Accelerating and scaling-up collective action for sustainable supply chains

This white paper highlights the significance of supply chains in global economic dynamics and the potential benefits and challenges associated with their development. It emphasizes the role of supply chains in driving productivity gains, employment, and income growth, but also acknowledges the risks, including inequalities and environmental impacts. The existing governance structure for sustainable supply chains involves a complex interplay of multilateral instruments, private sustainability standards, and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Despite these efforts, human rights abuses and environmental issues persist, particularly in countries facing governance challenges and high levels of informality. The paper underscores the power imbalances among supply chain actors and the need for robust legal frameworks aligned with international standards to address these issues. It suggests that such legal measures may become crucial for countries to attract sustainable foreign investment and ensure market access.