The World Economic Forum, one of the most important global events happened in Davos from January 16 – 20, 2023; and at the center of its discussions is the highly relevant issue that is HUMAN RIGHTS. The priorities of the annual meeting revolved on the involvement of: leaders from NGOs, media, social enterprises, academia, trade unions, indigenous community and faith-based and religious groups in order to pay attention to the world’s “polycrisis”: reversing inequality, safeguarding the economic futures of workers and marginalized communities and upholding civil freedoms.

It is of great progress to steer international companies, more importantly Fortune 500 companies into making human rights as their “central operating principle”. Thankfully (to our trade union strikers and industrial revolutionists), it is now inevitable for the private sector to separate themselves from social and environmental values and responsibilities. It is high time to keep establishing the accountability of big economic players to take their roles in progress seriously.

In summary of this WEF article explaining the more effective resilience of a company whose primary principle is centered on human rights, reflects that the workforce being the backbone of an enterprise is also the main subject for good and bad labor practices. Therefore, imposing policies and work culture that strongly respect the fundamental human rights will surely produce an internal to external curation of responsibility (from supply chains to customer service).

The impact of human rights is more internal – giving the opportunity for businesses to be beacons of the new future if they take the stand to fully integrate themselves into becoming a “good” business. In addition, the new generation is changing – the society is requiring equality and transparency. Becoming an industry disruptor is not anymore because of how revolutionary a product is but it also relies heavily on the impact that it produces – socially and environmentally.

This is the time when corporations MUST invest in their work culture! There is SO MUCH work to be done – diversity & inclusion, sustainability and GBV Programming that we – as BSM – are so proud to be pioneering in. Our mitigation initiative entails workplace safety and security through establishing a corporate governance framework that suffice compliance, psychological assistance and first aid trainings for employees to ensure an ethical and principled work culture. This framework is being constituted by human resource, employer branding, and work culture experts with important notes from business leaders from Fortune 500 companies. Partner with us as we take progress into another pedestal.

In solidarity