In an era of rapid regulatory change, European business leaders gathered for the 10th annual UN Global Compact European Peer Learning Event on Business and Human Rights this October in London. Organized by the UN Global Compact Network UK this inspiring event fostered a lively exchange on topics regarding sustainability, legal compliance, and ethical leadership.

As new regulations like the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the EU Forced Labor Regulation roll out, companies face increasing pressure to put human rights and environmental stewardship at the core of their strategy – not just as box-checking exercises, but as drivers of real sustainable impact. 

A1 Group’s Head of Legal Doris Schönhart strongly expressed: “Human rights due diligence isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating real value by building trust, resilience, and accountability across our business and supply chains“. Her statement highlights A1’s ongoing dedication to integrating due diligence principles across all departments and processes, moving toward approaches that prioritize simplicity and substance to create more meaningful impact.

This message also resonated throughout the workshops, which took a pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach, equipping participants with tools to integrate legal, financial, and ethical dimensions of due diligence. Real-world case studies, peer learning, and best practices anchored the agenda, enabling attendees to share what works and what doesn’t.

For A1 Group, this event provided assurance that we are well aligned with the best practice in ensuring corporate due diligence. The event also equipped us with valuable insights and benchmarks of the peer due diligence processes, examples of other industry leaders, and integration of proven strategies across departments.

Our responsibility is great, and by harnessing collective wisdom and aligning strategy and action with global frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,  A1 Group is sure to remain strong on the way in contributing to a truly responsible and resilient business world.