About this Event
The private sector has an outsized impact on global human rights. Businesses can uphold or abuse human rights through their labor practices, use of resources, distribution of products, and governance. In our economy’s current form, market forces tend to incentivize businesses to pursue greater profit margins and economic growth, running the risk that adverse impacts on people will not be identified or managed in time to prevent harm. This in turn can lead to operational disruptions, reputational damage, and legal or financial penalties for business.
This Spring 2025, The Center for Responsible Business continues, in partnership with professional faculty, Jenny Vaughan and Sanchita Saxena, the Human Rights & Business Series. The series aims to expand collaborations at the critical intersection of business, social equity, and sustainability, by asking: What is social sustainability and what constitutes responsible business conduct? What are ways business can prevent harm to people and the environment, and how can companies integrate social sustainability and human rights into their strategies?
The series will also explore practical examples of responsible business practices through viable career pathways, strategies for remediating harm, and the growing business case for managing human rights in today’s economy. As we witness the exhaustion of our natural resources and ecosystems, capital will seek new frontiers to continue its pursuit of accumulation with no exception to human labor. We invite attendees to explore certain industries and how they navigate, lead, or undermine the progress made in upholding human rights and environmental protections.
Stay tuned for more events in the series over the spring semester on our website or follow us on Linkedin.
Part 4 - Social Sustainability in Practice: Coffee Chat with Smruti Govan
Date: March 11, 2025
Time: 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Location: Chou Hall rooms N340+344
Refreshments will be provided
Hosted by the CRB Student Advisory Board, this student-led discussion will spotlight Smruti Govan, Human Rights & Sustainable Sourcing Director of PepsiCo, and her career ensuring compliance of human rights throughout various industry supply chains. This event will be moderated by CRB’s Student Advisory Board members.
Series Co-Sponsor: Berkeley Center for Law and Business
Accessibility: If you will require accommodation to fully participate in the event, please contact Nathalie Muñoz ([email protected]) as soon as possible.
COVID Protocol: This event will be indoors so masks are optional, but highly encouraged. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
N340+344, Chou Hall, Haas School of Business, Berkeley, United States
