Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Archives

Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations & Human Rights

Third Session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, October 23-27, Geneva

Location: Room XX of the Palais des Nations, Geneva

Registration: Only UN Member and Observer States, specialized agencies and other international organizations, national human rights institutions with “A status” accreditation, and NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status may attend and participate in the public meetings of the OEIGWG.

The first and second sessions of the OEIGWG were dedicated to conducting constructive deliberations on the content, scope, nature and form of a future international instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises. The Chairperson-Rapporteur of the OEIGWG is currently preparing elements for a draft legally binding instrument, taking into consideration the discussions held during the first two sessions. The third session of the working group will use these draft elements as a basis for substantive negotiations. USCIB’s Gabriella Herzog, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs, will attend the third session.

2017 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights

2017 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights (November 27-29, Geneva)

Registration: here.

USCIB is continuing its coordination strategy with USCIB members in advance of the Forum. Please contact Elizabeth Kim (ekim@uscib.org) if you are attending so we can be sure to include you in strategy sessions.

We would also like to draw your attention the new ‘UN Forum blog series’, which is meant to be an online platform for pre-Forum dialogue around the themes and topics of the 2017 Forum to share information about ongoing work in an accessible way. The UN Forum and Working Group Secretariat would like to encourage you to contribute to the blog- for more details about the focus and how to contribute, please see here.

 

UNGA Events Promote Gender Equality, Tackle Child Labor

Published on September 26, 2017

Last week’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York featured dozens of side-events organized by civil society, business and governments tackling pressing issues facing humanity in the 21st century, such as human rights, climate change and sustainable development.

USCIB President and CEO Peter M Robinson, who also serves as regional vice president for North America for the International Organization of Employers (IOE), advocated on behalf of IOE during several employer-organized side-events, including the launch of the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC).

EPIC is a strategic multi-stakeholder partnership founded by the International Labor Organization (ILO), UN Women and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to assist UN Member States in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), specifically those that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Robinson spoke on a panel on “Drawing top talent for innovation and growth at leading businesses through equal pay policies”, alongside business leaders from IKEA, Accenture, Barclay’s, GAP and Catalyst. Robinson emphasized the compelling business and economic case for unleashing women’s skills and talents and empowering women to enjoy equal access to job opportunities and career advancement. Rather than increasing regulation and legislation, Robinson pointed out that solutions for closing gender parity gaps include a better understanding of the barriers behind such gaps, with cultural and legal barriers differing widely among countries.

“The IOE, with its global membership, is well positioned to help in this regard in both education and advocacy: it is able to share and leverage the experiences of its membership in providing practical services to members and in informing and advising governments and international organizations on policy actions,” said Robinson.

Robinson also represented employers at an Alliance 8.7 launch of the ILO’s Modern Slavery and Child Labor Global Estimates where he provided insight on the position of employers with regards to child labor and forced labor on the high-level panel, “Harnessing the numbers to accelerate eradication.” In his remarks, Robinson emphasized the continued dedication of employers to eradicate child labor and forced labor, noting the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector, especially given the complexity of today’s global supply chains.

“While the primary responsibility lies with governments, as the crucial eradication factor, to establish and enforce national labor laws, business also has a desire and responsibility to do what it can to respect and follow those laws and looks forward to working with governments and other civil society actors in the shared fight to eliminate child and forced labor,” said Robinson.

The event was moderated by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristoff. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop set the stage for the meeting and a “Call to Action” was provided by UK Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel. Other government leaders included Belgium Deputy Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, Argentina’s Deputy Secretary of Foreign Relations Gustavo Zlauvinen, the African Union’s Commissioner for Social Affairs Amira El Fadil and Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor, Martha Newton.

The new Modern Slavery Global Estimates encompass forced labor and forced marriage and it is the first time such research was conducted. The ILO and the Walk Free Foundation jointly published the new Modern Slavery Global Estimates. Additionally, the new Child Labor estimates will be an update to the Global Estimates on Child Labor published by the ILO in 2012.

