People-driven business: Human rights and organizational culture as the foundation of sustainable supply chains

Human rights, organizational culture, and partnership relations are key to building resilient and competitive global supply chains, it was noted today at the panel “Social Impact of Sustainable Supply Chains,” held as part of the regional conference Core Days 2025.

Deeba Remheden, a supply chain expert from Sweden, said that sustainable supply chains begin with strong leadership and a clear commitment by companies to integrate social responsibility into the very core of their business operations.

She emphasized risk mapping, responsible sourcing, and partnership-based relationships with suppliers, because “leadership must be genuinely dedicated in order for change to cascade throughout the organization.”

Remheden also pointed to UNDP findings showing that the dilemma between competitiveness and human rights is “false.”

Simon Franko, Managing Director for BASF Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovenia, said that the resilience of systems also depends on people’s motivation to understand the purpose of change.

He cited entrenched attitudes, fear of repeating past failures, and bureaucracy that hinders agility as key obstacles.

He highlighted the 3P concept – planet, people, prosperity – noting that without balance among these three principles, there can be no investment in knowledge, skills, and social responsibility.

Franko added that companies increasingly assess “value to society” – the overall impact of an investment on the community, including the resources they use and the value they create through jobs, taxes, and new knowledge.

“The world is changing faster than ever, and the next decade will be crucial for adapting businesses and societies,” Franko said.