This week we caught up with Fabio Gfeller, Sustainability Advisor at the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein, to explore how their SME Sustainability Hub is simplifying sustainability for Swiss businesses. If your SME is ready to turn sustainability challenges into growth opportunities, read on and discover how to get started today.
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Who we areÂ
The UN Global Compact (UNGC) provides a principle-based framework that supports companies in operating responsibly and sustainably to create long-term value for their stakeholders and the wider society. By providing practical knowledge, tools, resources, events and training programmes, our ambition is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change.
For many Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sustainability is becoming central to competitiveness, resilience and long-term growth. Yet navigating the world of various sustainability topics and frameworks can feel overwhelming, especially for businesses with limited time and resources. This is where the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein (GCNSL) comes in. With SMEs in mind, we provide an SME programme with practical tools and on-demand online training, in-person workshops as well as peer learning opportunities to help businesses take meaningful steps toward sustainable practices while staying focused on their core operations.
Simplifying the Path to Sustainability
Our SME Sustainability Journey (see picture below) breaks down complex sustainability topics into accessible, actionable steps. The (GCNSL)supports companies by identifying what truly matters to their business model — whether that’s reducing carbon emissions, minimizing child labour risks in the supply chain, upholding diversity and inclusion policies – or all the above.
Our participants benefit from offerings focusing on:
- Preparation for regulation and strategic reporting of sustainability data
- Identification of material, social and environmental opportunities and impacts with the help of AI and workshops
- Strengthening due diligence along the value chain and support throughout the sustainability process (picture below)Â
Practical Tools for SMEs
Our network offers several digital tools that make sustainability more manageable:
- ESG Regulations Navigator: An overview of which regulations apply to SMEs and how to prepare for them.
- AI Materiality Tool: A quick assessment that highlights a company’s most relevant sustainability impacts, risks, and opportunities.
All our resources and offerings are designed to cut through the complexity of sustainability regulations and frameworks, giving SMEs a clear starting point and a structured way forward. You can find all our latest offerings and resources on our SME Sustainability Hub.Â
Learning and Capacity Building
Our programme also provides access to a broad selection of e-learning opportunities and training programs, ranging from introductory courses on sustainability to in-depth modules on reporting, human rights or climate action.
With over 200 learning resources available, SMEs can choose the content that best matches their current stage and ambitions.
Beyond tools and training, the SME Hub emphasizes community and support.
- The SME Exchange Group offers a platform for SMEs to share experiences and learn from each other.
- One-on-one coaching sessions provide direct guidance from sustainability advisors familiar with the realities of smaller businesses.
- The SPARK community connects SMEs to a global network of peers and curated resources.
This combination of local and international connections ensures that Swiss SMEs can both learn from global good practices and stay grounded in their own context. For Swiss SMEs looking to navigate the fast-evolving sustainability landscape, our Network provides a clear and structured way forward — helping businesses not only meet requirements but also turn sustainability into a driver of long-term success.
Interested in joining the biggest sustainability network in Switzerland and worldwide?Â
Learn more about how to join here.  Â
