Promoting responsible security management by Chinese companies: DCAF and ICRC participate in the 2023 International Forum on Sustainable Mineral Supply Chains

The DCAF-ICRC Partnership took part in the 2023 International Forum on Sustainable Mineral Supply Chains (SMISC Forum) organised by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) in Chengdu, China from 20 - 22 September. The forum brought together over 300 participants from Chinese and international companies, government agencies, international organisations, think tanks and non-governmental organisations to discuss challenges and opportunities in sustainable mineral supply chain governance.

Alan Bryden, Head of DCAF’s Business and Security Division, delivered a keynote speech on “Responsible Business and Security Management in Complex Environments” in which he promoted the Security and Human Rights Toolkit and emphasised a multi-stakeholder approach to operational security challenges faced by Chinese companies operating in high-risk contexts.

Boris Kelecevic, Deputy Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, introduced the recently developed Training Modules on Overseas Responsible Business and Security Management - a joint effort between DCAF, ICRC and CCCMC.

The training modules were developed in the Chinese language, with support from a local research team and are targeted for Chinese companies operating in challenging environments that seek guidance on:

• addressing challenges with security arrangements;
• facilitating stakeholder and community engagement;
• ensuring social license to operate and building trust with communities;
• managing risks of exacerbating conflict;
• managing private security providers and ensuring professional conduct;
• working with public security and host governments.

Find out more about DCAF-ICRC project on promoting responsible business conduct by Chinese companies here.

For Chinese speakers, view our Chinese-language Knowledge Hub and follow news of the SMISC Forum on CCCMC’s website and WeChat.

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