Business & Human Rights

Business & Human Rights

Business & Human Rights Accelerator

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The idea of human rights is as simple as it is powerful: That all people have a right to be treated with dignity.
Businesses often impact the human rights of their employees and contract workers, workers in their supply chains, the communities around their operations and even the end users of their products or services. Whether directly or indirectly, they impact virtually the entire spectrum of internationally recognized human rights.

As a result, companies have both a responsibility and an opportunity to advance human rights across operations, supply chains and beyond.

Is your company able to know and show that it supports and respects the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and that it is not complicit in human rights abuses?

The Business & Human Rights Accelerator is a six-month programme activating companies participating in the UN Global Compact across industries and regions. This hands-on programme will help you move from commitment to action on human rights and labour rights through establishing an ongoing human rights due diligence process.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?

  • How to identify your responsibilities in respecting human rights and labour rights, expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
  • How to establish an ongoing human rights due diligence process in line with international standards
  • How to report and communicate on your human rights due diligence journey, including through the Communication on Progress, the annual public disclosure requirement for all UN Global Compact participants

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

  • An understanding of where your company is on their human rights journey
  • An assessment of actual and potential adverse human rights impacts and the ability to prioritize action
  • The ability to mitigate your human rights impacts, including grievance mechanisms and remedy
  • Ways to engage stakeholders on business impacts
  • An action plan to advance human rights in your company and beyond
  • A network of peers, UN partners and experts to support your human rights journey and work collectively to tackle persistent barriers to human rights due diligence
  • A certificate demonstrating completion of programme

Do you need more information or have some questions?

Watch the Q&A session recording

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN 6 STAGES

Stage 1

Participants understand the UN Global Compact Principles and the human rights due diligence process and scope out a core area of the value chain for further focus.

 

  • Global kick-off webinar
  • E-learning course on “How companies can operationalize the UN Guiding Principles, Module 1”
  • Global deep dive session on UNGP core concepts, human rights due diligence and facilitation of the Responsibility to Respect Human Rights’ gap analysis tool
  • Local Network facilitated peer-learning session
  • Participant working session to complete the UNGP gap analysis tool

Stage 2

Participants scope the company value chain and identify potential impacts.

 

  • E-learning course on “How companies can operationalize the UN Guiding Principles, Module 2″
  • Global deep dive session on understanding salient human rights, identifying risk factors, where to find risk information and how to map the value chain and determine focus areas
  • Local Network facilitated peer-learning session
  • Participant working session to complete value chain mapping tool and risk identification matrix

Stage 3

Participants prioritize salient human rights impacts and understand their involvement with those impacts.

 

  • E-learning course on “How companies can operationalize the UN Guiding Principles, Module 3”
  • Global deep dive session on prioritizing potential impacts, understanding severity and likelihood and how to plot impacts on the risk heat map
  • Local Network facilitated peer learning session
  • Participant working session on completing the risk heatmap

Stage 4

Participants start implementing and tracking their human rights action plan.

 

  • Global deep dive session on developing an appropriate action plan based on at least one salient impact identified with articulation of desired outcomes and high-level metrics
  • Local Network facilitated peer-learning session
  • Participant working session on completion of action plan for one salient impact, including metrics

Stage 5

Participants understand how to effectively engage affected stakeholders and communicate their impacts.

 

  • Global deep dive session on communicating with a range of stakeholders, both within and external to the business and examine the components of effective communication, including formal disclosure processes
  • Local Network facilitated peer learning session
  • Participant working session on starting a communication plan and stakeholder engagement plan

Stage 6

Participants understand remedy and grievance mechanisms.

 

  • E-learning course on “How companies can operationalize the UN Guiding Principles, Module 4”
  • Global deep dive session on the different types of remedy and pathways for providing remedy including operational level grievance mechanisms that support the broader hrdd process
  • Local Network facilitated peer learning session including best practice case studies
  • Participant working session to complete the grievance gap analysis and develop a remedy plan

Timeline

Applications open:

October 2024

Application deadline:

Mid-december 2024

Accelerator begins:

February 2025

Already want to show your interest in the programme before the official applications open? Send an e-mail to Programme Manager Jamie Holton.

Download brochure
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Supported by

The Social and Economic Council

The Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) is the most important advisory council to government and parliament. In the SER employers, employees and independent experts (Crown-appointed members) work together to reach agreement on social and economic issues. The SER also facilitates agreements on international responsible business conduct.

 

JAMIE HOLTON

JAMIE HOLTON

Sr. Program Manager Business & Human Rights and Gender Equality

Contact person for Business & Human Rights Accelerator

holton@unglobalcompact.nl

Would you like to have our training services and the other member benefits?
Take a step forward in your commitment and join the UN Global Compact.

