Due Diligence in practice: towards fair and transparent value chains
Together with the SHIFT (Belgian Sustainability Community), Schuttelaar & Partners organised a workshop on the practical implementation of due diligence in companies international value chains. The workshops come at an important moment in time with upcoming legislation such as the EUDR (deforestation legislation), the CSRD (Corporate Social Responsibility Directive) and more. Companies are looking for guidance and collaboration with peers and key stakeholders to take responsibility and report on their progress.
High-level participation
High level participants from companies and civil society organizations met in the heart of Brussels to share dilemmas and best practices. Throughout the workshop, there was a strong and mutual understanding of the urgency to act upon actual and potential adverse impact in international value chains. Transparent communication and collaboration with suppliers, customers and other value chain partners is key to moving the needle forwards in sustainable development.
Open dialogue for collective action
In an open world café setting, the practical implementation of due diligence was discussed. Participants of the workshop shared concrete dilemmas and best practices for implementation. The open setting of the workshop enhances learning and knowledge exchange from companies from different sectors, sizes and diverse value chains.
Reflecting back on the main take-aways from the workshop, sector-wide collaboration is a key element to enhance leverage and build trust in value chains. Conversations with suppliers aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the local context and achieving progress on the ground should be mutually beneficial. For example, consider developing two-way code of conducts and engaging with local stakeholders to create impact at scale. Lastly, the various legislations should not be seen in splendid isolation as they are mutually reinforcing. Key, however, is to aim beyond legal-compliance only and to keep working towards fair and transparent value chains.