05 November 2019 Singapore

Today, companies are increasingly expected to conduct their business operations responsibly, mindful of a wide range of stakeholders and in line with international standards and practices. In November 2018, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) published guidance to help representatives of commodity trading firms develop shared practices of responsible trading that are consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).  FDFA and IHRB are hosting an industry roundtable in Singapore in November 2019 that will serve to:

  • acquaint participants with the UNGPs and discuss their relevance for trading companies, regardless of their area of activity or size; 
  • discuss the Guidance for the Commodity Trading Sector including illustrative examples, challenges, current practices and recommendations for action;
  • suggest possible steps that may assist companies in undertaking human rights due diligence; 
  • foster dialogue among company representatives on the commitment, resources and engagement required to embed the UNGPs into company operations. 

The roundtable will include participation of industry representatives operating from Singapore and abroad, comprising policy makers, civil society and academic experts, as well as commodity trading business partners such as shipping companies and financial institutions.

Spaces are strictly limited. If you fall into one of the above categories and would like to join, please email [email protected] to enquire about availability.