Ethical Enterprise Conference 2019

The Centre for Workplace Leadership (CWL) at the University of Melbourne is once again proud to support Moral Fairground as an official event sponsor of the 2019 Ethical Enterprise Conference, which takes place 28 and 29 October 2019.

Since 2009, Moral Fairground has been driving awareness of fair trade throughout Australia, creating a community of conscious individual and business consumers.

Associate Professor Ben Neville, Coordinator of the Leadership for Social Impact stream at CWL says it is more important than ever for business to be aware of the ethical implications of all facets of their operations.

“As the climate crisis becomes an ‘emergency’, recycling systems are failing, and we’re still reeling from the unethical behaviours of our banks, there are also positive signs for the impact of business on the world,” Associate Professor Neville said.

“Many are speaking out in favour of social issues, Australia has modern slavery legislation, and the US Business Roundtable purpose statement in support of all stakeholders was signed by 181 of the most powerful CEOs in the world. Ethical business is finally becoming accepted as the best approach to running a business.”

According to the latest UN Global Compact Accenture Strategy CEO Study of Sustainability, CEOs globally are recognising they have to act on social and environmental issues, but aren’t sure what steps to take. The clear message – whatever the action, it must be collaborative to be impactful.

The Ethical Enterprise Conference 2019 is a unique opportunity to collaborate and engage with some truly inspiring changemakers.

Associate Professor Neville will chair a panel called ‘Network collaboration for positive change’, bringing together leaders from the Shared Value Project, B Lab, Fair Trade ANZ and Social Traders.

“Creating collaborative networks of ethical enterprises helps provide credibility, develop capability and grow markets. But it isn’t easy. Relying on membership dues from small, ethical businesses or a minority segment of ethical consumers means paying for authentic audits and providing developmental opportunities is tough. The panellists will share their challenges and learnings, as well as the opportunities that came from effective collaboration,” Associate Professor Neville said.

The Ethical Enterprise Awards will also be announced during the two-day conference.

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