Businesses and organisations operate within a complex network of key relations, including customers, employees, suppliers and strategic partners, all of which are essential for their survival and growth. This interconnectedness embeds organisations in a broader landscape of societal norms and values, where even small changes can create ripple effects throughout the system, potentially leading to disruptions. The extent of these disruptions often depends on how effectively organisational members collaborate in preparing for and responding to challenges. This panel will discuss the social dimensions of ethical and responsible business practices, focusing on how organisations engage with their key stakeholders for resilience and sustainable development. Understanding these dynamics enables businesses to make informed decisions, positioning themselves to navigate challenges and seize opportunities that benefit employees, communities, society, and the wider economy.

Supply chains involve the process of producing and delivering a product or service from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, and finally reaching the end customer. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on how organisations integrate sustainability into their supply chains by addressing social, economic and environmental considerations. This panel will explore how businesses across different sectors put the concept of ‘sustainable supply chains’ into practice, aiming to reduce negative impacts on the environment, conserve natural resources and ensure ethical labour practices while maintaining economic viability. 

Businesses and markets are fundamentally dependent on the natural ecosystems in which they operate. All organisations, to some extent, depend on the health of the natural environment. Impacts on nature can result from both direct business activities and indirect effects through the use of products and services, manifesting at any stage of the value chains — from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling. These impacts can be negative, such as land degradation and pollution, or positive, such as ecological restoration through advanced treatment processes and nature-positive investment. This panel will discuss the ways in which businesses and organisations influence the health of natural ecosystems, both positively and negatively. By understanding these complex interactions, businesses can make more informed decisions, managing risks and seizing opportunities to benefit their employees, society, the economy, and the environment.