ASEAN CSR Network (ACN) and Oxfam recently co-organised the ASEAN Responsible Business Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 27-29 October 2015. 

The three days yielded engaging discussions on responsible business and its impact on the ASEAN community post-2015.

The joint communique is to reflect the aspirations and commitments that were discussed at the Forum, show our support and provide constructive recommendations to ASEAN, its relevant agencies and bodies and other stakeholders responsible in helping to share the ASEAN vision and strategy post-2015.  

Some of the key highlights include:

• Oxfam and ACN offer their commitment and support to implementing the AEC 2025 Vision and Strategy, especially on how we can create an enabling environment to ensure all businesses act ethically and responsibly, and that everyone, especially the vulnerable groups, are able to participate in and benefit from economic growth and development;
• Both organisations offer their commitment to support ASEAN in developing regional norms and standards for sustainable value chains that are consistent with global standards for responsible business;
• ACN and Oxfam are fully committed to supporting the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in promoting corporate responsibility in respecting human rights and mainstreaming business and human rights principles across all ASEAN pillars
• Both parties encourage ASEAN to consider providing a space for multi stakeholder dialogue and cooperation in tackling corruption and bribery, paving the way for greater harmonisation of policies, standards and approaches to tackling corruption in line with international agreements such as UN Convention against Corruption; and
• ACN and OXfam support ASEAN's commitment to prevent unfair exploitation by large firms with market power in integrated supply chains. The organisations believe ASEAN is in a position to encourage companies to promote inclusive and sustainable business norms and customs, and discourage unfair race-to-the-bottom practices. This can be achieved through ASEAN joint approaches such as the adoption of common regional stansards for fair living wages and environmental sustainability, among others.

For more details of the communique, please click here