For companies participating in the UN Global Compact, the Communication on Progress (CoP) is the essential tool for reporting—clearly and systematically—on their commitment to the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles. These principles cover four thematic areas: governance, human rights and labor rights, the environment, and anti-corruption.
Using standardized indicators, the CoP enables companies to assess how sustainability is integrated into their decision-making processes and operational activities. Reporting also entails making commitments public, thereby fostering open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders such as investors, customers, partners, and communities.
All participating companies are required to submit their CoP annually, starting the year after they join. For 2026, the primary reporting window is open from April 1 to July 31. Additionally, there is an extended reporting period running from August 1 to December 31. Adherence to deadlines is crucial: failure to publish results in the loss of participant status.
How to prepare your CoP
Companies participating in the UN Global Compact can prepare their CoP using one of two methods
- uploading a sustainability report
- completing the digital questionnaire
The questionnaire is currently the recommended method and will progressively become the only option available. Launched in 2023, the questionnaire is updated with input from participants and local networks to ensure it evolves in line with the regulatory framework and key international reporting standards. In the questionnaire guidelines, each question is linked to the CSRD and GRI standards, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework.
Companies that complete the digital questionnaire also gain access to the CoP Data Visualization Tool, a database compiling responses from thousands of businesses worldwide. This tool allows users to explore aggregated data—broken down by country, sector, company size, and geographic region—and compare their performance with that of similar organizations globally, helping companies better understand their strengths, areas for improvement, and emerging trends.
The value of the Communication on Progress
The Communication on Progress (CoP) is not merely a compliance requirement but a true strategic lever for companies: integrating reporting into decision-making processes enhances governance and the management of risks and impacts.
In practice, the data does not remain confined to reports or sustainability statements; instead, it becomes a tangible tool for decision-making and dialogue among management, investors, and stakeholders, helping to mitigate the risk of greenwashing and reinforce the credibility of commitments made.
We are now in the last 30-day window for reporting and publishing the CoP—a critical phase for all organizations participating in the UN Global Compact. It is the time for participating companies to communicate their sustainability journey clearly, comprehensively, and transparently.
To this end, the Italian Network has released the first Italian-language content within the Local Academy dedicated entirely to the CoP, designed to guide companies along their journey. After all, sustainability—when effectively measured and communicated—is a key driver of long-term value creation.