The conference brings together experts, policymakers, trade union representatives, and civil society actors from Germany, Europe, and the Global South to discuss the current state and future of human rights due diligence. Over the course of the day, we will explore the implementation and impact of Germany’s Supply Chain Act and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), highlight the crucial role of trade unions, and exchange perspectives on challenges and best practices along global supply chains.
The conference language is English. Unless otherwise stated in the agenda, interpretation into German will be provided throughout the conference.
Registration required, see above. The registration form is only available in German, sorry. If necessary, please use the translation function of your web browser.
Agenda:
09:30–10:00 | Arrival & Coffee
10:00–10:45 | Welcome & Opening
10:45–11:00 | Coffee Break
11:00–12:30 | Panel 1:
CSDDD & Germany’s Supply Chain Act – Progress, Pitfalls and Political Demands
This panel will explore the status of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Germany’s Supply Chain Act (LkSG), with a focus on implementation, impact, and political implications. Experts from various sectors will discuss compliance challenges, legal developments, and enforcement mechanisms, with perspectives from the Global South on ground realities.
12:30–13:30 | Lunch Break
13:30–15:00 | Panel 2:
Power and Participation – The Role of Trade Unions in Human Rights Due Diligence
This panel highlights the critical role trade unions play in shaping and enforcing human rights due diligence. Discussions will cover real-world experiences, successes, structural barriers, and the need for worker-driven approaches in both the Global North and South.
15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break
15:30–17:00 | Panel 3:
Putting the German Supply Chain Act into Practice – Challenges and Best Practices
A discussion on the practical implementation of the German Supply Chain Act, focusing on lessons learned, persistent challenges, and examples from the Global South. Topics include risk analysis, grievance mechanisms, and effective engagement with affected communities.
17:00–18:30 | Parallel Sessions
a. Union Busting and Due Diligence: When Workers’ Voices Are Silenced
This session explores how anti-union practices hinder due diligence efforts across supply chains. Case studies from multiple countries will illustrate resistance strategies and call for structural change.
b. How Effective Are Voluntary Measures in HRDD?(No German translation)
A critical review of voluntary human rights due diligence initiatives, their effectiveness, and limitations. Discussions will address whether such approaches can substitute binding regulation or simply act as window dressing.
18:30–18:45 | Break
18:45 | Conclusion
19:00 | Informal Get-Together & Dinner
In cooperation with: FEMNET, CorA (Corporate Accountability Network), Association of Ethical Shareholders
Location
Contact
Ines Burmeister
Project Manager South Asia, Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
Email: ines.burmeister@rosalux.org
Phone: +49 30 44310 446