Responsible Business Conduct: Triggers & Trends (virtual course, 5 half-days)

Course Description

New to ESG, CSR, UNGPs, GRI, LTO, VPs, and all of that? In this introductory course, participants explore the responsibilities of businesses for the impacts they are having on the environment, on people, on local communities, and on the societies in which they work. The course explores the conflicts and incidents that have triggered the concepts behind the various acronyms used. Participants learn about the trends that are shaping international and national debates on responsible business conduct.

The course compares the various multi-stakeholder and multilateral initiatives that have called for companies to “do-no-harm”. Participants take a closer look at the principles, standards, and guidelines that have been developed to prevent negative and, where possible, leverage positive impacts. The course focuses specifically on the role and responsibilities of businesses in low-income and fragile contexts and discusses if and how companies can contribute to preventing conflicts and possibly even support peacebuilding efforts.

In this course you will:

• gain an understanding of responsible business conduct and compare the various terms and concepts used.
• learn about the incidents that have triggered the development of principles, standards, and guidelines aimed at clarifying the responsibilities of businesses vis-à-vis society, communities, and individuals. 
• look at some examples and discuss trends, focusing especially on the challenges of businesses that operate and invest in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
• understand the challenges and opportunities of implementing responsible business principles, standards, and guidelines in practice.
• exchange experiences and become part of a community of practice. 

Course Structure

This course is offered in an interactive virtual format. The course consists of preparatory readings, 5 half-days (Tuesday - Saturday, 22-26 March 2022, afternoons CET) of virtually facilitated course, and individual tasks in-between course days.

Faculty

• Dr Evelyn Dietsche, senior lead Business & Peace, swisspeace

Additional Experts to be confirmed.

Course methodologies

The course uses innovative teaching techniques to enhance the learning experience of our participants. These include:

• short lectures followed by moderated discussions on the inputs received.
• expert inputs from, and exchanges with international practitioners.
• exercises and case studies aimed at applying acquired knowledge and skills.
• peer exchanges for participants to share examples and experiences.
• self-reflections to deepen knowledge on specific approaches and gaining feedback from experts.
• social activities aimed at participants getting to know each other and expanding their professional network.

Tuition Fee

1100.- CHF

For more information, visit our course website.

Apply by 30 November 2021 under this link.