Companies and policy makers often rely on civil society and independent researchers to scrutinise and analyse company value chains and their impacts. Yet, civic space is shrinking globally, and civil society organizations are increasingly under pressure, including in Sweden.

Without independent voices documenting worker experiences, community impacts and environmental harms, companies risk losing sight of the very issues their due diligence systems are meant to identify and address. On the other hand, many companies feel threatened by NGOs and such stakeholders since their findings may damage corporate brand and reputation through negative exposure in media, or even through lawsuits.

Join us for a discussion on:

→ How NGOs contribute to better visibility, stronger accountability and more meaningful due diligence – critical or overstated?

→ How companies can approach critical findings in their value chains – as media scandals or early warning system?

→ What should be prioritised when NGOs and civil society are facing reduced funding and increasing restrictions on conducting independent research?

Hosted by Enact, the webinar will bring together perspectives from Swedwatch and Ericsson for a 45-minute discussion on the role of civil society and business due diligence.

Speakers:
Sandra Atler, Director of the Human Rights & Business Practice Group at Enact
Mathieu Vervynckt, Head of Unit Value Chains at Swedwatch
Emil Lindblad Kernell, Head of Business and Human Rights at Ericsson