Integrating Human Rights into Procurement: A skill-building Workshop for professionals | Zurich

Managing human rights in global supply chains presents a range of new challenges for companies committed to human rights. The procurement function is key for aligning human rights commitments with purchasing practices.

Come and join us for an in-person, interactive skill-building workshop for procurement professionals to enhance their organization’s risk management and supply chain resilience. We will discuss pertinent procurement challenges, such as establishing traceability, accessing remote or informal parts of the supply chain, setting up meaningful engagements with stakeholders in the supply chains, and scaling promising solutions and pilot projects.  

The workshop is designed and delivered by experts from the Geneva Center for Business and Human Rights. The half-day program will revolve around real-world cases and scenarios that were developed based on research and practical insights.  We will facilitate an open discussion and guide the participants through practice-based examples, including from the participants’ own work.  

Workshop format:  

1. Introduction – Why procurement professionals should address human rights  

2. Deep dive on key themes – Input from the trainers on selected common challenges for the procurement function when addressing human rights.  

3. Interactive part

   1. Guided scenario discussion – Moderated plenary discussion using immersive, real-life-inspired scenarios that challenge participants to navigate human rights considerations in evolving business contexts.  

   2. Group work – Jointly solving a real human rights challenge in a global supply chain with the guidance of the instructors.  

   3. Facilitated open discussion – A safe space for participants to ask questions, present examples, and exchange experiences. 

Target group

This workshop is available only for participants of the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein and targets professionals working in procurement roles. With only 20 seats available, this workshop is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers and discuss shared challenges in sustainable procurement.