USCIB Celebrates International Women’s Day and Joins UN in Calling for Continued Investment in Women 

New York, NY, March 8, 2024 — The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) celebrates International Women’s Day. USCIB also welcomes the United Nations’ 2024 theme of “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” and believes that investment in women is a human rights imperative.  

USCIB and its members have long championed the critical role of gender equality, support for female change-makers and implementation of gender-responsive financing. USCIB is also proud to be led by Whitney Baird, the first female President and CEO in the organization’s 79-year history, as of September 2023. 

“Through our engagement in the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and Business at OECD (BIAC), we will continue to work with our business counterparts around the world to address gender equality barriers that continue to confront women and girls and to accelerate progress for women everywhere through adequate investment and effective policies,” said USCIB Director for Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Ewa Staworzynska. 

About USCIB: 

USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development, and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence. Its members include U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world. As the U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Organization of Employers and Business at OECD (BIAC), USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More at www.uscib.org. 

USCIB Advocates for US Business Interests at OECD Responsible Business Conduct Events in Paris

Jose Arroyo

The OECD hosted its annual Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector late last month, along with a series of side events on responsible business conduct (RBC) workstreams. This year’s OECD Forum addressed various issues, with a particular focus on living wages and binding company-union agreements in due diligence processes.

In recent years, the OECD has intensified its work in RBC standards and guidance for companies. USCIB, with its in-person engagements and partnership with Business at OECD (BIAC), advocates to ensure that those workstreams, especially those closely related to labor affairs, are consistent with parallel initiatives in other international agencies, such as the International Labor Organization (ILO).

“It is critical that the OECD ensures that new standards are implementable on the ground,” said Jose Arroyo, policy manager for Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs at USCIB, who represented U.S. business at the OECD. Arroyo underscored the pioneering role of U.S. businesses in RBC practices and emphasized the importance of clear, concise, and implementable guidance for business. Some of the OECD work includes guidance on responsible purchasing practices and meaningful engagement with workers via due diligence.

Arroyo emphasized the importance of OECD cooperation with other non-OECD countries, particularly in high-risk geographical zones where divestment risks are prevalent. “Meaningful cooperation and implementable standards are essential, ultimately benefiting local communities”, he said.

USCIB will maintain its strong engagement with OECD RBC workstreams.

 

USCIB Supports First-Ever Multilateral Agreement on “Living Wage”

New York, NY, February 27, 2024–This weekend, the International Labor Organization (ILO), the UN entity responsible for setting international labor standards, reached the first-in-history multilateral agreement on the concept of a “living wage.” The alignment on the concept, negotiated between workers, employers and governments, was part of the outcome of a week-long expert meeting on wage policies, including living wages.

In recent years, there has been a rise in political pressures on ensuring wage levels that can ensure a decent standard of living and an increase in living wage initiatives and consulting firms, claiming to help companies set correct wage levels. Yet, as reported by the ILO, such initiatives have largely been ignoring the second pillar of wage-setting, namely economic factors. The expert meeting provided clarity on this and underscored that a wage-setting process must take into account both the needs of workers and economic factors.

“We are proud to have reached multilateral alignment on the concept of a ‘living wage,’” said Ewa Staworzynska, director of corporate responsibility and labor affairs at USCIB, who represented American business during the expert meeting, together with Ryan Larsen, group director, international labor relations at Walmart. “In order to set sustainable wages and not disrupt employment levels, it is critical that wage-setting processes couple the estimates of needs of workers with economic factors, such as macroeconomic stability and productivity levels.”

The full conclusions, including the ILO’s description of the concept, is expected to be published in the coming days.

About USCIB
The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) advances the global interests of American business. We do so through advocacy for an open system of world trade, finance, and investment, where business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare, and environmental protection. We are the sole U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Business at OECD (BIAC) and the International Organization of Employers (IOE). USCIB is also the only U.S. business organization with standing at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and is recognized at the UN Environment Program (UNEP), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD).

Cross-Atlantic Social Partners Convene to Discuss Jobs for a Green Transition 

Ewa Staworzynska (USCIB)

The EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council (TCC) held a workshop of the Transatlantic Initiative for Sustainable Trade (TIST), titled “Promotion of Good Quality Jobs for a Successful, Just and Inclusive Green Economy,” in Washington DC on January 30. The workshop focused on the promotion of good quality jobs for a successful, just and inclusive green transition. Organizations such as the the International Labor Organization (ILO), Business Europe, AFL-CIO, the European Trade Union Confederation and government agencies from both sides of the Atlantic provided perspectives during the meeting. 

USCIB Director for Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Ewa Staworzynska gave remarks at the workshop, alongside USCIB members Lisa Schroeter (Dow) and Josh Connelly (LinkedIn). Connelly provided relevant data on workforce skilling and the gender gap, highlighting that women are disproportionally impacted by the green transition, due to the lack of parity in the market, especially in the green sector. 

