Scholarship Overview
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Programme Overview
The Business & Human Rights Accelerator is a three-month intensive programme designed to help companies transform their commitment to human rights and labour rights into concrete action. Delivered through the UN Global Compact Academy, the Accelerator guides participants through applying human rights due diligence to their own business context, culminating in a practical Action Plan.
The programme addresses the full spectrum of how businesses impact human rights—whether through employees, contract workers, supply chain workers, local communities, or end users of products and services. Participants learn to scope their value chain, identify and prioritize salient human rights risks, and define actionable responses aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
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What Participants Receive
By completing the Accelerator, companies gain:
- A practical Action Plan addressing prioritized human rights and labour rights risks
- A clear foundation for ongoing human rights responsibilities
- Prioritized risk assessment across the value chain
- An ongoing due diligence approach aligned with UN Guiding Principles
- Readiness for evolving regulatory requirements on human rights due diligence
- Enhanced stakeholder engagement and remedy mechanisms
- A network of peers, UN partners, and experts for continued support
- A certificate of completion recognizing participation
Programme Structure: Four Stages
Stage 1: Foundation Building
Participants begin with a global opening introducing the UN Guiding Principles, complete an on-demand foundational course, and attend a localized welcome session facilitated by their Country Network.
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Stage 2: Risk Focus and Action Planning
Three global virtual workshops cover: scoping the company value chain and identifying risks; prioritizing salient human rights impacts; developing specific actions with metrics; and understanding stakeholder engagement and impact communication.
Stage 3: Regional and In-Country Peer Learning
Participants attend in-country sessions and a regional peer-learning session addressing regional priorities, remedy mechanisms, and grievance procedures.
Stage 4: Action Plan Completion
At least two local sessions support finalizing the Action Plan and implementation preparation. Country Networks may extend this phase with additional engagements.
Track Options for African and SADC Applicants
For companies in Zimbabwe and the SADC region, several track options exist:
- Africa Track: Brings together companies from across the continent with collaborative regional sessions delivered by UN Global Compact Country Networks
- In-Country Track: Available if your country has an active Country Network running the Accelerator
- Global Track: Facilitated in English for companies without a local Country Network running the programme
Currently, the Africa Track and South Africa in-country track are the most relevant options for Zimbabwean and SADC-based companies. The Africa Track offers the same curriculum with unique collaborative regional perspectives.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate, companies must:
- Be UN Global Compact participants or willing to join
- Be engaged with a Global Compact Country Network or willing to join
- Have foundational understanding of human rights and labour rights
- Be ready to put knowledge into practice
- Commit to identifying human rights risks and scoping a core value chain area
- Commit to developing and submitting an Action Plan
- Complete all mandatory programme requirements
- Appoint two working-level representatives to attend sessions and participate in activities
- Appoint one executive-level representative to follow developments and participate in high-level events
- Commit to applying outcomes across company strategy and operations
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: 8 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
- Programme Begins: February 2027 (exact dates confirmed by Country Network)
- Information Session: 22 October 2026 (two time zones available)
Space is limited. Early application is strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
Companies apply through their Global Compact Country Network for in-country or regional tracks. For the Global Track or if no local network runs the Accelerator, apply directly through the UN Global Compact. Contact bhraccelerator@unglobalcompact.org with questions.
Important Notes on Programme Nature
This is a corporate capacity-building accelerator, not a traditional scholarship. There is no published award amount, tuition fee, or direct financial grant to participants. The value lies in expert guidance, peer networks, and structured implementation support. Companies should confirm any participation fees with their Country Network, as these are not specified in public materials.
Official scholarship page: https://unglobalcompact.org/take-action/business-and-human-rights
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships