UN Global Compact Academy Changemakers

EP4: Sharon Burrow

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In this Changemakers episode, Sharan Burrow shows how we can simultaneously address the climate crisis and the social crisis, which is marked by record levels of inequality and distrust. A commitment to both environmental sustainability and shared prosperity means abandoning economic patterns that fail people and the planet, but it also translates to more sustainable business, a reinvigorated license to operate, and other strategic advantages.


Sharan Burrow has been the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation since 2010, representing 200 million workers around the world. In her role, she advocates for the essential role of labor movements in shaping a just transition to a low-carbon economy. In this Changemaker session, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, speaks candidly with Sharan about what a just transition needs to look like, the political and social momentum needed to make it a reality, and what business leaders can learn from her experience

During this session you will learn about:

  • Sharan’s background, how it informs her perspective and inspires her work
  • What just transition means, and what drives Sharan toward this goal
  • How our climate and social challenges are interrelated, and practical ways in which businesses can apply just transition principles to address them in a coordinated and just way
  • Sharan’s take on what future-proof leadership skills and characteristics look like
    • ...more
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    UN Global Compact Academy ChangemakersBy UN Global Compact Academy