USCIB Strengthens Business Voice at UNGA

Published on September 26, 2017

The high-level portion of the 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) wrapped up last week in New York, attended by President Donald Trump and other heads of state, and featuring numerous parallel events involving business and business issues.

For the first time, USCIB convened a series of meetings during UNGA week to highlight challenges and opportunities for the U.S. business community in advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development, working with the United Nations, and the importance of partnering with the U.S. government in advancing economic and other benefits at home and abroad.  USCIB events highlighted key U.S. business recommendations and involvement to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), inform climate change policy and implementation, and advance inclusive business engagement as part of UN reform.

These discussions explored the “ingredients for impact” to catalyze business contributions to the SDG’s under the theme, “Business Makes It Happen.”   Over the course of the week, USCIB worked closely with and welcomed representatives of the U.S Department of State, the Office for Management and Budget, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.

USCIB organized 2 Breakfast Roundtables on:

  • Data analytics for SDGs and national reports, and
  • Public private partnerships for SDG impact
OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria speaks at one of USCIB’s UNGA side-events

USCIB members KPMG, Deloitte and Pfizer hosted USCIB events, which drew high-level participants and speakers including OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria, Assistant UN Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs Thomas Gass, Assistant UN Secretary General and Head of the NY office of UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Elliott Harris and Chief of the NY office of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Chantal Line Carpentier.  CEO of Novozymes and USCIB Board member and sustainability champion Peder Holk Nielsen presided over USCIB’s UNGA week wrap up event.

In addition to USCIB-organized events, USCIB was honored to work with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and to represent the International Organization of Employers (IOE) in the launch of two important initiatives: the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) and the ILO Alliance 8.7 study, “Global Estimates on Modern Slavery.”

USCIB joined forces with Business Fights Poverty to co-host the September 18 Business Fights Poverty Conference, “Rethinking Collaboration for the SDG’s”.

A full review of these meetings, their recommendations and next steps, as well as other USCIB involvement in UNGA week will be shared later this week.

USCIB Hosts Business & Human Rights Symposium

Published on September 18, 2017
L-R: Jonathan Drimmer (Barrick Gold), Sarah McGrath (ICAR), Ariel Meyerstein (Citi and formely, USCIB), Gabriella Rigg Herzog (USCIB)

USCIB teamed up with Barrick Gold and Article One Advisors on September 13 to hold a symposium—Human Rights and Remedy in Business Relationships with Limited Leverage. The symposium was hosted by Marriott International and held under Chatham House Rule.

Businesses often have different types of leverage that can be used to help promote corporate responsibility and respect for human rights in their operations and with their business relationships. Contracts provide a clear source of leverage, such as agreements with business partners or sourcing agreements with direct suppliers. This leverage can also extend to using business relationships influence to help promote greater access to judicial and non-judicial remedy for victims – in keeping with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Security and Human Rights (aka Guiding Principles).

“First and foremost, the Guiding Principles set out the critical duty of States to protect the human rights of their citizens through the development and enforcement of national laws,” noted Gabriella Rigg Herzog, USCIB’s vice president for corporate responsibility and labor affairs. “They also include the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and operate with due diligence, and the need for greater access to remedy for victims of alleged human rights abuse,” she added.

But what happens if a business’s leverage is limited? How can a company identify new ways to exercise leverage – especially when it relates to promoting respect for human rights and greater access to remedy – when faced with leverage-limiting scenarios franchises, licensing, sponsorships and non-operated joint ventures?

These questions were the focus of the symposium, which was attended by over 70 representatives of business, U.S. government and civil society. Presenters representing industries as diverse as extractives, hospitality and banking, as well as civil society, discussed stakeholder expectations for business, brainstormed on how to increase trust between stakeholders and business on the issue of leverage, the challenge of defining remedy, and moving from theory to action around key issues like performance, timing and achieving scale.

“Our conversation today is a continuation of the important business and human rights dialogue series launched by Coca-Cola, and which USCIB – together with the International Organization of Employers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – has been proud to co-sponsor,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter M Robinson. “And while we won’t likely resolve all of these important questions today, we’re proud to participate in this dialogue and we’ll look forward to seeing you all and continuing the conversation together in Geneva this November at the UN Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights – and beyond.”

Business Makes It Happen: American Business at the UN General Assembly

Published on September 18, 2017

By Peter M. Robinson
President and CEO
United States Council for International Business

 

“We live in a complex world. The United Nations cannot succeed alone. Partnership must continue to be at the heart of our strategy. We should have the humility to acknowledge the essential role of other actors, while maintaining full awareness of our unique convening power.”

-Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General

The 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) gets under way this week at a time of stresses and strains in the international community. The nature of these stresses is particularly acute for the U.S. business community: a growing need for financing and investment in infrastructure, the open trading system called into question, and calls by some for a retreat from engagement in multilateral forums. How does American business plan for these challenges, and where can we make the biggest difference?

For USCIB and its members, an important place to start tackling these questions is the UN’s 2030 Development Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a framework that will be at the center of this week of high-level meetings, also known as Global Goals Week.

In the face of challenges such as unemployment, climate change and population growth around the world, USCIB believes we have to pursue the SDGs as “must-wins” for the United States and for the American business community. We know that economic growth abroad helps create jobs at home. Open markets and policies that foster private investment offers new markets for our products. Innovation aimed at improved sustainability give the U.S. a leg-up in global competition while advancing investment in energy sources and new technologies to combat climate change.

That is why, this week, USCIB is holding a series of discussions on the margins of the UNGA to cultivate the “ingredients for impact” to catalyze business contributions to the SDGs. We are doing this under the theme, “Business Makes It Happen,” because we believe that, without strong commitment and incentives for the private sector, we won’t be able to achieve the Global Goals.

USCIB supports multilateral solutions to global challenges, with business constructively involved. We rely on solid, long-term dialogue and a close working relationship with both our government and the UN system to advance U.S. business contributions to sustainable development, delivering economic benefits at home and abroad. When it comes to what business depends on to succeed, thrive and lift the American economy, we look to Washington, D.C., and to the United Nations. We depend on both, and that is why USCIB has chosen to step forward as a U.S. business organization, working closely with our partners in the U.S. government as UNGA gets underway.

The Three I’s

The 2030 Agenda provides a blueprint for action that enjoys wide business and government support. But there are still three broad challenges in terms of implementation by business – inclusiveness, innovation and information.

  • Information: While there is more and better information available from companies on SDG action, we are overwhelmed with the quantity of data, and so we – business, governments — don’t know where to begin to understand or prioritize action. We have too much information and not enough analysis. The business community needs to develop ways to present its progress that are accessible and relevant for the international community and national governments.
  • Innovation, which is the best source of solutions for sustainability, still faces obstacles due to a lack of proper incentives for researchers, inventors and investors. The UN must do better in creating a fully welcoming environment and institutional framework for technology innovation that is genuinely involving business experts.
  • Inclusiveness: A basic tenet of the Agenda for 2030 is that no one is left behind. That suggests that everyone needs to be involved to deliver solutions. Yet in some UN forums, the private sector is still not regarded as a full partner in the effort. At times, there are still political sensitivities when business wants to come to the table, or even just listen in on policy deliberations. Clearly, we in business need to do more to demonstrate commitment and deliver actual results.

Statements by both United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and President of the General Assembly Miroslav Lajčák suggest that, under their leadership in the UNGA this year, we could see progress towards a more inclusive and transparent framework to involve the business community across the board. USCIB would endorse and welcome such a development.

By their very nature, many of the SDGs depend on partnerships to be implemented, and we regard business as indispensable in collaborative action to deliver the SDGs. On its 2nd anniversary, the USCIB web platform, Business for 2030, now showcases 200 initiatives from 52 companies, in over 150 countries, covering 85 of the 169 SDG targets. These encompass both philanthropic and corporate responsibility initiatives as well as core business operations that all contribute to achieving one or more of the 17 SDG targets.

Progress has been made, as witnessed by the strong response to this year’s SDG Business Forum on the margins of last July’s High-Level Political Forum – it literally filled the UN’s largest room, the General Assembly Hall. Governments and the UN have to continue to create those new kinds of spaces in which that exchange on policy and practice can occur substantively and with good governance.

