While at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights I started thinking about how many big NZ companies recognised Human Rights and or the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Following methodical Googling, I have learned that only 4 out 50 NZX50 listed companies acknowledge the Guiding Principles. These companies include Fonterra, The Warehouse Group, ANZ Bank and Westpac Bank. Although not represented in the NZX50, the parent companies of BNZ and ASB (National Australia Bank and the Commonwealth Bank) do recognise the Guiding Principles.
A few other listed companies mention human rights on their websites. These companies are Kathmandu, Sky City Entertainment Group and Restaurant Brands.
Air New Zealand, Spark and Vector are aligning their business strategy to some of all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. All Energy companies have some form of Sustainability plan.
I was hoping to see a few more companies acknowledging the UN Guiding Principles on Human Rights than 4 out of 50. Sadly, four NZX50 companies recognising the Guiding Principles seems really good when one remembers that only 1 out 50 has a female CEO.
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All posts by Institute delegates reflect their own thoughts, opinions and experiences.