May Monthly Briefing: Evidencing Upstream Change Our views on what matters |
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This month we put the spotlight on the supply chain.
After the disruption caused by Covid in China (think stalled car assembly lines due to chip shortages) and the knock-on effects of the Suez Canal blockage by the Ever Given behemoth a year ago, do we need any reminders of just how vulnerable extended supply chains have become in the global economy? If we do, the war in Europe provides it – Russia and Ukraine together export more than a quarter of the world’s wheat, Ukraine alone nearly half of its sunflower oil.
Here we are looking look at supply chain issues through the lens of human rights, and examining the potential of technology through blockchain for near complete traceability. That matters, because some consumers worry a lot about where their “stuff” comes from and how it is made. And some investors, taking their cue from them, do too.
However a bigger issue, if we are honest, is from regulators – whether that’s Withhold Release Orders in the US preventing imports from countries using forced labour, or now the proposed EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence.
More important still is the basic economics. De-risking supply chains through greater diversity, builds resilience and reduces the threat of shortages and price hikes, even before ethical issues – which are important, but only part of the story. Sustainability professionals are better off talking the language of business, not just morals, if they want to effect change.
Our guest contributor this month, David Meller, hits that proverbial nail firmly on the head, when he positions this discussion on the territory of business viability and long-term drivers of sustainability.
Mike Tuffrey |
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|  | Just transition throws supply chains into the spotlight Corporations that are engaging with ideas concerning the just transition, are quickly being met with the familiar call for improved supply chain transparency. |
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 | Blockchain: the satellite solution to supply chain ambiguity Validating the authenticity of sustainably sourced goods remains a significant competitive, economic and reputational priority for transnational corporations today. |
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 | CSDD – Is new regulation the solution to create transparency in supply chains? Will the new Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence be enough to eradicate illegitimate human rights practices in European supply chains? |
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 | Evidencing upstream change Throughout 2022 and beyond, implementing human rights due diligence programmes in collaboration with suppliers will become essential to remaining legally compliant, meeting consumer expectations and maintaining a social licence to operate. |
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 | Human rights and business – what is shaping the current agenda?
With the disruption of the pandemic and the huge shifts of population that we are seeing, what does this mean for business? Here are three of the top trends that are shaping the current agenda. |
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 | Social Impact Roundtable Discussion: Building a social impact strategy to lead in 2022 and beyond Join us on 19 May for our Roundtable Discussion: Building a social impact strategy to lead in 2022 and beyond. Register here |
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 | B4SI Mid-Year Event 2022: Social Partnerships as a Catalyst for Climate Action Following on from last year, when we discussed the role of social impact practitioners in ensuring a just transition, we now ask our Practitioner Network to share examples on how best to partner with NGOs/other to accelerate and strengthen environmental activities. Register here |
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