Gulf Sustain
IHRB's initiative to promote responsible business for people and planet in the GCC
In 2022, IHRB established Gulf Sustain, a regional initiative that aims to bridge divides and build partnerships between government, business and civil society to advance worker welfare in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Transitions to sustainable, green economies in GCC countries have the potential to become a strong driver for job creation, improved labour protections, and economic and social equity for local and foreign workers.
Key to maximising this opportunity is ensuring all actors involved in green transitions have access to tailored guidance and cross-sector forums for collaboration in order to promote a strong worker welfare dimension in climate action.
Working at the heart of the intersection of the green and worker welfare agendas, Gulf Sustain aims to drive collaboration, deliver research, and facilitate capacity building to support actors with the implementation of international and national labour standards.
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.
