Decent work is one of the most challenging aspects in advancing social sustainability. Voluntary supply chain tools have long aimed to improve decent work and wages in supply chains. Yet, there has been little research to understand their impacts: research is crucial for enhancing effectiveness and aligning voluntary and mandatory measures.

We often talk about system-level change to address root causes of poverty and imbalance of risk. This requires us to unite in different and creative ways. The Living Income Community of Practice motivates actors across sectors to help close the income gap, so that smallholders can earn a decent standard of living as a basic human right.

Public and private sector stakeholders are increasingly looking to voluntary standards as one of the key tools to deliver their sustainability goals. While voluntary standards are clearly demonstrating their contribution to livelihoods, decent work and preservation of the environment, there is renewed focus on the extent to which these tools can protect and promote core human rights in sectors where they operate.