Ithaca Impact

Financial institutions are realizing that integrating human rights isn’t just about compliance - it’s about future-proofing investments, mitigating risks, and driving long-term value.   A recent study by the Geneva Center for Business and Human Rights explores how European financial institutions are navigating this landscape, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. While 75% of senior managers say human rights are addressed at the leadership level, gaps remain. Due diligence structures exist, but experts question their effectiveness in impacting individuals’ rights, especially in supply chains. Over two-thirds consider human rights in client decisions, though engagement is often limited by data, time, and resources.    Key takeaways    🌍 Tangible action is needed: While awareness of human rights issues is increasing, organizations must move beyond policies and ensure due diligence is embedded into core operations, not treated as an afterthought. 🚀 Proactive leadership is essential: Businesses should integrate human rights into strategic planning and risk management, rather than reacting to external pressures. 💡 Financial institutions have the power to drive positive change: Financial institutions can drive positive change by setting clear expectations for investee companies and collaborating across the industry to push for higher standards and accountability. 📉 Reliable data is a missing piece: A lack of standardized, high-quality human rights data remains a major barrier. Current ESG metrics often lack consistency and comparability, making it difficult to assess true performance. What this means for financial institutions? 💪 Invest in capacity:  Proactively addressing human rights issues reduces risks, strengthens corporate responsibility, and protects both reputation and financial stability. 🤝  Create strategic, enduring partnerships: Partnering with industry peers can set stronger ethical standards for investee companies and raise accountability. 📊 Enhance decision-making with better ESG data: Institutions must push for more robust, standardized human rights data to improve investment decisions and minimize risks. 🏛️ Help shape the regulatory landscape: By engaging with policymakers and industry bodies, institutions can drive best practices and support a regulatory environment that fosters ethical business. In some contexts, investors are the standard.  By proactively addressing human rights issues, financial institutions can lead the way in responsible finance, creating a positive impact on society and fostering sustainable growth. 📩 Need support assessing human rights risks? Contact us at info@ithacaimpact.com     📖 Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/gy8S4vni Dr Elizabeth Armstrong Nina Hitchins Melissa Sum Baptiste Millet Hans Hagemann Llanos Celesta den Houdijker Scott Carnie Richard Harrison

We’re excited to welcome Melissa Sum and Talauula (Ula) Ross to the Ithaca Impact team! 🎉 Melissa brings deep expertise in impact measurement and policy evaluation, ensuring organizations drive real, measurable change. Ula is the glue that keeps things running smoothly, bringing her exceptional skills in executive support and coordination. Both are driven by a passion for creating positive impact - whether by strengthening teams from within, driving meaningful change in organizations, or shaping better outcomes for communities. As we continue to celebrate the contributions of women everywhere, we’re reminded of the strength, insight, and leadership they bring to shaping a more responsible, sustainable future. We are privileged to have these two incredible women on board! Swipe through to meet them! 👇 and check out their bios on our website! https://lnkd.in/gf82Qy7h

When businesses do the right thing, it shows - in their culture, their innovation, and their bottom line. 📈 With overwhelming shareholder support, John Deere, Apple, and Costco have made it clear: diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just values, they’re smart business strategy. The data backs it up, and so do investors. At a time when some are trying to turn responsible business into a political battleground, it’s encouraging to see companies and shareholders staying focused on what really drives success: inclusive, forward-thinking workplaces that reflect the world we live in. 🌏 #ResponsibleBusiness #DiversityMatters #SustainableSuccess #EthicalLeadership #DEI

When it hits close to home. This photo was taken just last week in Brisbane, with Cyclone Alfred looming. It marked the first time this Get Set for Impact Cohort met face-to-face after previous sessions were held online. Missing from the photo, but not from our thoughts was Susan Toft, who was sandbagging her storage facility with her incredible team - because sometimes, business takes a backseat to life's bigger challenges. This session reinforced the value of in-person connections. The conversations that happen in the in-between moments, the shared experiences that deepen our learning, and the energy that comes from being in the same room. Running a business is never without its hurdles, yet all these founders continue to navigate uncertainty while pushing for growth and impact. Because creating change doesn't wait for perfect conditions - it happens in the thick of real life, driven by people who show up, adapt and keep moving forward. 📣 Big shout out to our wonderful Get Set for Impact cohort : Airgarden - Prue Bauer The Laundry Lady - Susan Toft TRACTION For Young People - Eleesa Johnstone & Annabel Prescott We are so grateful to be part of a community that embraces both the challenges and the opportunities. 🌟 Advance Queensland Dr Elizabeth Armstrong Nina Hitchins Talauula Ross #AdvanceQueensland #FemaleFounders #Impact #StrongerTogether #ImpactInvestment