Staworzynska spoke on the issue of supply chain transparency in the context of the green transition, underscoring that supply chain traceability is extremely complex, especially in higher tiers. “American companies have championed supply chain improvements globally, and we count on the U.S. government and the European Union to help sourcing countries tackle root causes of labor risks, such as poverty and informality,” she said. Staworzynska further highlighted that the just transition policies must take into account the realities faced by companies globally in order to be effective. 

“USCIB has had a longstanding engagement at the TCC,” said Staworzynska. “We look forward to highlighting the important work of our members, such as LinkedIn and Dow, and working with the EU and the U.S. to ensure a just and inclusive green transition.” 

Business Provides Input Into Global Forum on Migration and Development

Left to right: Laura McElroy (McDonalds) and Ronnie Goldberg (USCIB)

Business played a prominent role at the 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Summit, held in Geneva from January 23-25 under the chairmanship of the government of France. USCIB staff and members were well represented among more than 1,000 delegates, including governments from 150 countries, who met to exchange best practices on migration governance.

The 60-strong private sector delegation was organized by the Business Mechanism to the GFMD, which is housed in the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and chaired by Austin Fragomen (Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy).  USCIB members from Deloitte, Oracle, McDonalds, Meta and SHRM, as well as USCIB Senior Counsel Ronnie Goldberg, serve on the Business Mechanism’s Executive Board and participated in the Summit’s roundtable sessions.

According to Goldberg, during the Summit, USCIB and its members advocated for migration pathways to bring talent to fill skills gaps, particularly as they relate to green skills, legal frameworks for responsible recruitment, harmonization of skills recognition systems, better use of technology to encourage innovation and improve migration systems and a public narrative based on facts and economic impacts.

In addition, the Business Mechanism staged a Start Up competition for innovative migration-related applications and contributed substantive papers on Green Borders: Climate Change and Business Mobility, Digital Nomads and Hybrid Work, and Engaging with Employers in Skills Mobility Partnerships.

The GFMD chair has now been assumed by the Government of Colombia.

Celebrating International Day of Women in Multilateralism

New York, N.Y., January 25, 2024—Today, the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) celebrates International Day of Women in Multilateralism.

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) formally adopted and declared January 25 as International Day of Women in Multilateralism in 2021. According to ECOSOC, the purpose of this day is to recognize the essential role played by women in the promotion of human rights, peace and sustainable development within the multilateral system. The day advocates for increased representation of women in key decision-making positions that shape and implement multilateral agendas and for ensuring that multilateralism works for women and girls through gender transformative actions and agreements.

“Truly a day to mark,” said USCIB Senior Vice President Norine Kennedy. “I’m so proud to work with my USCIB colleagues to promote American business views throughout the multilateral system and to support inclusive multilateralism.”

USCIB and IOE Host “Getting Business on Board for the 2024 UN Summit of the Future” 

USCIB and the International Organization of Employers (IOE) co-hosted a webinar, “Getting Business on Board for the 2024 UN Summit of the Future,” on December 4. The webinar spotlighted expectations for the 2024 UN Summit for the Future (SOTF) and discussed ways in which the private sector could participate and impact the preparations and outcomes. 

The event was headlined by Ambassador Paula Narváez, president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) and permanent representative of Chile to the UN. Participants also heard from USCIB Senior Vice President for Policy and Global Strategy Norine Kennedy, who presented USCIB’s two Moving the Needle reports that were published during the UN General Assembly in September. 

A panel on “What to expect and how to come prepared for the Summit of the Future” discussed private sector priorities in the coming year of deliberations. The panel also highlighted the growing role that small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) play – and will continue to play – in the economy and global trade. 

“Unless we address the issues of good governance, accountability and oversight, we’re going to find it difficult to mobilize private and public funding to finance SMEs, which are the backbone of so many economies,” stated Shea Gopaul, permanent representative to the UN in New York for the IOE. 

Other speakers included: 

  • Michael Pan, program management officer, ‘Our Common Agenda’, Executive Office of the Secretary General   
  • Angus Rennie, partnerships manager, United Nations Global Compact   
  • Ilze Melngailis, senior director, Business Council for the UN and Private Sector Engagement at the UN Foundation  
  • Patricia Veringa-Gieskes, president, Federation of Employers of Congo (FEC) 

This webinar was the first in a series that will continue to engage with UN representatives and key government delegations to inform the formation of the SOTF and its outcomes. 

USCIB Celebrates 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

New York, N.Y., December 10, 2023—The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) stands with the international community and the United Nations in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). On this Human Rights Day, USCIB wishes to celebrate all the work on human rights that has been done through collaboration by businesses, governments and multilateral organizations around the globe.

