Helpdesk

Practical advice for responsible business conduct

Free advisory service

We provide tailored guidance and practical tools to help your business:

  • Identify and manage risks related to working conditions, human rights, and environmental impact
  • Strengthen collaboration with suppliers and partners in complex and evolving markets
  • Take concrete steps toward more responsible and sustainable business practices
  • Understand and apply international standards and frameworks within responsible business conduct and sustainability

While the Helpdesk primarily supports companies working in low- and middle-income countries, these markets span a wide range of geographies and sectors, often more than companies initially anticipate. Whether you’re just beginning or are already doing business internationally, we are here to help you drive positive impact and strengthen your global operations.

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Example questions for the Helpdesk

International standards and guidelines

  • Which frameworks can help our company align with international expectations on environmental and human rights due diligence when operating in global value chains?
  • What international standards or guidelines should my company follow to ensure responsible business practices in the transport industry in Tanzania?

Risks

  • What are some common sustainability risks in the steel industry in India that my company should be aware of?
  • How can my company work on risk identification and mitigation when working with suppliers in or when exporting to low- and middle-income countries?
  • How can we mitigate the risk of contributing to conflict in regions where we source raw materials?

Labour conditions & human rights

  • How should our company respond to reports of labor violations in a supplier's operations in Bangladesh? 
  • How can our company promote gender equality and fair labour conditions across our supply chains in low- and middle-income countries?
  • How can we identify and address human rights risks in our supply chain when expanding to new markets in low- and middle-income countries?

Environment

  • What practical steps can we take to reduce our environmental footprint when establishing operations in low-income countries? 
  • How can our company align its climate strategy with international goals like the Paris Agreement while operating in emerging markets?

Governance & local communities

  • How can we effectively engage with local communities and stakeholders in our target market to ensure responsible practices?
  • What steps should we take to conduct thorough due diligence on potential business partners in complex markets such as Malaysia?
  • What are the key cultural considerations we should be aware of when operating in Brazil to ensure responsible conduct?
  • What strategies can we implement to prevent corruption and unethical behaviour amongst our business partners and suppliers in Morocco?

How we support

We help your business apply responsible practices by guiding you to identify sustainability risks, reduce negative impacts, and contribute positively to communities, economies, and the environment.

Our services

We offer tailored advice on responsible business conduct and sustainability, connecting you with tools, resources, and insights to support your next steps.

What you can expect

The Helpdesk helps you avoid common risks in low- and middle-income markets while unlocking opportunities to create positive impact.

Regional Sustainability Centres

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In collaboration with Swedish embassies, Sida, and other Team Sweden partners, Business Sweden leads the coordination of strengthened sustainability efforts and business support in complex markets. Five regional sustainability centres have been established, with the aim to strengthen responsible business practice, sustainable value chains, and growth that contributes to sustainable local development. The centres will work in close collaboration with the Helpdesk for Responsible Business Conduct to provide local knowledge and context on sustainability matters.

These centres are based in Bangkok in Thailand, Bogotá in Colombia, Delhi in India, Manila in Philippines, and Nairobi in Kenya. The centres operate regionally to support both partner countries and Swedish companies in navigating risks, identifying opportunities, and driving more sustainable projects. They also extend support to markets where Team Sweden not yet has a local presence, but where there is potential for synergies between trade and development.

Why responsible business conduct matters

Embedding social, governance and environmental due diligence into business practices is not just a legal expectation but a competitive advantage. Companies that take the lead in responsible business conduct strengthen trust, boost their reputation, and play an active role in advancing global sustainability goals.

Contact
Thea Tandberg
Advisor Thea Tandberg
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