[Geneva, 09 October 2024]

Multinational corporations (MNCs) are operating in an increasingly unpredictable global environment, presenting new dilemmas. Conflict and conflict-related risks exist in many forms and at many levels within and across societies, making it even more complex to navigate as a company supply chains in multiple and highly diverse geographical regions and jurisdictions. It is against this backdrop that the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) hosted the event “responsible business in uncertain times” at the ICRC’s Headquarters in Geneva, bringing together the responsible business and human rights community to discuss the practical steps that diverse stakeholders can take to further responsible business conduct in conflict-affected areas.

The event focused specifically on the steps companies must take to respect human rights law and norms, as well as international humanitarian law; on the actions that business leaders can take to reduce the risk of their activities contributing to conflict; and, on the ways in which existing frameworks and tools can be more effectively deployed to help guide and strengthen responsible business action.

TrustWorks CEO and founder, Josie Lianna Kaye, was invited as speaker on the panel focusing on the role of commodities in uncertain times. This session was centred around critical minerals and the due diligence requirements in the extractives sector. Josie shared some insights from her work with extractive companies and why companies must integrate heightened human rights due diligence (hHRDD) into their policies, strategies and risk management processes. She was joined by Anna Krutikov, Head of Sustainable Development at Glencore, Marlène Wäfler, Programme Manager at DCAF and Mike Davis, CEO of Global Witness and Vicky Bowman, Director of Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), who moderated the session.

Our biggest takeaway: Progress has been made, but there is so much more work to done. Each actor who was in the room – ranging from companies, to investors, governments, civil society organisations and academics – has meaningful contributions to make to furthering this critical agenda at a time when armed conflict is at a historical high. Our joint collaborative efforts on these issues are needed now more than ever.

Check out our blog “Critical minerals, geopolitics and violence in the 21st century” as part of our beyond responsible business series to learn about the role of critical minerals in many current geopolitical challenges and conflicts.