This International Women’s Day, I want to take a moment to celebrate the women in our team and network, the women we work with, and the women who are reshaping industries, communities, and entire systems for the better.  Across the regions where we work - spanning conflict zones, emerging economies, and global business hubs - women are driving change in ways that are bold, tenacious, and deeply impactful. The women in our immediate orbit - ▫️ forge pathways for more capital into companies founded and led by women across Africa, Asia and the Indo-Pacific ▫️ advance the businesses of female founders ▫️ protect the human rights of communities ▫️ drive more responsible mining ▫️ fight modern slavery and advance responsible sourcing ▫️ use AI for good ▫️ tackle domestic and family violence ▫️ drive gender equality initiatives across their businesses ▫️ provide practical human-centered responses to homelessness ▫️ advance the inclusion of our elders and people experiencing disability ▫️ build community resilience and cohesion in war-torn Myanmar, Ukraine and Gaza ▫️ advance diagnostic science to save lives ▫️ establish renewable energy solutions and healthy food systems ▫️ and apply blended finance, localisation, and good practices to contribute to peaceful societies  These women not only advocate for better outcomes; they are ensuring businesses and communities create change for the better and raise the bar for all. They are also mothers, daughters, sisters and aunts who, with their village, find a way to make it work.  Having worked in complex environments - where peacebuilding, responsible business, and sustainability intersect - we see firsthand the strength it takes to build something better, especially in the face of fear and tyranny. Whether in rebuilding communities or reshaping industries, real change requires navigating complexity, managing risk, and standing firm in the face of adversity. To the women in our team, our network, and the communities we serve, you are leading change in the toughest environments, and we see you. This work is not easy, but it is essential. Today, we celebrate you. ✨ There are too many to tag, but you know who you are: Dr Elizabeth Armstrong Nina Hitchins Celesta den Houdijker Melissa Sum Talauula Ross Dr Christina Turner, GAICD, FGIA Karina Hogan Michelle Hill, PhD Jayne Shallcross Julie Hogarth-Williams Elana Morrow Jess Combe Prue Bauer Susan Toft Eleesa Johnstone Annabel Prescott Hannah Birdsey Rhyll Gardner FAICD FFin Fauve Kurnadi Lisa Harris Annie Major Eve Khin Brenda Barrett Thiri Swe Marie-Alice Small Deborah Livingstone Jane Remme (she/elle/ella) Sonya Beyers Rean Gilbert Tara Diversi Prachi Maheshwari Ashleigh Mansbridge Alexandra M. Dr Kathleen Turner FAusIMM (CP) Karin de Graaf Bettina Boekle, PhD Sarah Zeljko Kali Taylor Eva Meyer Anna Hughes Anna Åkerlund #IWD #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction

When businesses take the lead on human rights and responsible business, real progress happens. While global challenges - from geopolitical tensions to climate risks - continue to dominate the headlines, we’re also seeing companies step up, recognizing that responsibility isn’t just a choice, but a necessity.    This week, we had the privilege of working with PLS, a company committed to sourcing critical minerals responsibly - an essential piece of the puzzle for the global energy transition. Our training focused on the intersection of security and human rights, ensuring ethical practices are embedded in mining operations, guided by the Voluntary Principles.    Across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the pacific, the demand for this work is growing. Working to the corporate and the site level, our training is deeply practical and scenario based, and delivered by specialists with real field experience. It’s encouraging to see businesses recognizing that responsibility isn’t just about resources, it’s about people. Progress happens when ethics and industry move forward together, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.    If your organization is looking to strengthen its approach to human rights and responsible business, let’s talk. The path to a sustainable future starts with the choices we make today.  ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gzFXgwRr Sandra McInnes, GAICD Benton Leins Marie-Alice Small Tierney McCourt Nathan Wawatai Dr Elizabeth Armstrong Baptiste Millet Chandran Vigneswaran Lisa Harris Toby Flower Dr Christina Turner, GAICD, FGIA Nina Hitchins Melissa Sum Kai Cain #SustainableMining #HumanRights #CriticalMinerals #GreenTransition #JustTransition #VoluntaryPrinciples

Great work being done by UNDP in building and growing the Community of Practice on Business and Conflict. By shining a light on the crucial role of responsible business in conflict zones, this initiative underscores how businesses can either ease tensions or, inadvertently, contribute to the escalation of conflict during times of crisis. This is an essential step forward in helping companies recognize the importance of heightened human rights due diligence, conflict sensitivity, and responsible decision-making-principles, something we are actively and practically engaged with at Ithaca Impact. We understand the complexities businesses face in fragile and high-risk environments and the tough choices they must navigate. That’s why we work alongside companies to ensure they are equipped with the tools and frameworks to make responsible decisions that support long-term stability. We’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with the International Chamber of Commerce to co-develop the ICC Guidance on Responsible Business in Challenging Contexts, which provides practical guidance for businesses in these environments. You can read more on this guide here: https://lnkd.in/gv4iw4zm Is your business in need of practical guidance on operating responsibly in conflict-affected or high-risk areas? Let's connect and explore how we can help. 📩 📖 Read more about the UNDP initiative in their blog here: https://lnkd.in/gSFUSZKD Dr Elizabeth Armstrong Nina Hitchins Baptiste Millet #HumanRightsDueDiligence #HHRDD #ResponsibleBusiness #ConflictSenstivity #RiskManagement #ConflictRisk

