Business & Human Rights

UNGC Prioritizes Business SDG Contributions

July 24, 2017

In a recent article, UN Global Compact (UNGC) Executive Director Lise Kingo illustrates how UNGC has prioritized efforts to convince businesses to make substantial contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), arguing that the SDGs are necessary "to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality and protect our planet."
UN Partners on SDG Innovation Platform

July 24, 2017

The UN Global Compact, think tank Sustainia, and consultancy DNV GL have partnered on the launch of an online platform called Global Opportunity Explorer that pushes businesses to adopt "innovative business models" to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NGOs Seek BHR Pressure by Clean Energy Investors

July 21, 2017

A group of nongovernmental organizations has launched an "investor briefing" counseling financiers of renewable energy projects on tools they should use, such as human rights "due diligence" and monitoring, to ensure that these projects comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (BHR).
Article: Counsel Must Play Role in "Corporate Citizenship"

July 21, 2017

An article from former General Electric Vice President and General Counsel Ben Heineman paints a broad picture of the need for general counsel to steer their corporations toward a concept of "corporate citizenship" resembling the "environmental, social, and governance" responsibilities recommended for businesses by UN agencies and activist groups.
NGOs Seek BHR Progress Through Contractual Obligations

July 21, 2017

A nongovernmental Worker-Driven Social Responsibility Network has published a paper criticizing voluntary corporate social responsibility commitments as insufficient and calling instead for worker-led initiatives for global labor rights in which workers contract with brands and retailers that agree to recognize human rights in their supply chains.