[New York, July 23, 2019] — Today, Global Compact Network USA recognized the first ever USA SDG Pioneer — a young business leader who is championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their company, as well as inspiring others to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Chosen from a number of highly impressive nominations, the Network is proud to recognize Meg Parker Young, Director of Impact Strategy and Development at Thomson Reuters, as its 2019 SDG Pioneer. Along with her team, Parker Young’s strategy work has enabled Thomson Reuters to draw on its domain and technological expertise within the legal, tax and media fields to better support objective and fair outcomes and build on the strengths of a free press that informs and empowers people around the world. This year, her work has driven the launch of three new corporate carbon commitments, a new commitment to the SDG 16 action platform promoting access to justice, and robust product development discussions to better align the company’s commercial mission with its philanthropic endeavors. Parker Young’s strategy work has also driven external partnerships and, in partnership with her colleagues, paved the way for multiple internal innovation campaigns supporting a new, CEO-led vision for the company focused on the propagation of justice and transparency globally.“It is an honor to accept this recognition on behalf of my Thomson Reuters colleagues, customers and partners who every day work in the collective pursuit of a more transparent, ethical and just future,” says Parker Young. “Progress against the SDGs will require accurate, objective journalism, resilient tax systems and confidence in the rule of law, and we are proud to be a trusted partner in this work.” “We are very pleased to recognize Meg Parker Young as Network USA’s first SDG Pioneer for her leadership at Thomson Reuters to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” says Adam Roy Gordon, Engagement Director of Global Compact Network USA. “Next-generation leadership, such as hers, is necessary for us to achieve the ambition of the SDGs and create the world we want.” As the winner of the national round, Parker Young 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. “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.”