Coherence and consistency is an important objective of regulation whether local or transnational. When achieved, it can deliver efficiency, fairness, productivity gains and reduced compliance costs for businesses. Then why are researchers, prominent firms, and civil society organizations sounding the alarm on the EU's new #Omnibus proposal? Many fear it could weaken recently agreed and hard-won advances in key sustainability and responsible business regulations. An omnibus process that is fast and exclusive could undermine the potential of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (#CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (#CSDDD), and the green taxonomy regulation to deliver urgent improvements in #humanrights and environmental outcomes. What’s at stake?  The Omnibus proposal has drawn strong opposition from several quarters. So, what are their concerns? 🔎 Academia & Researchers  ▫️ Economists warn that the proposal could lower the ambition of sustainability legislation, including the CSRD and the CSDDD.  ▫️ Stability in human rights and environmental regulation is critical for strategic autonomy and long-term economic strength.  ▫️ Regulatory uncertainty discourages investment and hinders sustainable business practices. 🤝 Civil Society  ▫️ NGOs and advocacy groups argue that reopening agreed-upon legislation creates legal instability and could roll back progress on corporate accountability.  ▫️ There is concern over a lack of transparency in the consultation process, with major business interests playing a dominant role.  ▫️ Weakening sustainability laws would harm human rights protections and reduce the EU’s ability to influence global standards. 🏢 Business Community  ▫️ Many businesses have invested in complying with existing regulations and fear that sudden changes will create additional costs and operational disruptions.  ▫️ Companies value regulatory certainty, constantly shifting rules make long-term investment planning difficult.  ▫️ Some businesses see #sustainability as a competitive advantage and worry that weaker regulations will undermine progress.   Why this matters?  For companies, this debate underscores the importance of maintaining high sustainability standards. Beyond compliance, strong sustainability regulations drive resilience, innovation, and long-term success. Deregulation might ease short-term burdens, but it could also lead to instability, shifting policy landscapes, and increased risks for companies operating in global markets.    At Ithaca Impact, we see sustainability regulation as an opportunity. These regulations and frameworks foster innovation, support business stability and build trust with stakeholders. Now is the time for businesses to engage, advocate, and shape policies that foster a sustainable and responsible future. Need to know how? Contact us now. Dr Elizabeth Armstrong Hans Hagemann Llanos Nina Hitchins Baptiste Millet

Just launched: Updated UNEP FI Human Rights Toolkit 🚀 In today's rapidly evolving market landscape, financial institutions are at the forefront of setting expectations for responsible and ethical business practices. Contributing to a sustainable and ethical global economy that protects and respects #humanrights is no longer optional, it’s an increasingly clear strategic imperative.   The newly updated UNEP FI Human Rights Toolkit is a useful tool designed to help institutions align with international human rights standards and play a key role in fostering a responsible financial system. Prioritizing human rights is essential for #risk mitigation, creating stable regulatory environments, supporting investor and business confidence, and promoting responsible conduct including in conflict and high-risk areas.    ⚒️ What’s new in the Toolkit?  ▫️ Sector-specific guidance: The toolkit provides tailored advice and practical resources to help institutions address the unique human rights challenges they grapple with. ▫️ Simplified Frameworks: The toolkit makes human rights frameworks more accessible for financial institutions. ▫️ Continuous Monitoring: The toolkit promotes ongoing monitoring to ensure human rights are considered at every stage of financial projects. ▫️ Educational Resources: New to human rights principles? The toolkit offers easy-to-understand explanations of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (#UNGPs). 🔎 What does this mean for financial institutions?  Financial Institutions can be a last line of defense for human rights, their standards often prevail where others are voluntary. The updated toolkit is part of a broader set of tools released over the last two years that support alignment with the UNGPs. These efforts send a clear message to financial institutions - and those who borrow from them - that accountability, transparency, and responsibility is an expectation. By prioritizing human rights, financial institutions can build trust with investors, regulators, and consumers, positioning themselves as leaders in a market where ethical behavior is increasingly valued. At Ithaca Impact, we specialize in helping institutions and companies navigate the complexities of Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence (#HRDD). We provide strategic guidance and training on integrating human rights into corporate governance and investment strategies.   Need help implementing responsible business practices? Contact us ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g3DRrhSb.   Watch launch UNEP FI Human Rights Toolkit ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g6vpyBzZ United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Hans Hagemann Llanos Dr Elizabeth Armstrong Nina Hitchins Baptiste Millet Chandran Vigneswaran

What a fantastic start to Cohort 2 of the 'Get Set for Impact' program! 🚀 We loved kicking things off with this incredible group of exceptional women and looking forward to working alongside you over the coming weeks - mapping your Theory of Change, capturing real-world data, and bringing your impact to life. Excited for the journey ahead with Prue Bauer from Airgarden, Susan Toft from The Laundry Lady & Eleesa Johnstone from TRACTION For Young People - watch this space! 💪✨ #AdvanceQueensland #ImpactMeasurement #GetSetForImpact #ImpactInvestment #ForPurposeBusiness #FemaleFounders Dr Elizabeth Armstrong Nina Hitchins Wiktoria Babuszewska Celesta den Houdijker