Promoting sustainability in global supply chains

Context

Millions of people worldwide are affected by serious abuses: 160 million children are being forced to work, many people lack social security, and environmental destruction, sexual violence and discrimination are widespread. International standards on human rights and environmental protection are often ineffective.

Governments and businesses can create better working and living conditions worldwide by acting responsibly. Important here are statutory requirements, minimum standards and support measures for businesses. Public procurement processes also offer opportunities for leading the way in promoting responsible business practices.

Objective

Public and private actors are taking responsibility for ensuring that procurement along global supply and value chains respects people and the environment.

Approach

The project supports the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in analysing political processes in Germany and abroad. These processes ensure that global supply chains at national, European and international levels are set up to respect people and the environment in the long term.

The project is managed by the secretariat of the Team Europe Initiative ‘Sustainability in Global Supply Chains’, whose financing was recently taken on by the European Union (EU). The Team Europe Initiative supports public and private stakeholders in implementing environmentally friendly and responsible business practices in global supply chains. This includes providing advice, information and technical assistance on topics such as human rights, working conditions and environmental protection.

The projects is serving as the secretariat for the UN Global Compact Network Germany (UN GCD) until May. Key cooperation partners for project implementation are BHRRC, ECCJ, OHCHR, ITC and DIMR.

Last update: February 2025