APPLY HERE

Ambitious force to empower climate action

Ambitious force to empower climate action

Determined force to empower climate battle

In a world where the urgency of sustainable development is becoming increasingly evident, leaders are emerging from various sectors to champion transformative change. Simon Henzell-Thomas has taken on a new role that underlines his commitment to driving impactful change. We are pleased to introduce Simon Henzell-Thomas as a newly appointed Board Member of the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands.

 

Visionary leadership

Simon Henzell-Thomas is no stranger to the forefront of sustainable action. With a robust background at IKEA, the globally renowned Swedish home furnishing company, he is now playing an important role in shaping the company’s climate and nature agenda. At IKEA, the vision is clear: to create a better everyday life for people around the world. Simon’s role at Ingka Group, the largest IKEA franchisee, places him at the centre of the climate and nature agenda, driving ambitious goals for 2030 and 2050.

 

Collaboration for global influence

The motivation behind IKEA’s engagement with the UN Global Compact stems from a recognition of the complex challenges facing the world today. Simon Henzell-Thomas acknowledges the necessity of collaboration across sectors to effect rapid and meaningful change. Multinational businesses like IKEA recognize the potential of working alongside governments and the private sector to accelerate action toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Challenges such as climate change, nature loss and inequality require all businesses to step up and also to collaborate across complex systems to make change happen fast.”

Aligning with the SDGs at every turn

IKEA’s commitment to making a positive impact aligns seamlessly with many of the SDGs. Simon Henzell-Thomas highlights the resonating connection between IKEA’s sustainability strategy, “People & Planet Positive,” and key SDGs. Notably, Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) stand out due to IKEA’s immense responsibility to combat climate change and its dedication to becoming climate-positive by 2030.

Simon emphasizes that a just transition is vital to IKEA’s approach, ensuring that climate action goes hand in hand with addressing inequality and supporting communities. IKEA continues to pioneer innovative ways to achieve these goals within its operations.

 

Personal commitment, collective change

Simon Henzell-Thomas’ dedication extends beyond the professional realm. He practices what he preaches, making conscious choices in his personal life that reflect his commitment to the SDGs. His adoption of a flexitarian diet, prioritizing plant-based meals and sustainable protein sources, and his preference for eco-friendly transportation are testament to his belief that individual actions ripple into collective impact.

“We are in a situation where we need to spend less time on the ‘why’ and more time on the ‘how.’ Businesses need less evangelists and more solutionists.”

Steering towards a brighter future

Simon Henzell-Thomas’ decision to join the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands’ board was driven by his unwavering passion for the organization’s mission and values. As a seasoned leader, he brings a wealth of experience in public affairs and partnerships to the table. His approach is rooted in listening, understanding challenges, and fostering collaborations that drive positive change.

 

A message of guidance and hope

For organizations and young professionals seeking to integrate the SDGs into their business and personal lives, Simon Henzell-Thomas offers invaluable advice. He emphasizes the need to shift focus from “why” to “how,” channelling energy into actionable solutions. He advocates for a collaborative approach that bridges differences and avoids negativity, reminding us that the power to shape the future lies within our grasp.

In the journey toward a sustainable world, Simon Henzell-Thomas emerges as a beacon of hope and action. His role as a Board Member of the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands promises to catalyze transformative change, both within organizations and at the individual level. Through his leadership, commitment, and forward-thinking approach, Simon paves the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Simon Henzell-Thomas

Simon Henzell-Thomas

Global Director Climate & Nature, IKEA (Ingka Group)

Sustainable Leadership in education and society

Sustainable Leadership in education and society

Sustainable Leadership in education and society 

An interview with Dr Jessica van Wingerden from Dyade

Dr Jessica van Wingerden, Executive Director/CEO of Dyade, shares her vision on sustainability in education and Dyade’s role in promoting quality education, inclusion, and participation. Operating in the Netherlands for over 350 years, Dyade has a strong focus on leadership development, strategic organizational and HR advice, and support for business operations. Dyade aims to create a lasting impact on its employees, customers, and society.

 

The podcast ‘Sustainable Leadership’ 

Dyade is soon launching the podcast ‘Sustainable Leadership,’ where leaders and professionals explore the world of sustainable leadership together. The podcast aims to inspire and provide insights into the strategies and best practices of leaders at the forefront of sustainability. Guests will discuss how they contribute to various aspects of sustainability and align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our Executive Director, Merei Wagenaar, will also be a guest in one of the episodes.

 

Driving positive change together 

In 2022, Dyade joined the UN Global Compact to showcase their commitment to sustainability to its employees, customers, and stakeholders. The organization aims to inspire others to embrace the SDGs and join the UN Global Compact, working collectively to achieve a positive impact.

