The magnitude of the social and environmental challenges demands that we work together to provide quick and concrete solutions. Here is Ksapa's business agenda for 2022.
1. Elevating Social and Human Rights Issues for successful business transformation and adaptation
Gig economy workers. Decent wage for everyone despite the inflationary context. Adaptation to climate change. Territorial acceptability of new projects. Compliance. Social issues are increasingly front and center of the corporate and financial agenda. A tendency which was only accelerated by Covid-19. Yet, for all the progress that has been made, addressing the climate challenge hinges on our collective capacity to secure a just – in other words, fair – transition. This is precisely where adopting a Human Rights lens can help draw attention to the importance of onboarding the global community in the journey towards climate resilience.
Climate-sceptic lobbying has only delivered delays, obfuscation and denial – leaving us with the distinct possibility of a 3°C global warming. This would be a disaster for humanity. Our collective climate failure is therefore a business failure. It is time for businesses to better align their statements and political influence, resolutely engage with governments and tackle the climate agenda. Not just for the planet: for the sake of their very own business! This begins by reorganizing companies and extinguishing internal resistance, in order to align all organizations around climate progress objectives.
4. Delivering on Net Zero Commitments
COP 26 pushed for a consensual approach towards limiting global warming to 1.5° Celsius. That said, the question of resource allocation remains pending. We need more corporations and investors to step up to the plate if we are to credibly map out our way towards net neutrality before 2050. Sure, this involves engaging with governments, too. This should not, however, skirt around the imperative of holding corporate Net Zero pledges to their word. To be credible, they must deliver rapid climate emissions cuts before 2025, 2030 at the latest. This requires federating business units, subsidiaries and strategic subcontractors around ambitious objectives - and coming up with appropriate technical and, above all, financial response. To this end, Ksapa is deploying the "Value Chain Energy Transition" program, an innovative mechanism combining technical expertise and financing solutions to support companies in their energy transition.
5. Ensuring Accountability in an Age of Greenwashing
In a hyper-connected world, in which the company and the investor can be as much part of the solution as part of the problem, the allegation of Greenwashing easily pollutes any constructive reflection on the complex issues raised by ESG considerations. Last, but certainly not least, is corporate accountability. That means tackling a growing greenwashing trend. Gone are the days when ESG analysis was a anecdotal concept left to marketing teams. A growing number of investors encouragingly boast dedicated ESG resources in direct contact with the C-Suite and Board. Looking ahead, many are now considering their role in driving sustainability outcomes. For example, Ksapa has developed and used this briefing paper "5 questions to ask and avoid doing SDG Washing" to help its clients reflect on the sustainability approach designed and explored engaging stakeholders.
6. Putting Innovative Solutions to Work for the Most Vulnerable
Our experience demonstrated time and time again how conventional approaches leave those with lesser levels of education behind. That said, those who somehow end up marginalized in the workforce tend to play a central role in climate action and social equity. That is precisely why we designed and developed the Scale-Up Training, Traceability and Impact initiative (SUTTI). By rolling out this program, we believe we can transfer training to large communities that have, until now, not had access to professional education.
While far from an exhaustive wish list, these 6 areas of work are an excellent starting point for 2022. We are as always excited to open up these conversations and hear your thoughts!
Farid Baddache, CEO
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Onboarding the Supplier Base in a 1.5°C Climate Strategy
In the spotlight this month:While the case for bold climate action could not be clearer, the new frontier remains in the onboarding of suppliers to effectively operationalize 1.5°C climate strategies. Conventional approaches all too often lack traction from a broad enough supplier base to demonstrate tangible impact against the global climate agenda. In this briefing paper, we outline a pathway towards designing and implementing robust climate programs across the supply chain.
Embedding a Robust Gender Perspective in Infrastructure
Following the World Bank’s lead, businesses and investors are increasingly addressing gender dynamics in infrastructure development. The challenge can be boiled down to asking the right questions and prioritizing issues relevant to both men and women. From there, key players will have to embed this structured input in the very way infrastructure projects are designed, built and operated. With that in mind, Ksapa outlines a 6-step guide to designing robust gender action plans. Check it out, along with many others such briefs in the Publications section of our website.
WEBINAR | Mitigating Organizations' Human Rights Risks
Human Rights risks sit squarely at the top of our collective political, business and philanthropic agendas. But to what extent do they weigh in on supply chain risk management? How can organizations react to – and anticipate – growing regulatory risks in an ever-changing global political landscape? Ksapa will be convening experts from across the board to share actionable methodologies, tools and collaborative initiatives to help global organizations better navigate the fast-evolving regulatory and societal shifts affecting them. Register now and join our webinar on 02/01 at 5PM (Paris), 8AM (San Francisco), 11AM (New York City).
