Global Compact Network UK recognises Regan Leahy for championing the Sustainable Development Goals

At its Making Global Goals Local Business UK flagship conference, Global Compact Network UK recognised Regan as the first ever UK SDG Pioneer — young business leader who is championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their company and inspiring others to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Regan developed the firm's first-ever global skills-based volunteering programme, Barefoot Futures, that seeks to inspire young people in advancing the SDGs in their communities. Overall, 250 volunteers have reached 1,000 young people in 23 schools in 8 countries, with 90% of students agreeing to contribute towards achieving the SDGs in their daily life. The Ten Principles are integrated into Barefoot Futures as well as the Global Goals workshop aimed at educating and inspiring commercial clients of the firm to act for the SDGs.

“We were really impressed with the quality of entrants and the high level of engagement in our member companies around the UK. It was an impressive group of applicants and was a very difficult decision. We are delighted to have Regan as our well-deserved 2019 UK SDG Pioneer” says Steve Kenzie, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network UK.

As the winner of the national round, Regan Leahy will now compete in the global round along with other candidates for the title of 2019 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers. The global winners will be announced this September in New York during the UN General Assembly.

“I am honoured and humbled to receive this award for my work helping to achieve the Global Goals with Barefoot College. The Barefoot solar mamas who bring light and learning to their communities are the true SDG pioneers and by working with them, I learned to be one too,” says Regan.

“We are excited to help young professionals innovate new business solutions to address today’s global challenges,” says Lise Kingo, CEO & Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “Leadership in the 2030 era requires change agents. Change agents don’t sit around waiting for the future to happen. They create it. They do not choose the path of least resistance. They stay the course, also when they are ridiculed or fought. In the end — they win. They have the future on their side.”