Forward Faster initiative drives global investment in education and skills development

Forward Faster initiative drives global investment in education and skills development | Photo: Jeswin Thomas

The Forward Faster initiative, launched by the UN Global Compact, represents a growing movement urging the private sector to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Centred on five key pillars, the campaign highlights how corporate investment and innovation can directly influence the advancement of quality education, aligning closely with the ambitions of SDG 4.

At the heart of the initiative lies a call for companies to redirect financial flows towards projects that close the global skills gap. This means funding technical and vocational training to match the evolving demands of labour markets. By prioritising human capital development, businesses are encouraged not merely to donate, but to embed social responsibility and education within their operational and strategic frameworks.

A cornerstone of this effort is the Forward Faster Learning Hub, a digital platform designed to equip companies with sustainability expertise. The Hub offers practical courses and tools to promote lifelong learning, empowering employees and leaders alike to integrate sustainability into daily practice. Such initiatives aim to strengthen the educational foundations that drive both economic resilience and social inclusion.

Recent data underscores the urgency of these efforts. Reports indicate that only 15% of the Sustainable Development Goals remain on track, while seven out of ten targets show limited or no progress. Against this backdrop, the Forward Faster initiative acts as a catalyst for rethinking how businesses measure success, shifting focus from short-term returns to long-term societal value.

A further priority is gender equality in corporate education. The initiative calls on companies to ensure balanced representation in training and leadership programmes, investing in mentorship schemes and professional development for women. Equal access to education and leadership opportunities, the Global Compact argues, is critical for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.

In January 2026, the Compact reaffirmed its 2026–2030 strategy, outlining a five-year roadmap to translate corporate ambition into measurable results. By leveraging data and technology, participating companies are expected to expand access to education across their global value chains, reinforcing a culture of continuous learning and sustainable innovation.

Through Forward Faster, the private sector is being positioned not just as a financial stakeholder but as an educational partner, essential to shaping a workforce prepared for the challenges of the future.

For further reading on global corporate initiatives advancing education and sustainability, visit UN Global Compact Forward Faster.