The UDHR set forth, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected, and its adoption was the largest milestone in the history of human rights. USCIB welcomes the UN’s 2023 Human Rights Day theme of “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All,” and, while progress has been made, more needs to be done to realize human rights globally. 12 years ago, the UN adopted the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which provide a clear framework to do exactly that.

The U.S. business community is firmly committed to the Guiding Principles and hopes to see them implemented by States globally. Only a handful of countries have implemented National Action Plans and more needs to be done to improve the human rights situation in countries where structural challenges, lack of rule of law and poor governance remain as fundamental obstacles.

“Today’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration of Human Rights is an important reminder that the global community still has a lot of work to do to realize human rights,” said USCIB Director for Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Ewa Staworzynska. “Governments across the world must protect human rights and businesses should respect human rights. Progress can only be achieved if we work together, and American companies are committed to doing so.”

About USCIB: USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and prudent regulation. Its members include U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms with operations in every region of the world. As the U.S. affiliate of the leading international business organizations, and as the sole U.S. business group with standing in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More at www.uscib.org.

USCIB Highlights Critical Role of Business in Advancing Human Rights at UN Forum

Participants: IOE corporate partners, USCIB delegation, and UN Deputy High Commissioner
Photo Credit: IOE

The annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights took place the week of November 27 in Geneva. As the world’s largest conference on business and human rights (BHR), it convened governments, business, civil society, experts and practitioners to discuss the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, share best practices and learn about BHR initiatives from all regions.

According to USCIB Director for Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Ewa Staworzynska, this year’s discussions were marked by the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, as well as the 12th year since the adoption of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). There was broad consensus that more progress was needed on human rights and many stakeholders called for a stronger role to be played by business. Emphasis was placed on leveraging the UNGPs in emerging topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and environmental protection.

IOE Business Caucus L-R: Ewa Staworzynska (USCIB & IOE), Renate Hornung-Draus (Confederation of German Employers (BDA) & IOE), Roberto Suarez Santos (IOE), Whitney Baird (USCIB), Jason Pegat-Toquet (IOE). Photo credit: IOE

The American business community actively engaged across the various discussions at the UN Forum and USCIB member companies, including Hewlett-Packard and Google, were featured in plenary sessions to share their valuable contributions to the human rights agenda. The commitment to progress on human rights was also underscored in the dialogue with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, during a Business Caucus organized by the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), as well as in a business meeting with the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Youssef A. Al Nashif.

USCIB and the U.S. Mission in Geneva co-organized a dialogue between USCIB member companies and the U.S. Government delegation to the UN Forum. The dialogue allowed for an open discussion among businesses and representatives from the U.S. Departments of State and Labor and USAID, on key topics such as the UN Legally Binding Instrument on Business and Human Rights, AI, due diligence trends and labor rights.

The USCIB delegation was led by President and CEO Whitney Baird and included Ewa Staworzynska, director for corporate responsibility and labor affairs and Jose Arroyo, policy manager.

“We are thrilled to lead the U.S. business engagement at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights,” said Baird. “The presence and participation of U.S. companies highlights the private sector’s commitment to advancing human rights globally, and it is imperative that we do so in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”

Business at OECD Launches Responsible Business Conduct Committee, Co-Chaired by USCIB Member Laura Chapman-Rubbo (Disney)

Laura Rubbo attends USCIB’s 2019 International Leadership Award Dinner
L-R: Peter Robinson (formerly USCIB), Laura Rubbo (The Walt Disney Company), Guy Ryder (formerly ILO), Terry McGraw (formerly USCIB & S&P Global)

Business at OECD (BIAC) launched the newly formed BIAC Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Committee on November 8 in Paris. The rationale for establishing a dedicated RBC committee is rooted in the growing OECD RBC workstreams, which are expected to expand in the upcoming years. While the BIAC RBC Committee was previously housed under the same umbrella as the Investment Committee, close coordination between both committees will continue. In line with this, two previous vice-chairs of the Investment and RBC Committees now serve as the new co-chairs of the BIAC RBC committee: Laura Chapman-Rubbo from USCIB member The Walt Disney Company and Paul Noll from the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA).

USCIB was delighted to nominate Chapman-Rubbo as co-chair. She has extensive expertise in working with OECD matters, closely collaborating with BIAC on the review of upcoming OECD RBC guidance. As a leading voice in RBC topics, Chapman-Rubbo brings an American perspective, along with know-how from a worldwide transnational company to the table. USCIB members are committed to driving positive change while ensuring that American business interests remain represented at the OECD level.

“I am honored to co-chair this committee,” said Chapman-Rubbo. “We are building on decades of important work by BIAC, their member national business associations, and their member companies to advance responsible business conduct and the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.”

The first BIAC RBC committee meeting was held on November 8 and now the committee is focused on a 2024 work plan and outreach.