Training

Multinational enterprises, development and decent work: the approach of the MNE Declaration

This five-day course will look at how governments, enterprises and the social partners are encouraged to each put policies in place and engage with each other through dialogue to maximize the positive contribution of multinational enterprises to socio economic development and decent work.

For more information and to apply online

Description

This course looks at the potential of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and national enterprises to contribute to respect for labour rights and the achievement of decent work for all, a universal goal recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It introduces participants to the guidance set out in the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) for enterprises, governments, and employers' and workers' organizations.

Through case studies, dialogue, role plays and a company visit, participants will gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of government and enterprises in realizing workers' rights, fostering job creation and skills development, and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises through business linkages.

The course strengthens the capacity of government institutions, employers' and workers' organizations to engage in dialogue with enterprises on their contribution to economic and social progress and their responsible and sustainable business practices. It allows enterprises to build a better understanding of the principles of the MNE Declaration which offered guidelines for enhancing the positive social and labour effects of operations and governance of multinational enterprises as well as for the conclusion of partnerships for the realization decent work for all.

Target audience
Representatives of governments, employers' and workers' organizations responsible for policies related to socio-economic development, foreign direct investment and operations of MNEs, business managers responsible for social policy and interested in developing more collaborative approaches to address their labour-related human rights impacts and socio-economic development issues.

Objectives
The course aims to strengthen the capacity of government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations and enterprises to contribute to the realization of decent work for all and the 2030 Agenda by a closer alignment of private actions with public policies and through the promotion of sustainable and responsible business practices.

At the end of the course, participants will:
• be knowledgeable of the principles of the MNE Declaration;
• be able to assess the impact of business operations on workers’ rights;
• understand the different roles of governments, the private sector, employers’ and workers’ organizations in maximizing the economic and social development impacts of MNEs;
• gain insights into how to foster a public-private collaboration for the realization decent work priorities.

Go to the MNE Declaration web site