SDG 17 explicitly acknowledges the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to mobilise and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Businesses are recognising the value of increased collaboration and cooperation with a range of partners to accelerate the transition to more sustainable business models. However, businesses cannot ignore applicable competition laws when engaging in collaborative initiatives for sustainability. For example, laws against anti-competitive agreements carry the risk of significant penalties for individuals and businesses.
Internationally, significant discussion is taking place about how to strike the right balance between continuing to respect competition law principles, without unnecessarily chilling legitimate sustainability initiatives. Some jurisdictions have published regulatory guidance documents to help distinguish between what kinds of collaborations are acceptable and what activities may carry legal risk.
This session is intended to:
- Provide background on the issues at the intersection of sustainability and competition law;
- Highlight the legal frameworks that are relevant in Australia;
- Gather information and input from UNGCNA Participants about their experience of these issues to date, as well as their views and needs going forward.
NOTE: This consultation is participant only, contact us for more information.
