The Swedish Development Forum (FUF) is hosting an event together with Friends of Panzi to discuss the human rights violations linked to mineral extraction in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are essential for advancing digitalisation and the green transition – areas where Swedish companies lead the way. However, their extraction and trade, crucial for batteries and advanced technology, are often linked to serious human rights violations, such as sexual violence and forced labour.
This highlights the importance of a responsible business sector to drive sustainable and peaceful development, both in the DRC and globally. With EU directives requiring companies to ensure ethical value chains, cross-sector collaboration, sustainable investments, and technological innovations offer pathways to achieving this.
Key questions include: How can we address power imbalances between multinational corporations and weak states to ensure fair resource benefits? How can cross-sector collaboration drive innovation and sustainability while reducing exploitation risks? And how can regulations like CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive) strengthen resource management and contribute to peace?
Led by Swedish journalist and host Malou von Sivers, FUF and Friends of Panzi are honoured to present an esteemed panel of speakers that includes Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, founder of The Panzi Hospital in Eastern Congo. For a quarter of a century, Dr Mukwege has tirelessly supported victims of violence while highlighting the link between abuses and the mining industry, advocating for change.
The panellists:
- Dr. Denis Mukwege Founder of Panzi Hospital and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
- Staffan Lindberg Awarded journalist, Aftonbladet
- Henric Råsbrant Ambassador of Sweden to DRC 2019-2024
- Nyamko Sabuni CEO, Sabuni & Partners
- Henrik Hallgren, Director Operations Sustainability in Mining, International Council of Swedish Industry (NIR)
- Alice Blondel Director, Swedwatch
- Joakim Wohlfeil Diakonia’s representative in the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM)
You are welcome to stay and mingle after the seminar.
Sign up here by January 19 at the latest. There are only a few spots left!*
*Please ensure you bring valid identification to the seminar. Without it, you will not be permitted to enter.
For more information, visit FUF’s website here.