Konica Minolta has been selected as a finalist for the Business Award category of the 2018 Human Rights Awards, run by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The Human Rights Awards recognise the contribution of individuals and organisations in promoting and protecting human rights and freedoms. This year, there was a record number of nominations for the Awards.
Dr David Cooke, managing director, Konica Minolta Australia said, "We are delighted that Konica Minolta’s culture and deep commitment to human rights has been recognised by the Australian Human Rights Commission. For us, people are at the centre of everything we do, from our employees to our customers to our community.”
Konica Minolta has been actively involved in supporting human rights, from championing gender equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce, to adopting an approach to procurement which aligns with key human rights goals such as indigenous reconciliation. It has made significant efforts to not only ensure it has practices in place to ensure the ethical management of its own supply chain, but has also provided resources, raised awareness and worked with the government for changes to be made to address the issues of modern slavery in Australia and internationally.
"As well as our ongoing community partnership programs, we are dedicated, through our efforts and influence, to improve the quality of life for people affected by modern slavery or unfair work practices throughout the supply chain. Increasingly, we are finding customers and employees are moved to work with companies that have purpose, and diversity, and are committed to doing the right thing. It has been wonderful to see the company growing in strength over the years, as a result," said Dr Cooke.
In April 2017, Konica Minolta launched its three-year corporate social responsibility strategic plan, Corporate Social Responsibility: Pathways to Sustainability & Shared Value 2020, which identifies five shared value pathways that will guide its work until 2020 and is aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. These pathways have built the foundation for Konica Minolta’s strong commitment to respecting and protecting human rights, include fostering transformative community partnerships, embedding respect for human rights, embracing diversity and inclusion, supporting a culture of safety, wellbeing and health and demonstrating environmental leadership.
Cooke has also been invited to speak at the 2018 UN Forum on Business and Human rights in Geneva in November.
The winner of the Business Award will be announced at the Human Rights Awards ceremony on Friday 14 December.