General

Despite a clear trend toward sustainability within the private and public sector, many challenges remain with regards to production, land rights, labor rights and environmental pollution and climate. Swedwatch is an organisation which through research and multistake-holder dialogue works for a normative change within business to reduce its negative consequences and to align it better with social, economic and environmental goals. Through a core support of 53,9 MSEK Sida is supporting Swedwatch's work for sustainable business and its contribution to the normative discussions on a global level. Through its sector-specific and thematic research, Swedwatch seeks to contribute to 1. Responsible and equitable management and use of natural resources 2. Sustainable and fair global supply chains: global supply chains for production of goods and services are increasingly sustainable, fair and transparent 3. Empowered rights holders and expanded civic space: civil society within the area of business, human rights and environment is increasingly informed and active In order to do this, Swedwatch has a clear emphasis on rights-holders where they cooperate with local groups and indigenous people in order to make their voices heard. Swedwatch also engages in dialogue with corporations to influence them and to jointly create positive examples of sustainable business, for example by encouraging human rights due diligence. Swedwatch works for public procurement to increasingly emphasize issues of sustainability. Swedwatch use their research to influence and challenge business in a variety of networks, such as the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the EU and OECD.

Objectives

Swedwatch's vision is a world in which economic systems are just, transparent and sustainable. Human rights and the environment are protected and respected and businesses contribute to sustainable development and inclusive growth within the means of the planet. Swedwatch aims to contribute to the empowerment of rights holders and will promote responsible business practices that respect human rights and the environment. Through research, investigations and multi-stakeholder dialogue Swedwatch aims to contribute to behavioural changes of business actors, public actors and civil society actors in order to safeguard human rights and environmental sustainability. To this end, Swedwatch's strategy has three main objectives:  1. Responsible and equitable management and use of natural resources 2. Sustainable and fair global supply chains 3. Empowered rights holders and expanded civic space