home
frankly speaking podcast

#36 Caroline Rees: Does Corporate Sustainability Reporting Really Make a Difference?

Listen to Caroline Rees, President and co-Founder of Shift, the leading center of expertise on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

How can companies and investors be agents of change for human and social rights?

After a tribute to Professor John Ruggie’s work (author of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights), you’ll hear Richard Howitt and Caroline discuss:

  • The role of business in society and if the “business of business is business” theory has proven to provide social equality
  • Corporate Reporting as a critical driver of sustainability
  • The confusion between social rights and human rights in reporting
  • How can companies move towards a sustainable business model

“The jury is in. The ways in which we’ve constructed this capitalism have not led to a trickle down of benefits - they have in fact led to a growth in inequality.

Reporting is a critical driver of business respect for human rights. If you’re doing it right and treating it as more than a minimal compliance exercise, there shouldn’t be a tension between reporting and action. We need accountability – external reporting drives internal conversation and shines a light on egregious impacts on people’s dignity and equality.”

Caroline Rees in Frankly Speaking

You may also like these episodes

34.:51

#75 Dr Daniel Klier: Why Carbon Markets Are a Vital Tool in the Sustainability Toolbox

How large a role should carbon markets play in the fight against climate change? Listen to Dr Daniel Klier, CEO of South Pole

36:26

#74 Andrew Winston: How Can Business Leaders Find the Courage to Do the Right Thing on Sustainability?

In this midst of a current global climate that is very inhospitable to sustainability initiatives, how can business leaders cultivate the courage to continue the fight against climate change? Listen to Andrew Winston, author, speaker and advisor on sustainability

35:07

#73 Joeri de Wilde: What Does the Tariff War Mean for Sustainability?

What impact will the tariff war have on the global fight against climate change? Listen to Joeri de Wilde, Economist at Triodos Bank