Majyd Aziz urges focus on RBP at national conferenceStaffReporterAt the National Conference on Responsible Businesses hosted by the Employers Federation of Pakistan, Majyd Aziz, former President of the Employers Federation of Pakistan, emphasized the growing significance of Responsible Business Practices (RBP).
He noted that while these practices were once loosely defined, they have now become a crucial indicator of an enterprise’s ethical standing and goodwill. Aziz highlighted the disparity between large corporations and SMEs regarding RBP. He explained that larger enterprises typically have formal policies due to their broader responsibilities, whereas many SMEs reflect the personal values and character of their owner-managers in their practices.
This close relationship between an entrepreneur and their business influences company strategies and societal roles. Aziz stressed the importance of human rights within RBP, noting that respect for these rights is essential for fostering sustainable and beneficial relationships with stakeholders.
He advised businesses to adhere to international standards such as ILO ILES and GSP Plus, which help protect their reputation and mitigate risks related to labor disputes and other issues. As a former President of the UN Global Compact Network Pakistan, Aziz outlined the human rights businesses must uphold, including fair working conditions, social security, and non-discrimination. He called for collaborative efforts among employers, workers, and government to strengthen worker support systems and promote a culture of sustainable philanthropy. This, he argued, is crucial for focusing on long-term Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities.