With our affiliations to leading global business organizations embedded in the UN system, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the International Organization of Employers (IOE), we have been fortunate to be on the front lines of the collaborative discussions that brought forward the SDGs, and to foster recognized opportunities for the private sector to cooperate with the UN. The process of multilateralism does move slowly, demanding investment of time and effort, but the rewards are outcomes in which business is invested and knows what to expect.

It is already clear to USCIB that one element of success towards efficiency and effectiveness in the reform of the UN is to create the most open and inclusive institutional structures to consult with representative business bodies, and then to recognize and include those inputs. We have seen time and again how the ILO, the OECD and other inter-governmental forums have demonstrated that including business in a recognized manner is a value add because it is brings on board those societal partners that invest, innovate and implement.

At USCIB, we are more convinced than ever that a more open and accountable policy dialogue, with recognized involvement of representative business groups, is a fundamental element of good governance (which is in fact the aim of SDG16), and will deliver real results. By and large, UN bodies are involving business in more substantive ways, and we are looking forward to this year’s UNGA to keep that discussion going, particularly in the context of UN reform.

In his report laying out his vision of UN reform, Secretary General Guterres presents eight big ideas for reform of the UN system.  At the heart of those are the 17 big commitments which the global community made in 2015: the SDGs. Our main goal this week is to join the international dialogues and offer ways to make those big ideas a reality for, and with, U.S. business.

Throughout the negotiations leading to the SDGs, and now in the period of their execution, we have underscored the need for business to be embedded in the process. This is necessary to leverage all the resources that the private sector can provide through investment, innovation and know-how. With dialogue and the right mix of incentives, business really can make it happen and we will be working throughout this year’s UNGA to continue the evolution towards collaborative and impactful SDG partnerships with business.

Business Makes It Happen: UNGA Week Events Spotlight the Private Sector’s Role in Sustainable Development

Published on September 14, 2017

New York, N.Y., September 13, 2017 – As United Nations members gather in New York to review progress on the UN’s ambitious 2030 Development Agenda, American business is underscoring how much it is doing – and could be doing, provided the proper incentives – in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United States Council for International Business (USCIB), which represents America’s most innovative and successful global companies, plans a series of events in New York throughout the week of September 18, centered on the theme: “Business makes it happen.”

“This is an important moment for the SDGs and for the UN family,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson. “Throughout the negotiations leading to the SDGs, and now in the period of their execution, we have underscored the need for business to be embedded in the process. This is necessary to leverage all the resources that the private sector can provide through investment, innovation and know-how. With dialogue and the right mix of incentives, business really can make it happen.”

Events the week of September 18 include:

  • Rethinking Collaboration for the SDGs, September 18 at Barclays, 745 Seventh Avenue. USCIB will join forces with Business Fights Poverty to co-host this action-focused half-day event on how business, government and civil society are collaborating to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. USCIB’s Robinson and several USCIB members are among the speakers.
  • Data Analytics for SDGs and National Reports, September 19 at KPMG, 345 Park Avenue. Experts from USCIB member companies will present and discuss private sector frameworks for data analytics on SDG implementation, and consider opportunities for synergy with national reports for more targeted and comprehensive UN discussion and action.
  • Going Further Together for Shared Impact: U.S. Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development, September 21 at Deloitte, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. USCIB member companies and government partners will present and discuss examples of public-private sector partnership to advance the SDGs, with a view to expanding those working relationships and improving and scaling up efforts for shared impact and benefit.
  • USCIB Side Event, Business Makes It Happen, September 22 at Pfizer, 235 East 42nd Street. This wrap-up event will present the main recommendations and initiatives identified during UNGA week, and discuss next steps on the intersection of UN reform and the SDGs, scaling up investment in infrastructure, public-private partnerships and institutional evolution needed to catalyze business involvement to advance SDGs.

In 2015, USCIB launched Business for 2030, an ambitious effort to catalogue and catalyze company efforts to support the SDGs. The site has quickly become a go-to resource for all stakeholders interested in the SDGs to learn about what the global business community is doing to help achieve them. Business for 2030 now showcases 187 initiatives from 49 companies, in over 150 countries, covering 83 of the 169 SDG targets. These encompass both philanthropic corporate responsibility initiatives as well as core business operations that all contribute to achieving one or more of the 17 SDG targets.

