The perspective of business is critical in policymaking and can bring added value to policy debates. However, contrary to their sustainability commitments, companies sometimes prioritize short-term financial interests and engage with minimal transparency, creating an inherent risk of corporate policy capture.

To help companies align their political engagement with the protection of human rights, delivery of ambitious environmental goals, and support for civic institutions and the needs of society, FLA CSO Caucus member Oxfam developed a new briefing, Right-sizing Corporate Voice: Briefing for Business on Responsible Political Engagement. FLA joined with Oxfam over a webinar to discuss its new briefing and how it provides a roadmap for businesses to reimagine their political engagement by centering it on respect for human rights. In addition, Oxfam outlines emerging good practices and business examples.

Key webinar highlights included:

Sharing new approaches to corporate political engagement that build on existing frameworks and are based on the development of human rights due diligence strategies.
Highlighting essential actions for businesses and practices to prioritize to ensure political engagement occurs through a human rights and environmental sustainability lens and mitigate the risks of policy capture or causing harm.
Commentary from Nestlé on the challenges and opportunities multinational companies are facing in their work to effect change, such as around what kind of leverage they have with specific governments, and how different actors within companies can better align on their goals.

This briefing and webinar will benefit staff working in government affairs, sustainability, public affairs, and other departments involved in political engagement.