Business & Conflict
We help companies and investors in fragile and conflict states to prepare for and respond responsibly to conflict
Managing Conflict Risks
2022 saw the largest number of violent conflicts globally since 1945. By 2030, more than 80% of the world's poor may live in fragile and conflict affected contexts.
Violent conflict has resurfaced recently in Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine among others with devastating consequences for communities, companies and investors. We’ve seen great suffering and loss of life, in addition to impacts on supply chains globally with these conflicts is having a direct impact on food security and rising costs of living globally.
Traditionally, conflict has been treated as a business risk. Yet, companies and investors can play a crucial role in conflict mitigation, de-escalation and creating positive peace dividends in communities and across value chains, to the mutual benefit of companies, investors and local and global communities.
We help companies and investors manage their risk, minimize their negative impacts and maximize their positive influence on peace and stability. Companies and investors usually don’t have the necessary expertise to do this in-house.
We can help.
Are you grappling with conflict analysis amid rising Human Rights Due Diligence standards?
Applications are now open for the Conflict Smart™ Program.
Learn to conduct conflict analysis not just as a compliance activity, but as an integral part of your business strategy to manage risk and add value to every investment and engagement. The Conflict Smart™ Program equips you with unparalleled knowledge, resources, and bespoke tools. Under the stewardship of Ithaca Impact’s Managing Director, Dr Elizabeth Armstrong, and conflict specialist Mr Baptiste Millet, you’ll emerge with leading skills in business-aligned conflict analysis and risk management.
The Conflict Smart™ Program is the professional bastion for those who navigate the high risk terrain including in the extractives, energy, mining, oil and gas, and critical minerals sectors. Tailored to meet the stringent demands of international guidelines and directives, this program is the catalyst for transformation in high-risk, fragile regions as required by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and the US National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct.
Registrations are limited for this carefully curated professional development experience to ensure maximum engagement for participants. The Program will sell out, so register today.
Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is an established and highly regarded framework for responsible business. In fragile and conflict affected contexts, the Principles call for Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence to be conducted.
However, practically applying the guidance can be challenging. Every context is different, and every company or investor interacts differently with the context. We support clients to understand Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence (HRRDD) and take practical steps to apply it.
Through the application of conflict-informed tools, roadmaps, guidance and training, we support your teams to ensure that the due-diligence processes are well understood and well delivered in ways that support your business.
Security & Human Rights
We support companies in practically managing their security and human rights risks and impacts via coaching and advisory support, implementation audits, assessments and gap analyses, training, and monitoring and reporting processes.
Whether your company is aligning its practice with the Voluntary Principles on Seucity and Human Rights, aspiring to become a member, is an Engaged Member, or a full Participant Member, we provide comprehensive support throughout your implementation journey of the voluntary principles.
We guide companies with the necessary expertise to effectively translate these guidelines into actionable strategies seamlessly integrate with existing business processes.
Our expert team spans Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Asia Pacific and delivers a tailored approach for your company and the context of your operations.
Conflict Analysis & Conflict Sensitivity
Many commercial decisions are made without an appreciation of the conflict risk - or risk mitigations - that could de-risk decisions, or inform different and better choices. Whether you are making market entry ‘go-no-go’ decision, aligning with voluntary principles, seeking to manage your risk effectively, or trying to have a positive impact on communities as a result of your commercial decisions, understanding the context is central.
We support companies and investors via our conflict analysis and conflict sensitivity toolkit to understand the contexts they are operating in.
We do this in the language of business, and we seek to embed our recommendations - including practical tools and approaches - within your team, building your team’s skills as we go.
Responsible Action in Crisis or Conflict
As conflict and inequality rises and social cohesion deteriorates businesses need skills and capabilities to navigate increased conflict and geopolitical tensions. Responsible Action in Crisis (RAC) is key to ensuring businesses align with international human rights norms, protect their people and their interests, and use their leverage effectively.
The key to effective response is preparedness, well integrated into existing business processes and systems. Our approach integrates either a rapid response, or a planned response, into your business operations.
Depending on where your business operates, we will design a solution in context to make sure your practices don’t cause harm and maximize positive outcomes.
ICC & Ithaca Impact: New Guide for Responsible Business in Challenging Contexts
In collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Ithaca Impact co-developed the
ICC guidance on Responsible Business in Challenging Contexts, offering a roadmap for companies
to navigate these complex realities. The guide assists executives and operational teams plan their
actions with respect to human rights and international standards. Read more on the guide here.
Want to secure your legacy as responsible business? Get in touch with us.
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“Business and investors cannot be neutral in fragile or conflict states - they are either contributing to peace, or contributing to conflict. Their choices can have a profound influence on peace and stability with echoes around the globe.”
Dr Elizabeth Armstrong