“Innovation, infrastructure, economic growth and empowerment and good governance are the four inter-linked cornerstones for all 17 SDGs for business,” stated Norine Kennedy, USCIB’s vice president for strategic international engagement, energy and environment. “Therefore, it is crucial to consult with private-sector groups at the national and regional level to develop enabling frameworks for business actions to advance the SDGs.”

The latest list of UNGA week events organized by USCIB is available here.

About USCIB:
USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence. Its members include U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world. As the U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Organization of Employers and Business at OECD, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, USCIB
Tel: +1 917 420 0039
jhuneke@uscib.org

USCIB Spotlights Business Engagement During UNGA Week

Published on September 6, 2017

From September 18 to 22, 193 countries will gather in New York for the opening of the 72nd UN General Assembly (GA). The GA is the UN’s governing body, and its sessions deliberate and decide global approaches on a wide range of issues and programs impacting and offering opportunities for U.S. business. Under the leadership of new Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the UN reform process underway this year holds out the promise of more inclusive and substantive public-private sector dialogue and cooperation in the UN system to advance economic growth and sustainable development.

 

USCIB at UN General Assembly Week, September 18-22 in New York

We are pleased to share an updated list of USCIB events during UNGA week. In particular, we’d like to invite you to register for a new USCIB UNGA week event on Friday, September 22nd from 3 – 5 pm: Business Makes it Happen. We also flag important events by the International Chamber of Commerce, IPIECA, and other business organizations for your awareness.

USCIB-Organized Events:

Monday, September 18: Business Fights Poverty Conference, “Rethinking Collaboration for the SDGs,”
8:30AM-2:30PM, hosted by Barclays offices at 745 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

USCIB will join forces with Business Fights Poverty to co-host this action-focused half-day event on how business, government and civil society are collaborating to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. USCIB’s President and CEO, Peter Robinson, and USCIB members will be on hand as panelists.

USCIB members are encouraged to RSVP directly here.

Tuesday, September 19: “Data Analytics for SDGs and National Reports,” a USCIB UNGA72 Breakfast Roundtable
8:00AM-10:00AM, hosted by KPMG at 345 Park Avenue (51st between Park and Lex), New York, NY 10154, 37th Floor

Measuring progress and tracking private sector development impact is crucial to prioritize deployment of investment and other business resources, and to inform SDG relevant policy and implementation. Big data is not enough by itself and governments and business alike are facing the challenge of “too much information.” A framework for understanding and prioritizing sustainability actions depends on the right analysis of that information.

Experts from USCIB member companies will present and discuss private sector frameworks for data analytics on SDG implementation, and consider opportunities for synergy with national reports for more targeted and comprehensive UN discussion and action.

As space is limited, please register here.

Thursday, September 21: “Going Further Together for Shared Impact: U.S. Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development” a USCIB UNGA72 Breakfast Roundtable
8:00AM-10:00AM, hosted by Deloitte at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

Public-private cooperation is needed to break down silos, catalyze resources and join forces to address SDG challenges. Such partnerships are also identifying new business opportunities and innovative solutions. USCIB member companies and government partners will present and discuss examples of public-private sector partnership to advance the SDGs, with a view to expanding those working relationships and improving and scaling up efforts for shared impact and benefit.

As space is limited, please register here.

Friday, September 22: USCIB Side Event, Business Makes It Happen
3:00PM-5:00 PM, hosted by Pfizer at 235 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

This wrap-up event will present the main recommendations and initiatives identified during USCIB UNGA week events, and discuss next steps on key questions:

  • Where does UN reform create new opportunities to mobilize business action on SDGs?
  • How can business metrics and analytics optimize and scale up investment in needed infrastructure and implementation of SDGs?
  • What are the essential ingredients for impact in public private partnerships advancing the SDGs?
  • What is the institutional evolution needed to catalyze business innovation and involvement to advance SDGs in multilateral institutions?