“If everyone contributes that extra bit from their talents to the SDGs, together, we can achieve so much more.”

Impact through Dyade 

Dyade primarily focuses on SDGs 3 (Well-being), 4 (Quality education), 5 (Gender equality), 10 (Reducing inequality), 13 (Climate action), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals). These goals closely align with Dyade’s DNA. They reflect what the organization concretely does, both internally as for its customers and society.

 

Dedication for sustainability 

In addition to her work at Dyade, Jessica is actively involved in promoting equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion in her private life. She serves as a commissioner at the housing corporation Hef Wonen in Rotterdam and is a member of the General Board at the Foundation for Public Education in Rotterdam (BOOR), both focused on enhancing equal opportunities for everyone in the city. In her private life, she consciously engages in sustainability by choosing local and natural consumption and practicing conscious consumerism to reduce her ecological footprint.

“Small steps make a big difference. Translate big dreams and goals into small concrete steps. You will find them easier to realize.”

Ambitions for UN Global Compact Network Netherlands 

As a Board Member, Jessica aims to actively contribute to the growth, development, and visibility of the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands. She will utilize her network, knowledge, and experience to inspire leaders to engage with sustainability goals. Additionally, she wants to showcase the essential role that SMEs can play in achieving these objectives.

Quality over quantity 

Jessica advises organizations and young professionals to prioritize quality over quantity when embracing the SDGs. It is crucial to create concrete action plans and take small steps to make goals more achievable. She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and focus, allowing organizations to identify with sustainability initiatives like the UN Global Compact, promoting inclusivity and creating a visible positive impact.

The interview with Jessica showcases her passion and dedication to sustainable leadership. Dyade’s commitment to quality education and sustainability is evident through its focus on relevant SDGs. Jessica’s involvement with the UN Global Compact and her pursuit of inclusivity and positive impact reflect Dyade’s core values and her mission to contribute to a better society.

Dr Jessica van Wingerden

Dr Jessica van Wingerden

Director / CEO, Dyade

Using entertainment to drive impactful change at WaterBear

Using entertainment to drive impactful change at WaterBear

Using entertainment to drive impactful change at WaterBear

Poppy Mason-Watts, Chief Growth and Impact Officer at WaterBear, is dedicated to leveraging the power of entertainment to inspire positive action. WaterBear is a leading free streaming platform and publisher that offers a wide array of award-winning and sustainably certified films. By encouraging viewers to shift away from mindless scrolling and engage with thought-provoking content, WaterBear aims to address environmental and humanitarian issues. With a strong focus on collaboration and impact, Poppy, along with the dedicated team at WaterBear, strives to make a tangible difference in the world. In this interview, Poppy shares insights about WaterBear’s mission, joining the UN Global Compact, their impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and personal commitments to sustainability and human rights.

Inspiring action through entertainment 

As part of the founding team and a company director, Poppy Mason-Watts holds the role of Chief Growth and Impact Officer at WaterBear. Her responsibilities encompass driving impact through productions and partnerships, ensuring brand partners prioritize impactful marketing and content production, formulating growth strategies for the platform, and engaging a global audience in conscious thinking. Despite the challenges that come with the role, Poppy is driven by her passion for making the world a better place and utilizing the power of film and entertainment as catalysts for change.

Motivation and alignment 

WaterBear firmly believes in the power of radical collaboration for good, bringing together NGOs, brands, philanthropists, filmmakers, and Fortune 500 companies. Recognizing that brands and businesses hold significant trust among Gen Zs and millennials, WaterBear actively collaborates with them to drive meaningful change. Joining the UN Global Compact, an organization with an extensive network of businesses that share a commitment to driving positive impact, was a natural alignment for WaterBear’s mission and values.

“I go to work wanting to make the world a better home, using entertainment and film as a lever to drive change – what more could you really want in a role?”

Impact across the SDGs: Stories as tools for change 

WaterBear aims to effect change across all the SDGs by utilizing stories as powerful tools. Their films and campaigns cover a diverse range of topics, including biodiversity conservation, climate change, human rights, and more. Since its launch a few years ago, WaterBear has prioritized impact at every level of its operations. From launching impactful campaigns aligned with film releases to measuring the tangible effects of films and campaigns, WaterBear embeds ethical and sustainable practices throughout the organization. The entire team at WaterBear shares a common goal of making a difference, and every initiative is designed to foster collaboration and drive progress towards the SDGs.

