Fostering Responsible Business Conduct for a Just Transition: Insights from the Course

At the invitation of the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization , I had the opportunity to participate in an online course focused on responsible business conduct and its role in promoting sustainable and just transitions. This was my second time training with the ITC-ILO, and once again, the experience has proven to be incredibly valuable in supporting my work as an Investment Adviser at the Romanian Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade, as well as my role with the National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct in Romania.

The course provided valuable insights into how multinational enterprises can align their operations with international standards for labor rights, environmental protection, and social responsibility—key elements of a just transition. It was a timely reminder of how essential it is for businesses to integrate sustainability into their strategies, ensuring that growth is not just about economic success but about fairness and long-term social and environmental impact.

One of the most impactful aspects of the course was learning about the importance of aligning trade and investment agreements with principles of sustainability and labor rights. As part of my work with the NCP for Responsible Business Conduct in Romania, I’ve witnessed the increasing inclusion of environmental and labor clauses in trade agreements, promoting fair and responsible practices. While Romania has made significant strides in addressing just transition issues, there is still work to be done to ensure that these principles are fully integrated into investment contracts and policies. This course has given me new tools to further support that effort.

Additionally, the course emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement to drive positive change. Ongoing dialogue between governments, businesses, and workers is crucial to addressing the challenges of a just transition and fostering inclusive economic transformation. In my dual role as an NCP adviser and business adviser at the Romanian Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade, I will apply this approach by facilitating dialogue between investors, local businesses, and government bodies, ensuring that sustainable and responsible practices are prioritised.

In terms of follow-up actions, I identified three key steps to promote RBC for a just transition in Romania:

1. Raising Awareness: I will continue to advocate for RBC by organising workshops and seminars, helping investors and businesses understand the value of responsible practices.
2. Strengthening Policy Alignment: I aim to push for stronger integration of just transition principles into Romania’s investment policies and trade agreements.
3. Facilitating Dialogue: Creating more opportunities for dialogue between investors, the government, and local stakeholders will be essential in ensuring that sustainable practices are adopted across industries.

Finally, this course has also encouraged me to reflect on my own initiatives, such as advising businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations and promoting the adoption of responsible supply chain management. This not only contributes to a just transition but also helps businesses become more competitive in the global marketplace.

Ultimately, the course reinforced the idea that businesses have a critical role to play in achieving a just and sustainable future. By adopting responsible business conduct and prioritizing social and environmental responsibility, we can create an economic environment that benefits everyone, especially those most vulnerable to the impacts of transition.