As space is limited, please register here.

ICC Events

Monday, September 18: UN Global Compact Private Sector Forum, co-organized with ICC
From 12:30PM at UN Headquarters

Hosted annually by the UN Secretary General, the Forum invites leading CEOs and investors, Heads of State and Government, senior UN leadership and select civil society representatives to take part in an interactive discussion and high-level networking opportunity on the SDGs. This year, with the theme of Unlocking Prosperity: Financing the 2030 Agenda, the Forum will focus on ways stakeholders can work together to catalyze responsible business growth and unlock innovative forms of financing at an unprecedented scale.

Monday, September 18: Business for the SDGs: Innovation, Technology and Connectivity for a better future for all
5:00PM – 8:00PM at ECOSOC Chamber, UN Headquarters

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), GSMA, UN DESA, and the Governments of Indonesia and Colombia are delighted to invite you to this high-level event.

Only two years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, businesses, governments and civil society are deploying technology solutions to address key areas articulated by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many of these initiatives highlight how business can drive mobile technology, digital tools and connectivity to effectively support people, planet, prosperity and peace. Collaboration within and across industries, and with governments, will ensure an enabling environment for business to continue to accelerate its contribution to a better future for all.

During this invitation-only event, prominent speakers including Heads of State, UN officials and private sector leaders will share best practices on business action to advance the SDGs, the impact of industry-wide efforts, and how we can augment collaboration between governments and industries to accelerate the delivery of the SDGs.

Due to the need for security approved passes, and strict capacity limitations, please register here before Tuesday September 12. Should ICC receive your registration after this date, they will be unable to guarantee access to the venue. A confirmation email and further logistical details will follow after registration.

Other Business Events:

Monday, September 18: Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) launch
3:00PM-5:30PM at ECOSOC Chamber, UN Headquarters

Peter Robinson, USCIB President and CEO is slated to speak. Event is open to the public.

Monday, September 18 & Tuesday, September 19: Concordia Annual Summit
Monday: 8:00AM-6:00PM, Tuesday: 7:30AM-6:00PM at Grand Hyatt New York – 109 East 42 Street, New York

Monday, September 18 & Tuesday, September 19: World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Impact Summit
At Convene Conference Centre, 730 Third Avenue, New York

Wednesday, September 20: The oil, gas and mining industries and the 2030 Agenda: partnerships and participation to accelerate progress
12:30PM-3:00PM at The Harvard Club, 35 W. 44th Street, New York

Wednesday, September 20: Bloomberg Global Business Forum
7:30AM-3:00PM at The Plaza Hotel, New York

Thursday, September 21: UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2017
At the New York Hilton Midtown, 1335 6th Ave, New York

Business Makes It Happen: Rethinking Collaboration for the SDGs

Published on August 22, 2017

Gearing up for September’s United Nations General Assembly discussion of progress on the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), USCIB has partnered with Business Fights Poverty on an ambitious program on September 18 in New York, “Rethinking Collaboration for the SDGs.”

The invitation-only event will bring together 100 senior business professionals and development partners for an inspiring and action-focused half-day event on how business, government and civil society are collaborating to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson will be among the speakers. Click here to view the agenda and request an invitation.

The September 18 event is part of a week-long series of events organized by USCIB and key partners around the theme of “Business Makes It Happen,” focusing the attention of global policy makers and other key stakeholders on the importance of effective private-sector engagement and participation in achieving the SDGs.

More information on additional events coming shortly!

Consultation on the ILO Global Business Network on Forced Labor and Human Trafficking

The ILO is now seeking input on the Global Business Network on Forced Labour and Human Trafficking. The goals of the Network will include: knowledge sharing and identification of good practices among network members; the development of joint projects and services; strengthening business representative organizations to reach out to small and medium sized enterprises and linkages to wider national ILO projects and activities. The Network is an integral part of the ILO’s work in this area, enabling businesses to share knowledge among themselves but also influence policy makers. Participants will contribute to the design of the network as well as discuss ideas for its initial work plan. The event is for business constituents, and is invite-only. The event will be held under Chatham House Rules.