Namibia recently hosted the National SUSTAIN Workshop from 30 September to 2 October, focusing on advancing decent work through responsible business conduct and international labour standards in trade and investment. The event brought together representatives from government, workers’ organizations, and employers to discuss how trade and investment can more effectively support decent work and sustainable development. Stakeholders explored ways to enhance collaboration, align policies, and clarify the roles of government institutions, enterprises, and trade unions in promoting responsible business conduct and decent work.
The workshop also served as a platform to engage stakeholders on the SUSTAIN Project—Sustainable Trade and Investment in Southern Africa—funded by the European Union. The project supports Namibian stakeholders in strengthening trade and investment frameworks that respect international labour standards and responsible business practices. Participants were guided on using key instruments such as the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises to promote responsible business conduct.
Opening remarks highlighted the importance of leveraging these frameworks to ensure that trade and investment contribute not only to economic growth but also to the dignity, security, and prosperity of all Namibians. Speakers emphasized that when businesses operate responsibly and align with international standards, they can generate social as well as economic progress, benefiting workers, communities, and society at large.
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