Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton and UN Global Compact Network Australia Executive Director Kate Dundas.
Agreement aims to support travel and tourism SMEs globally on their sustainability journey
Certified B Corp Intrepid Travel has deepened its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through a multi-tiered 12-month global agreement with the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
This agreement aims to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sees Intrepid become a sponsor in the UN Global Compact’s SME and Sustainable Supply Chains Programme and a member of the global Coalition for Sustainable Procurement. This coalition will develop a best-practice framework to define sustainable procurement for global businesses across all industries.
Intrepid has more than 10,000 suppliers in 118 countries. Under the agreement, the company’s largest suppliers will gain access to SPARK, a global initiative designed to support SMEs in their sustainability journey, including access to regional live sessions, workshops and self-paced modules.
Intrepid’s Chief People and Purpose Officer, Meegan Marshall, will also participate in the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Procurement in New York City during the UN General Assembly in September 2025, as well as addressing the UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit.
“The world is not on track to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and we’re determined to do everything we can to support rapid progress through collaboration and knowledge sharing,” said Meegan Marshall, Intrepid’s Chief People and Purpose Officer.
“We’re proud to support the UN Global Compact in this mission and to work closely with our teams and suppliers around the world to address urgent environmental and social issues,” she added.
Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Australia, Kate Dundas said: “We are proud to deepen our collaboration with Intrepid Travel through this global partnership, which exemplifies the power of purpose-driven business in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. By supporting SMEs at a global level and embedding sustainability into supply chains, this initiative reflects the kind of bold, practical action we need to accelerate progress toward 2030.”
“Here in Australia, we’re excited to work together to strengthen the UN Global Compact Network Australia’s efforts across CEO, CSO and CMO mobilisation, policy advocacy, resilience and innovation, and the empowerment of young leaders,” she added.
Intrepid has been a participant in the UN Global Compact since 2008 and the two organisations have worked closely over the years. Intrepid was an early adopter of the Forward Faster initiative; is a founding member of the UN Global Compact’s inaugural CMO Impact Think Lab; and was a sponsor of the UNiting Business LIVE Australia conference in Sydney in 2024, attended by the UN Global Compact Assistant Secretary-General and CEO Sanda Ojiambo. Intrepid hosted the UN Global Compact Network Australia’s (UNGCNA’s) new Young Professionals Network launch in Melbourne in August 2025 and will once again be a key partner for the upcoming UNiting Business LIVE Australia conference in Sydney 13-14 May 2026.
Intrepid is globally recognised for its commitment to purpose and impact. Its mission is closely aligned to the UN Global Compact’s efforts to make responsible business mainstream and drive rapid action in support of the SDGs.
ABOUT INTREPID TRAVEL
Intrepid Travel has been a world leader in responsible travel for 36 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel, which comes to life on more than 900 trips all designed to truly experience local culture. With its own network of country offices in 31 countries, Intrepid has unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally recognised for their commitment to transparency and ethical travel, they became B-Corp certified in 2018. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has raised more than $18 million for more than 160 partners. For more information, download the company’s 2024 Integrated Annual Report and follow Intrepid on Facebook,Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn.
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