DIMR & DGCN expert discussion: A principle-based approach to the SDGs – why it matters for business

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is comprehensive and ambitious. It is intended to help create a fairer, more inclusive world within the natural boundaries of the planet. The Agenda can also help “to build back better” shattered economies re-emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Business has a key role to play in this context: for example, taking responsibility for the health and safety of employees and workers in the supply chain and honor current contracts, allowing for flexibility on delivery and quotas. 

In what it describes as a principle-based approach to contribute to the SDGs, the UN Global Compact „asks companies to first do business responsibly and then pursue opportunities to solve societal challenges (…). In short, companies must not make the world’s problems worse before they try to make them better.” This also has implications for the way in which businesses approach and contribute to the SDGs: Companies can strengthen enjoyment of rights as they seize investment and innovation opportunities contributing to solving sustainable development challenges. At the same time, such efforts risk to miss the mark if companies disregard the negative impacts on rights and principles through its activities – whether directly or indirectly. 

As an increasing number of companies engage with the SDGs and their human rights due diligence at the same time, this expert discussion addresses the why and the how of a principle-based approach specifically to human rights and the SDGs from a business perspective. In particular, it will look at: 

• Why is business so important for fundamental human rights and achieving the SDGs?
  
• What can companies gain if they integrate human rights due diligence into their approach to the SDGs?
  
• How can and should companies deal with conflicting goals and tradeoffs?
  
• How can strong partnerships help in this field of sustainability management? 
  

We look forward to contributions from:

• Stefan Haver, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Evonik
  
• Dan Neale, Social Transformation Lead, World Benchmarking Alliance
  
• Julia Thimm, Head of Human Rights, Tchibo
  
• Michael Windfuhr, Deputy Director, German Institute for Human Rights (DIMR)

Facilitator: Dr. Rebecca DeWinter-Schmitt
This webinar is free and open to the public.