Sector Dialogue Automotive Industry
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The automotive sector plays a leading role for Germany’s economy. By integrating sustainability criteria into the procurement process, the sector can directly impact national and international supply chains. Thus, the automotive industry drives wider efforts to create a sustainable global economy. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, stakeholders representing business enterprises, associations, trade unions, civil society organisations and other initiatives collaborate to develop solutions that improve the human rights situation across global supply and value chains.
At production sites around the world, enterprises are working with a network of suppliers to promote decent employment, training, development and economic prosperity. Due to the complexity of their international operations German automotive companies deal with salient human rights risks in their supply and value chains, for example inadequate working conditions, child and forced labour, and environmental damage caused by raw materials extraction. New challenges are emerging as a result of the transformation of the industry, digitalisation, expansion of e-mobility and the increasing demand for specific raw materials. Facing structure-related issues, a joint approach based on industry-wide cooperation can increase impact for companies and rightsholders.
Following a successful development and pilot phase coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the members are continuing the sector dialogue automotive industry as part of the UN Global Compact Network Germany.
Information on the topic
Five Years of Sector Dialogue Automotive Industry
The Sector Dialogue Automotive Industry is a multi-stakeholder forum launched by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in 2020. It comprises representatives of the automotive industry and civil society. Since July 2025, the members continue the sector dialogue as part of the UN Global Compact Network Germany.
Workstreams
The sector dialogue involved an ongoing exchange of knowledge and experience. The focus was on management approaches for implementing due diligence. Additionally, pilot projects on the raw materials lithium and copper were launched, as well as a cross-company grievance mechanism.
Guidelines
The members of the Sector Dialogue Automotive Industry have developed a series of guidelines for the five core elements of human rights due diligence (policy statement, risk analysis, measures, reporting and grievance mechanism).
How companies can make meaningful use of voluntary sustainability standards
Within the Sector Dialogue Automotive Industry, representatives from companies, non-governmental organizations and politics have developed new frameworks on meaningful use of voluntary sustainability standards.
Implementing Human Rights Due Diligence with the Support of the Sector Dialogue Automotive Industry
As of 1 January 2024, companies with at least 1,000 employees are subject to the regulations outlined in the German Supply Chain Act - among them, of course, several automotive suppliers. In their quest for guidance and good practice they - as well as companies from other industries - can benefit from the insights generated by the Sector Dialogue Automotive Industry.