19 June 2023 BRUSSELS (ILO News) - The ILO, in collaboration with the European Union, organized an event as part of the Sustainable Supply Chains to Build Forward Better project. Supported by the European Commission's Employment and Social Innovation programme, this event fostered discussions on responsible business conduct and decent work within resilient, inclusive, and sustainable supply chains. ILO Member States, employers' and workers' organizations, and other key stakeholders discussed emerging developments and drivers of change in supply chains.
Participants engaged in open discussions on advancing responsible business conduct and decent work within supply chains, emphasizing resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability. They explored challenges and opportunities and identified new approaches to promote sectoral social dialogue at the European and global levels. The ILO presented its comprehensive synthesis report, summarizing the findings from research conducted by the SSCBFB project. The report highlights the evolving nature of supply chains due to various factors, including technology, climate change, demographic shifts, trade dynamics, and governance frameworks. It also addresses the expanding human rights due diligence requirements and their potential impact on constituents in the Global South.
The event featured two engaging panel sessions. Representatives from Malaysia and Namibia shared their experiences in advancing decent work in specific supply chains. They discussed how the ratification and implementation of international labour standards, labour legislation, capacity-building initiatives, and enhanced social dialogue contributed to addressing decent work deficits within these supply chains.
Speakers from IOE, ITUC, DG-INTPA, and Coca Cola discussed the vital role of employers, workers, and other stakeholders in driving responsible business conduct and promoting decent work within supply chains. The panel emphasized the need for social dialogue, respecting freedom of association, and aligning with evolving governance frameworks.
The event was attended by more than 90 attendees. Participants represented various stakeholders, including Directorates-General of the European Commission, employers, industry associations, multinational enterprises, trade unions, multistakeholder initiatives, and non-governmental organizations.
The ILO event, supported by the EU-ILO project SSCBFB, facilitated constructive dialogue among key stakeholders on advancing responsible business conduct and decent work within resilient and sustainable supply chains. The event's outcomes and the ILO's new synthesis report will contribute to ongoing efforts to create inclusive, resilient, and socially responsible supply chains, benefiting workers and communities worldwide.
