Discussion event: ‘Changing the world through dialogue’

The supply chain represents a significant, yet complex, part of a company’s value chain. It entails a number of socio-ethical and environmental risks, particularly when it extends to emerging and developing countries. The highly emotive media coverage of scandalous working conditions in Asian countries illustrates just how problematic this can be for companies.

Nevertheless, companies can succeed in ensuring responsible dealings with suppliers if they explore new approaches that go beyond standardised procedures.

What these approaches might be, what motivates companies, what challenges exist, and whether potential solutions can be applied by third parties – these questions were the focus of our event.

The panel discussion ‘Changing the World through Dialogue: Companies as Social Partners’ took place on Thursday, 27 September 2012 at 7.00 pm at the Alfred Schnittke Academy (Max-Brauer-Allee 24, 22765 Hamburg).

The event, part of our series ‘Corporate Responsibility Controversy – Areas of Tension in Corporate Social Responsibility’ focused on innovative approaches and projects in which companies, working closely with their suppliers, shape the production process responsibly and, in doing so (including through the involvement of other partners), contribute to lasting structural improvements.

We were delighted to welcome the following company representatives:

• Felix Ahlers, FRoSTA AG
• Nanda Bergstein, Tchibo GmbH
• Jürg Knoll, Fish & More GmbH

Moderator: Jürgen Pfeiffer

As usual, the event was followed by an opportunity for informal discussion in smaller groups over a glass of wine.