Gulf Sustain
IHRB's initiative to promote responsible business for people and planet in the GCC
In 2022 IHRB established Gulf Sustain, an initiative that aims to bridge divides and build partnerships between government, business and civil society to advance worker welfare in Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC).
The GCC's plans to reach net zero provide an opportunity to centre worker welfare as an enabler of the the region's green transition.
Managed well, transitions to environmentally and socially sustainable economies can become a strong driver for job creation, improved labour protections, and economic and social equity for local and foreign workers.
IHRB's Gulf Sustain initiative aims to identify and develop constructive approaches to promoting a strong worker welfare dimension into climate action decision-making spaces. Our Gulf Sustain team work at the intersection of the climate and worker welfare agendas to develop knowledge, drive dialogue, and bring together businesses, governments, financial actors, and local, regional and international organisations.
Vision
GCC countries become strong drivers in transitions towards environmentally sustainable and equitable economies with the rights of workers and vulnerable groups at the centre.
Mission
To collaboratively embed worker welfare as part of an effective and sustainable climate response.
Approach
Gulf Sustain aims to promote an integrated approach to achieving net-zero commitments while advancing worker welfare by:
- Developing knowledge and providing thought leadership: undertaking research and building capacity on practical tools and approaches that further responsible business;
- Working across silos to drive constructive dialogue among key regional, local and international stakeholders: building trust, generating awareness, and promoting cross-sector collaboration and exchange;
- Collaboratively advocating for better policies, practice and accountability mechanisms: identifying opportunities to influence practitioners to shape locally relevant policy, promote responsible business, and strengthen accountability for all;
- Catalysing multi-stakeholder engagement and collective action: sharing and developing locally-relevant approaches and scalable solutions to drive concrete outcomes through new incentive structures.
