Why growing social inequalities matter to business

New York City, 20 July 2021: Why should growing inequalities matter to business? To what extent is inequality a systems-level risk, at the same level of climate emergency end environmental degradation? How specifically can business contribute to tackling inequality?

In a 20-minute podcast, Caroline Rees, President of Shift, discusses with Peter Bakker, President & CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) whether companies are recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue and whether initiatives like securing a living wage are gaining traction in mainstream business conversations.

They also address the newly announced Business Commission to Tackle Inequality, which seeks to put tackling inequality and creating shared prosperity for all at the heart of business’s agenda for sustainable growth.

Listen to the podcast here.

Shift is the leading center of expertise on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This conversation is part of Shift’s “Building Bridges for Impact” podcast series on the role that business should play in building a sustainable and equitable future, based on respect for people’s dignity and rights. Through this series, Shift aims to help show how the business and human rights field – in its language, aims and practices – connects with, contributes to and can build on a number of other narratives that relate to responsible business conduct. Learn more.

For more information, please contact James Gomme, Director of the People & Society Program at WBCSD.