08 October 2020 
Ashley Shelbrooke, HEPA and Project Specialist
In case you missed it, Electronics Watch have released a recording of their recent webinar: Public Procurement in Times of Crisis and Beyond: Resilience Through Sustainability.
The global Covid-19 crisis has provided ample proof of the need for resilient supply chains. One of the central factors of resilience is sustainability based on social and environmental standards verified through independent monitoring. Occupational health and safety keeps production going without endangering workers. Positive employment relations and a constructive social dialogue are central to a workplace environment to which workers want to return and contribute. Safe and environmentally sound production facilities minimise risk of ramp up after a time of shut down. The current global health crisis has set off a massive economic crisis with tax revenues decreasing and social spending increasing. Public procurement is asked to deliver cost efficiencies and this demand will increase. How can a long-term strategy towards higher efficiencies be based on strong responsible procurement standards aiming for resilient supply chains?
With this online event Electronics Watch seeks to contribute to the discussion on how to strengthen social and environmental responsibility in public procurement, conduct effective supply chain engagement, and support meaningful worker participation even and perhaps especially during crisis.
You can watch the event here, which includes expert HE insight from Angus Warren, CEO, APUC.
You can also download the recently released Electronics Watch tool covering Human Rights Due Diligence here.
