Last week we kicked-off this year’s round of Peer Learning Groups with 60+ ambitious professionals ready to make meaningful change. In 2024, UN Global Compact Network Netherlands facilitates three Peer Learning Groups, each focusing on a crucial pillar of sustainable business: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Climate Action; and Human Rights. These Peer Learning Groups serve as incubators of knowledge, fostering deep dives into common challenges and facilitating discussions around them. Through the exchange of best practices, these sessions aim to equip companies with actionable insights, empowering them to navigate complexities and drive positive impact.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

As societal expectations and regulations evolve, the increasing importance of diversity and inclusion in business cannot be overstated. Companies that welcome diversity not only make a statement about their values, but also reap the benefits such as improved employee satisfaction and attracting top talent. However, how do you make sure that diversity is truly embraced at the core of your organization? On the 11th of April we brought together 20+ professionals at the Akzo Nobel HQ in Amsterdam to kick-off our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Peer Learning Group to discuss exactly that.

In this first session we focused on care taking and part time work, a topic that is still mostly effecting women. For example, women in the Netherlands are 17 times more likely than men to do non paid work to care for others. What benefits do companies currently offer part time employees? And how do we re-think career paths to provide opportunities for part timers to grow? During the first half of the session we had a plenary discussion, which was followed by breakout sessions allowing the participants to dive deeper into some of the topics that were previously discussed.

Co-leading companies: Akzo Nobel, Blueyse and Sparks Production

Participating companies: Arcadis, Assent, BCD Travel Services, dsm-firmenich, Heineken, HKV Consultants, IDA Foundation, JCL Logistics Benelux, Invest-NL, JDE Peet’s, Johnson & Johnson, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Philips, Plato Group, PostNL, Sustainable Capital Group and Tsunagu.

Climate Action

Taking climate action is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. On April the 16th, we gathered at the IDA Foundation HQ for the first session of the Climate Action Peer Learning Group to move from policies to action. Over the coming months, these pioneers will come together to share challenges & best practices and help each other move forward faster on topics such as SBTi, climate scenario development and stakeholder engagement.

In the first session we focused on data quality and data driven decisions for measuring and reporting on climate goals and targets. Data collection is crucial for climate goals – that’s not the question – but how do you go about it? And once you have your data, how do you use it to create and implement a data-driven strategy? To provide the participants with extra food for thought, we were joined by guest speaker Justin Strueber, Climate Action Project Manager at Philips.

Co-leading companies: IDA Foundation, Wereldhave and Batenburg Techniek.

Participating companies: Irdeto, United Group, JDE Peet’s, Alfen, Corbion, Eneco, KPMG Nederland, Sunrock, COFCO International Netherlands, BDR Thermea Group, Invest-NL, Unilever, LIPTON Teas and Infusions, HKV Consultants, Deloitte, PostNL, Signify and CSC.

Human Rights

The EU’s commitment to sustainability has led to a wave of new regulations, including the CSDDD and CSRD. Companies are now required to gather, track, and disclose comprehensive data about their impacts on the environment and society, including human rights issues such as labor practices, workplace safety, and supply chain management. On the 18th of April we came together at the NN Group office in The Hague to launch our first Human Rights Peer Learning Group to discuss the legislative landscape surrounding business & human rights, and more importantly, how to navigate the challenges.

The session was opened by a short presentation by Gilles Goedhart, Coordinator Mandatory Due Diligence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to set the scene, and followed by breakout discussions to brainstorm practical ways on how to use regulation to enhance human rights within the professionals respective organizations.

Co-leading companies: Deloitte, Arcadis and Invest-NL

Participating companies: Alfen, PF Concept, TenneT, Philips, Inter IKEA group, NN Group, Corbion and ERM NL.

Want to learn with us? 

Peer learning is a powerful tool in addressing corporate sustainability challenges. Our Peer Learning Groups provide a safe space for professionals, encouraging open dialogue and a collaborative approach helping you to develop more effective and sustainable strategies. By leveraging diverse perspectives, you can create more holistic and impactful approaches to sustainability, leading to improved resource management, cost savings, and a stronger reputation for corporate responsibility.

Interested in joining the next round (2025) of Peer Learning Groups? Reach out to one of our Programme Managers to claim your spot!