Poland – Sustainable Development 2nd NAP

2. Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy

Responsible business – promoting due diligence standards

[page 10-11]

“The effectiveness of activities carried out so far in the form of cooperation within the Advisory Board for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility encourages further development of the initiative and dialogue with representatives of various institutions and sectors. Therefore, the activities of the Advisory Board for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility will be continued in the years to come. Within the framework of the Advisory Board’s work, plans involve a continuation of activities in the field of promoting standards related to respect for human rights in business activity of enterprises. A significant role in this respect will be played by the Working Group for Relations with Individuals Performing Work. The scope of tasks of the Working Group will be determined each time by the Advisory Board for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility within the framework of annual action plans. The plans of the Working Group include, among others, the following activities:

– promotion of the handbook entitled: “Forced labour. A Guidebook: how to recognise and combat it” consisting in a wide-ranging e-mailing of the handbook, mailing of the paper version and organisation of webinars on the tools presented in the handbook. Information on the tools developed in the handbook will also be provided during meetings and trainings addressed to entrepreneurs organised by the Advisory Board for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility,

– promotion of the handbook entitled: “CSR Guidebook to Safe and Sustainable Work Environment” consisting in distribution of the handbook in both electronic and printed versions and by establishing cooperation with centres and institutions dealing with the labour market in Poland in order to discuss the issues included in the handbook and the needs for changes in the Polish labour law system”

(…)

“The issue of due diligence in the field of human rights will also be of particular interest to the Advisory Board for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility in view of the legislative changes planned at the EU level as regards due diligence in the area of human rights and environmental issues, as well as in the field of non-financial reporting covering, among others, issues concerning the respect for human rights. Monitoring the directions of legislative changes in non-financial data reporting planned at the EU level, as well as work in areas related to non-

financial reporting, constitutes one of the tasks of the Working Group on the Development of Non-financial Reporting established on 31 March 2021.”

Other activities of the MDFRP [The Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy]

[page 12]

“Continuation is planned as regards the active participation of MDFRP representatives in the discussion on developing sustainable development trends at the international level, including its active participation in meetings of intergovernmental organisations and NGOs, international conferences, as well as partnership initiatives and joint projects.”

3. Ministry of Economic Development and Technology

Implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda)

[page 12]

“The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for the global economy and hindered effective achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the same time, it has set excellent ground for change, moving away from ‘business as usual’ and adapting operating models, both in and outside business, to the new challenges. The pandemic crisis has also brought to light the fact that the full implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is crucial to give momentum to better recovery, transition towards a green and digital economy, strengthen its resilience and be well prepared for future shocks.

A dynamic shift towards sustainable development has been observed at many levels of action. The Sustainable Development Goals have been increasingly mainstreamed in international and European policies. They are becoming a reference point both for EU development strategies (e.g. the European Green Deal) and for individual countries. The response to the COVID-19 crisis (European Recovery Instrument) is also based on the concept of sustainable development, and so is the National Recovery Plan, which will provide an impetus for business and public administration to undertake reforms and investments boosting the potential for growth and economic and social resilience, while fostering ‘green’ and digital transformation.

The transition to a sustainable economy will only succeed if – alongside the public sector – the private sector properly plays its part, tapping into its creativity, investment and entrepreneurship. Businesses, as drivers of economic growth and employment, have a significant role to play in fostering innovation, developing technology, research and development investments which, in turn, will drive progress on the SDGs in areas such as energy, construction, food, mobility, and climate action. At the same time, investing in environmental protection and circular economy should provide the impetus for economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.”

(…)

“An effective response to a clearly emphasised direction of action at European and national level requires well-prepared human resources, able to combine competences, willing to cooperate and committed to change. Entrepreneurs facing unprecedented pandemic challenges need multidimensional assistance and systemic support in their transformation towards sustainable development, e.g. in terms of access to resources and knowledge on sustainable development – most SMEs are still not aware of the concept of sustainable development, lack adequate resources (human, capital) to build responsible business models.

From the point of view of the Coordinator of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Poland – the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology – in the coming years the implementation of the idea of sustainable development will strongly rely on the practical application of the provisions included in the report ‘Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Poland’, adopted by the Council of Ministers in June 2018, i.e.: first of all, supporting education for sustainable development, ensuring consistency of development policy and effective monitoring of progress in achieving the goals. The Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, in cooperation with the OECD and the EC, will implement a project consisting in the preparation and implementation of a programme to develop the competences of public administration in the area of sustainable development.

Building partnerships and enhancing the dialogue with 2030 Agenda stakeholders, as well as striving to increase their real involvement in issues relevant for sustainable development – such as social responsibility, equality between women and men, ensuring decent work, sensitivity to climate change, sustainable consumption and production – will remain crucial”

Appendix 2 (information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Recommendations

[page 47]

“In their activities supporting Polish entrepreneurs, public procurement and development aid projects implementation, Polish foreign missions are guided by the following principles requiring them to:”

(…)

“- maintain ongoing cooperation with relevant state offices, other diplomatic missions, nongovernmental organisations and business self-governments, as well as the Foreign Trade Office of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (if operating in the host country), with regard to assessing the impact of planned economic activities on human rights and their significance for sustainable development;”

(…)

“- in the implementation of public procurement, take into account the so-called sustainable procurement criteria5 in order to integrate requirements, specifications and criteria ensuring environmental protection, social progress, and support for economic development”