Exploring Social Issues from a Sustainable Supply Chain Perspective

When discussing sustainable supply chains, the focus is often on environmental issues (such as Scope 3 emissions reductions and plastic reduction initiatives within the supply chain). However, environmental issues are invariably linked to human activity; human activity impacts the environment, and the state of the environment, in turn, affects people. In this session, the sustainable supply chain perspective focuses on social issues, exploring how supply chain activities affect workers, communities and consumers. This is what is often referred to as ‘social sustainability’, and it is a crucial component of the three bottom lines that is closely intertwined with economic and environmental considerations.

Session Learnings:

• Sustainable supply chains are not solely about environmental issues; social issues cannot be overlooked.
• Which social issues require attention
• The potential risks and opportunities that social issues within the supply chain present to businesses and investors
• Business practices in addressing social issues from the perspective of sustainable supply chains

Post-Event Actions:

• Re-establish the equal importance of social and environmental issues within the context of sustainable supply chains within the organisation
• Examine potential social issues from the perspective of sustainable supply chains within the organisation, as well as their significance and associated risks
• How to integrate social and environmental issues as a unified whole into the strategies and practices of sustainable supply chain management