Energy Sector Dialogue
The energy industry plays a key role for private households and the manufacturing sector in Germany. It is essential for solutions to great challenges such as the energy transition or security of supply questions.
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In light of human rights violations around the world, energy companies integrated in the global economy are confronted with higher requirements regarding corporate due diligence in their supply and value chains. For example, the extraction of natural resources and the making of semi-finished products for the generation of power in developing and emerging markets come with human rights and environment-related risks. These include inhumane working conditions or adverse environmental impacts and thus health damage in adjacent local communities.
Respecting human rights is crucial for a sustainable supply of energy. Sustainable activities and public acceptance are essential for the business success and future of companies in the energy industry.
Companies must identify human rights and environment-related risks in their supply and value chains early on and fulfil corresponding due diligence obligations appropriately. Since natural resources and semi-finished products for the generation of power originate from a few countries only, joint action is needed in order to have the necessary leverage.
With the Energy Sector Dialogue, the participating companies, business associations, trade unions, civil society organisations, the German Institute for Human Rights and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs pool their expertise and resources in order to address human rights and environment-related risks in the global supply and value chains of the sector. The aim is to improve both the protection of human rights and the protection of the environment worldwide.
From January 2023 to June 2026, the Energy Sector Dialogue was carried out by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs with support from GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). Since 1 July 2026, its members have continued the dialogue as a self-funded initiative within the UN Global Compact Network Germany.
Further information
Continuation of the Sector Dialogue
Since 1 July 2026, its members have continued the Energy Sector Dialogue as a self-funded initiative within the UN Global Compact Network Germany.
Document "Potential human rights risks along the supply and value chains"
The joint publication provides an overview and can be used as a resource for the preparation of a company-specific risk analysis. It lays the groundwork for collective action within the Energy Sector Dialogue.
Minimising negative impacts of bauxite mining in Guinea
Information on the activities regarding responsible procurement of aluminium-containing components and collective implementation of preventive and remedial measures in Guinea by the working group of the Energy Sector Dialogue.
Risk prevention in the construction and operation of energy infrastructure
Information on the activities regarding the development of the toolbox "Creating decent working conditions" and its implementation supported by the working group of the Energy Sector Dialogue.