Personal commitment to SDGs: Fast fashion and human rights 

For Poppy, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) hold significant importance. She is particularly passionate about addressing issues related to fast fashion and human rights. Inspired by friends who work in the slow fashion industry, Poppy strives to make sustainable choices, such as reducing waste, supporting second-hand brands, and purchasing from small brands owned by friends. WaterBear has recently initiated a partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, focusing on promoting circularity as a cultural concept. Additionally, Poppy’s strong commitment to human rights led her to embark on a swimming challenge across the English Channel to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing migrant crossing disasters.

“Don’t give up – if you face challenges making a change in your organization, find another way. Small steps are key – find your sword, the one thing your brand feels comfortable championing.”

Joining the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands’ Board: learning and collaboration

Poppy’s decision to join the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands’ board stemmed from her desire to learn from individuals and businesses actively driving positive change. Drawing from her extensive experience in media, entertainment, and marketing, Poppy aims to bring a fresh perspective to the board. She recognizes the pivotal role that stories play in transforming mindsets and uniting communities and looks forward to exploring how the UN Global Compact’s work can be amplified through powerful storytelling, empowering businesses to embrace sustainable practices.

Integrate the SDGs into your business and personal live

Poppy offers valuable advice to organizations and young professionals seeking to integrate the SDGs into their endeavours. She emphasizes the importance of persistence and finding alternative routes when faced with challenges. Small steps are key, and it is crucial to identify the one cause or initiative that aligns closely with one’s brand values. Poppy underscores the significance of storytelling, highlighting that audiences are more engaged by compelling narratives that champion underrepresented stories and reflect the genuine commitment of businesses to their sustainability goals.

Poppy Mason-Watts

Poppy Mason-Watts

Chief Growth en Impact Officer, WaterBear

Stakeholder Inclusion is Key to Overcome Scope 3 Data Challenges

Stakeholder Inclusion is Key to Overcome Scope 3 Data Challenges

Stakeholder Inclusion is Key to Overcome Scope 3 Data Challenges

This year, UN Global Compact Network Netherlands is piloting two peer learning groups, one on Gender Equality and one on Climate Action. The goal is for the participating companies to learn more about these important topics, dig into the challenges that they are facing, and exchange best practices that can help overcome these challenges. This blog captures our companies’ peer learning journey.

Our climate action peer-learning group has reached full speed now. In April the second Climate Action peer-learning session took place at Bugaboo HQ on the topic of Scope 3 Data, and last week we dived into the topic of stakeholder engagement with regard to corporate climate action at the hypermodern automated and robotized small package sorting center (SKP) of PostNL. We highly recommend watching this video to learn more about the SKP.

The preparation assignment for the participants was to clarify what scope 3 categories are significant (material) for their company. Most of them identified the categories:  purchased goods and services, distribution and transportation, and commuting/business travel. In smaller break-out groups, there was a chance to reflect on challenges, tools, and tips for managing the data of these different emission categories.

Some companies struggle to determine the emission factors of the goods they purchase from suppliers. That could be partly due to, for example, fluid relationships with lots of different suppliers. Many data sources such as the CDP Suppliers Program, the CEDA database, IDEMAT, co2emmissiefactoren.nl, and the GHG protocol scope 3 (SBTi) were discussed.

Additionally, other shared challenges have to do with reaching out to suppliers to get real data and the course of action to get suppliers on board. This is where stakeholder engagement becomes key. All companies need to work together with different internal and external stakeholders during their sustainability journey. How to measure the quality of the relationship with your stakeholder? The report of the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands on stakeholder inclusion explains a model with four levels of engagement. The levels are determined by 4 elements:

  • First element “Motivation”: What is your reason for engaging with stakeholders?
  • Second element “Orientation of stakeholders”: What is your relation or ground of working together with the companies?
  • Third element “Pursued Outcomes”: Are you, for example, looking for validation or insights?
  • Fourth element “Disclosure”: Are you only doing the mandatory, bare minimum?

With this model in mind, the participants got the chance to discuss their challenges and opportunities to evolve their stakeholder engagement activities. When it comes to senior leadership the participants discussed the importance of persuasive pitching, regularly informing and consulting the C-suite, and the effectiveness of using peer pressure by comparing to competitors.

It is important to keep in mind that too much criticising, repetition, negativity, or only presenting problems, will probably cause backlash. To work more effectively with procurement colleagues the importance of educating yourself as a sustainability professional on the basics of procurement is key. Other suggestions that came out of the peer-learning discussion were the introduction of shared targets for the sustainability and procurement departments, and to be culturally sensitive when your stakeholders have a different cultural background. Working together with stakeholders on shared climate goals is essential. 

Please reach out if your company is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, and interested in joining our climate action peer-learning group. Mail to swan@unglobalcompact.nl.

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