Free online course on sustainable supply chains for suppliers

With a new, free e-learning programme, GIZ supports suppliers and producing companies worldwide in implementing human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD).

The training is aimed specifically at employees in supplying and producing companies as well as at staff responsible for HR and compliance. It teaches the basics of HREDD and relevant legislation and provides a practical guide concerning the six steps of the due diligence process from the supplier's perspective. The course also includes country-specific case studies from all countries in the Responsible Business Helpdesk (RBH) network and a special module on Responsible Contracting. The course consists of five interactive modules that can be completed flexibly at participants’ own pace. The five modules at a glance:

• Module 1: Introduction to HREDD - principles, legislation, risks and impact
• Module 2: Due diligence in practice - including Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), risk analysis, measures, complaint mechanisms and monitoring
• Module 3 (optional): Country case studies - practical insights from Cambodia, Turkey, Pakistan, Serbia, Viet Nam, Mexico, Tunisia and Bangladesh
• Module 4 (optional): Responsible contracting - how contracts can support the implementation of due diligence obligations
• Module 5: Final test - summary, learning check and next steps

After successfully completing the course and passing the final test, participants receive an official certificate.

Participants learn to identify risks in their own companies and in supply chains, implement HREDD processes in practice and to communicate requirements to business partners. This improves their position as responsible and reliable partners in international supply chains. The core modules take around 4 hours to complete, the optional modules around 30 minutes each.

In July 2025, the training programme was published with great success as part of an online launch seminar: More than 250 participants from all over the world - including brands, suppliers and multi-stakeholder initiatives - took part in the seminar and discussed the importance of HREDD for global supply chains.

The e-learning programme is available free of charge via the Atingi learning platform. The course is currently available in six languages - English, Khmer, Mandarin, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese - with more language versions to follow. A revision is planned for 2026 immediately after the final adoption of the new EU regulations.

The programme was developed by GIZ's Responsible Business Helpdesk (RBH) network, together with Labor Solutions and the Responsible Contracting Project. The RBHs are hosted by chambers and associations in nine countries and support local companies in partner countries with training and information programmes on human rights and environmental due diligence. In order to maximise its reach, GIZ is also prepared to make the training files available to companies or platforms. This will enable even more stakeholders worldwide to benefit from the learning content and strengthen their position as responsible partners in global supply chains.

If you are interested, please contact igs@giz.de.