Neste Oyj Leverages Technology to Advance Human Rights
Neste Oyj is using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve the assessment and promotion of human rights within its global supply chains. The company aims to amplify worker voices for greater transparency and impact.
Neste Oyj is integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the monitoring and advancement of human rights across its complex global supply chains. The initiative focuses on bridging the gap between corporate operations and the wellbeing of workers, even in distant parts of the value chain.
The company is employing technological tools that allow for the collection of data on worker conditions through anonymous surveys. These surveys are designed to be accessible via mobile phone apps, using pictograms and available in local languages to overcome literacy and language barriers. This approach aims to provide a clearer understanding of workers' living situations and identify areas for human rights improvement.
Ilona Mooney, CEO of Work Ahead, a startup developing such tools, stated that technology is crucial for achieving visibility into the lives of individuals impacted by business operations on a global scale. "Technology allows a new kind of visibility to people’s lives who are impacted by our work, and to shine light on what their lives are like," Mooney explained.
Neste reports that this worker voice technology enables scaling engagement across its global value chain, removing obstacles like language and literacy. The insights gathered help identify trends and facilitate targeted improvements. Chrisanne Kouzas, Sustainability Excellence and Development Manager at Neste, noted that this approach allows for a targeted and impactful approach to enhancing workers' lives and improving supplier performance.