Report on Supply Chain Ethics Conference: Promoting Human Rights and Social Responsibility

Introduction

On 25 June 2025, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in collaboration with the Greek Labour Inspectorate convened a significant conference in Athens. The event focused on human rights due diligence within supply chains, attracting over 120 participants including public officials, business representatives, and civil society actors. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly emphasizing responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Conference Objectives

• To enhance understanding of human rights due diligence in corporate supply chains.
• To promote ethical business practices and social responsibility among stakeholders.
• To discuss the implications of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
• To strengthen cooperation between public authorities, businesses, and civil society for sustainable development.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Human Rights Due Diligence: Emphasizing the importance of identifying, preventing, and mitigating adverse human rights impacts in supply chains, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
2. Corporate Sustainability: Exploring the role of businesses in advancing sustainable development by integrating social and environmental considerations into their operations, directly contributing to SDG 12.
3. Social Responsibility: Encouraging companies to uphold labor rights and promote decent work conditions, in line with SDG 8.
4. Regulatory Frameworks: Examining the EU directive’s role in establishing mandatory due diligence obligations to foster transparency and accountability.
5. Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Highlighting the necessity of partnerships between governments, private sector, and civil society to achieve the SDGs effectively.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: The conference promoted fair labor practices and improved working conditions across supply chains.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: By addressing human rights in business operations, the event supported efforts to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Encouraging sustainable business models that minimize negative social and environmental impacts.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Strengthening legal and institutional frameworks for corporate accountability and human rights protection.

Conclusion

The joint OSCE and Greek Labour Inspectorate conference represents a critical step towards embedding human rights and social responsibility into corporate supply chains. By fostering dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders, the event supports the implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and advances the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Continued efforts in this domain are essential to ensure ethical supply chains that contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses human rights due diligence involving public officials, business, and civil society, which relates to promoting decent work and economic growth.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The focus on human rights and corporate sustainability due diligence aligns with promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The emphasis on supply chain ethics and corporate sustainability due diligence relates to ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between the OSCE and the Greek labour inspectorate exemplifies partnerships to achieve the SDGs.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
2. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 8.8
   • Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.
   • Number of labour inspections and compliance with labour rights.
2. Indicators for Target 16.6 and 16.b
   • Proportion of the population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive.
   • Number of verified cases of human rights violations in corporate supply chains.
3. Indicator for Target 12.6
   • Number of companies publishing sustainability reports.
4. Indicator for Target 17.16
   • Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships supporting the achievement of the SDGs.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: osce.org