender Equality Case Studies; and flagship convenings such as the annual symposium and International Trend Seminars co-hosted with PRI. Strategic partnerships with METI, UN Women, ILO, EU, ABCJ, and the German Business and Human Rights Helpdesk extend its ecosystem reach, while a December 2021 UN General Assembly resolution formally recognized Local Networks' role in regional SDG implementation.
The organization is funded primarily through recurring annual membership dues from participating companies, supplemented by seminar fees (e.g., 60,000 JPY/year for non-members in the Sustainability Management Seminar) and event-related income. There are no equity investors, no parent company, and no disclosed revenue figures. Leadership transitioned in 2022 from Arima Toshio to Isozaki Katsunori, CEO of Kirin Holdings. In FY2026 the organization rebranded to formally include 'UN' in its name, reflecting its institutional alignment with the global UN Global Compact.
UN Global Compact Network Japan firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- UN Global Compact Network Japan
- Legal name
- 国連グローバル・コンパクト・ネットワーク・ジャパン
- Website
- https://ungcjn.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- UN Global Compact Network Japan is the Japanese country network of the UN Global Compact, supporting 500+ Japanese companies in implementing the UN's 10 principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, and advancing the SDGs through seminars, subcommittees, toolkits, and research.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
UN Global Compact Network Japan industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Membership Services
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- United Nations System & Specialized Agencies (BPADAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB)
Keywords
Where UN Global Compact Network Japan is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
UN Global Compact Network Japan business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Membership dues: GCNJ operates as a membership-based general incorporated association funded by annual dues from participating companies and organizations that sign the UN Global Compact.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Sustainability Management Seminar (Management level) - Annual program for management-level participants |
| Other | Annual | Basic Sustainability Seminar (Beginner level) - 3-day intensive program for new sustainability staff |
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
UN Global Compact Network Japan product offering
Product offeringCore offering
UN Global Compact Network Japan is a non-profit membership organization that supports Japanese companies and organizations in implementing the UN Global Compact's 10 principles across human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, and aligning their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals. It delivers member seminars (beginner, management, and executive levels), self-assessment tools, the annual SDGs Progress Report, and 15 thematic subcommittees for peer learning and collective action.
Product overview
UN Global Compact Network Japan operates as a country network for the UN Global Compact, offering a portfolio of sustainability-focused services including educational publications (SDGs Progress Reports, Gender Equality Case Studies), training tools (CSR Procurement Self-Assessment Tool Set, Sustainability Explanation Videos), seminar programs (beginner, management, and executive levels), and member networking through 15 specialized subcommittees. The organization does not offer software products but provides resources, frameworks, and collaborative platforms to help Japanese companies implement the UN Global Compact's 10 Principles covering human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Sustainability Seminars (Sustainability Management Seminar and Basic Sustainability Seminar) Multi-tier training programs covering sustainability fundamentals, CSR, SDGs, and ESG. Includes beginner-level 3-day Basic Sustainability Seminar for new sustainability staff, annual Sustainability Management Seminar (6-session program) for management-level participants, and the Young Executives Program (明日の経営を考える会), a year-long monthly program for executive-officer-level participants.
- CSR Procurement Self-Assessment Tool Set
- SDGs Progress Report Annual survey research report tracking GCNJ member companies' progress on five SDGs: gender equality, decent work, circular economy, climate change, and anti-corruption. Co-authored with IGES and distributed in Japanese and English.
- Gender Equality Case Studies A case study collection documenting gender equality initiatives from 24 GCNJ member companies, published in Japanese and English. Functions as a practical guide for companies seeking to promote gender equality in their organizations.
- Sustainability Explanation Videos A five-part video series explaining the UN Global Compact's four thematic areas and 10 principles across human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, targeted at sustainability beginners. Distributed through GCNJ's YouTube channel.
- Subcommittee Activities (15 thematic subcommittees) 15 specialized subcommittees covering supply chain, environmental management, human rights due diligence, anti-corruption, SDGs, ESG, circular economy, well-being, Kansai region, gender equality education, reporting, and other sustainability themes. Provides member-only collaboration and learning platforms.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 500 Japanese companies and organizations participate as GCNJ members
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use UN Global Compact Network Japan
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
UN Global Compact Network Japan technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
UN Global Compact Network Japan partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- The CEO Water Mandate / Water Resilience Coalition (WRC)coreGCNJ supports Japanese companies in participating in The CEO Water Mandate and the Water Resilience Coalition, UN Global Compact initiatives focused on water security and conservation, supporting the vision of protecting and regenerating global freshwater resources by 2050.
- Paul Polman (former Unilever CEO, UNGC Board Vice Chair)flagshipGCNJ invited Paul Polman as special guest at its 2022 annual symposium 'Sustainable Enterprise and Society' to discuss sustainability leadership with Kirin Holdings and Konica Minolta CEOs.
- Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)coreGCNJ and PRI jointly host annual International Trend Seminars (国際潮流セミナー) on topics such as CFO roles in SDGs, sustainable finance, and ESG disclosure. These seminars consistently attract 350-480+ participants.
- WE EMPOWER Japan (UN Women/ILO/EU joint project)flagshipJoint project with UN Women, ILO, and EU to promote Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in Japan. Produced the WEPs Handbook (Japanese and English) and Gender Equality Case Studies featuring 24 Japanese companies. GCNJ has taken over WEPs promotion activities after the project ended.
- Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)coreGCNJ and IGES have co-authored the annual SDGs Progress Survey Report since 2016, providing the most reliable data on Japanese corporate SDG progress across 5 goal areas. The report is published in both Japanese and English.
- German Business and Human Rights HelpdeskminorCo-developed the Business and Human Rights (BHR) Navigator with the German Helpdesk and Verisk Maplecroft, an online resource helping companies understand and address human rights impacts in global operations and supply chains.
- Overseas Anti-Bribery Committee (ABCJ)coreABCJ and GCNJ co-host the annual Anti-Corruption Forum (腐敗防止年次フォーラム), with 160 participating companies as of 2024. The forum addresses overseas bribery prevention,司法取引 (plea bargaining) utilization, and global internal reporting systems.
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)coreMETI provides support for GCNJ's initiatives and co-sponsors events such as the Anti-Corruption Forum. METI's policies on ESG disclosure and due diligence align closely with GCNJ's program focus areas.
- Kiri Holdings Co., Ltd.flagshipKirin Holdings CEO Isozaki Konori serves as GCNJ representative and board member. GCNJ represents the UNGC in Japan, and major corporations like Kirin actively participate as board members and symposium speakers.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
UN Global Compact Network Japan competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- UN Global Compact Network India: The Indian Local Network of the UN Global Compact. A direct peer to GCNJ with similar mandate, country-network positioning, and member services for companies implementing the UNGC's 10 principles in a major Asian economy.
- UN Global Compact Network Germany: The German Local Network (DGCN) of the UN Global Compact. Operates under the same UNGC framework as GCNJ and has co-developed resources such as the Business and Human Rights Navigator, making it a direct operational peer.
- UN Global Compact Network UK: The UK Local Network of the UN Global Compact, operating under the same mandate, governance framework, and membership model as GCNJ. Comparable in member services, subcommittee structure, and engagement with national regulatory and corporate ecosystems.
- UN Global Compact Network USA: The U.S. Local Network of the UN Global Compact, the direct sister organization to GCNJ. Both operate as country-level membership networks implementing the UNGC's 10 principles and promoting SDG engagement among domestic companies, making operational models and offerings highly comparable.
- UN Global Compact Network France: The French Local Network of the UN Global Compact, with the same UNGC framework, membership model, and corporate sustainability mandate as GCNJ. Comparable as a country-level peer organization.
- UN Global Compact Network Australia: The Australian Local Network of the UN Global Compact, sharing the same country-network mandate, governance structure, and SDG engagement mission as GCNJ. Operates comparable member services and working-group programs.
- UN Global Compact Network Brazil: The Brazilian Local Network of the UN Global Compact (Pacto Global Brasil). Operates as a country-level membership network with the same UNGC mandate, member services, and SDG engagement focus as GCNJ.
Regional players
- Keidanren (Japan Business Federation): Japan's largest comprehensive business federation, addressing sustainability, ESG, and CSR policy at the national level. While much broader in mandate than GCNJ, Keidanren shapes the same Japanese corporate sustainability agenda and engages overlapping Japanese corporate members, making it a relevant adjacent comparator.
Emerging players
- BSR (Business for Social Responsibility): A global sustainability-focused consultancy and network working with businesses on ESG strategy, human rights, and climate. Comparable to GCNJ in serving corporate members on sustainability advisory and collective-action programs, though operating more as a consultancy than a pure membership network.
Broad incumbents
- World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): A global, CEO-led membership organization of over 200 leading companies working on sustainable business. While broader in scope and international in membership, WBCSD overlaps with GCNJ on corporate sustainability frameworks, ESG guidance, and SDG alignment work targeting large Japanese multinationals.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
UN Global Compact Network Japan social profiles
Digital presenceUN Global Compact Network Japan compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
UN Global Compact Network Japan financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
UN Global Compact Network Japan leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
UN Global Compact Network Japan funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
UN Global Compact Network Japan M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about UN Global Compact Network Japan
What does UN Global Compact Network Japan do?
UN Global Compact Network Japan is a non-profit membership organization that supports Japanese companies and organizations in implementing the UN Global Compact's 10 principles across human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, and aligning their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals. It delivers member seminars (beginner, management, and executive levels), self-assessment tools, the annual SDGs Progress Report, and 15 thematic subcommittees for peer learning and collective action.
Is UN Global Compact Network Japan a public or private company?
UN Global Compact Network Japan is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was UN Global Compact Network Japan founded?
UN Global Compact Network Japan was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is UN Global Compact Network Japan based?
UN Global Compact Network Japan is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does UN Global Compact Network Japan make money?
One revenue line is on record: membership dues.
Who are UN Global Compact Network Japan's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are UN Global Compact Network India, UN Global Compact Network Germany, UN Global Compact Network UK, UN Global Compact Network USA, UN Global Compact Network France, UN Global Compact Network Australia and UN Global Compact Network Brazil. Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) is listed as a regional player. BSR (Business for Social Responsibility) is listed as an emerging player. World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does UN Global Compact Network Japan have an API?
No public API is recorded for UN Global Compact Network Japan.
What industry is UN Global Compact Network Japan in?
UN Global Compact Network Japan's product category is Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Membership Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAAAA, United Nations System & Specialized Agencies, with a secondary code of BPADANAB, Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels. Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.