International Business Engagement (BE)

Our Business Engagement team supports multinationals and investors in adopting responsible practices that navigate complex challenges, unlock opportunities, and strengthen social impact in conflict-affected and high-risk markets.

In today’s world of rising geopolitical tensions and deepening economic interdependence, businesses and investors face a landscape defined by complexity. Escalating conflicts, shifting regulations, and growing expectations for corporate responsibility mean that inaction can fuel instability, damage reputations, and disrupt business continuity.

Yet those who navigate these challenges responsibly can unlock opportunities for increased resilience and growth. By adopting conflict-sensitive strategies, companies and investors can tap into high-potential markets, drive sustainable value creation, and build resilience in fragile regions. Understanding socio-political dynamics — knowing your context, your supply chain, and your business partners — is not only about mitigating risk; it is about positioning for long-term success and making a positive impact.

The International Business Engagement Programme partners with a wide range of private sector stakeholders to embed conflict-sensitive practices across the value chain, including:

• Companies seeking to optimize operations, improve sustainability, and adopt ESG-aligned strategies in complex markets.
• Investors committed to allocating capital responsibly, mitigating conflict risks, aligning with global standards, and unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Service providers, to strengthen their offerings through conflict sensitivity.
• Non-profit organisations to strengthen collective shareholder initiatives or peer-learning platforms

Together with our non-profit partners, we facilitate collective initiatives that foster learning on responsible business practices, promote peace-positive investment, and support stronger regulations for business in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.

Results of our Business Engagement support

While we cannot share detailed case examples due to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with our partners, maintaining confidentiality is essential to building trust and ensuring impact. Still, we can offer a glimpse of our results: 

For businesses, our support has enabled companies to adopt conflict-sensitive practices that safeguard operations, reduce negative impacts on the context, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. These measures enhance ESG performance and position our partners as leaders in responsible business with a competitive edge in fragile markets.

For investors, our work has translated into greater portfolio stability and stronger alignment with international standards, ensuring long-term success while contributing to peace and development in fragile markets. It has also enabled them to better understand their exposure to conflict risks and adopt a more proactive posture in engaging with portfolio companies.