Duration
13 months
Implementing Organisation
Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI)
Donor
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), in partnership with BHRTR, is implementing a pilot programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of public institutions in Türkiye and Swedish companies operating in Türkiye to respond to developments related to the European Green Deal. The programme focuses particularly on corporate sustainability, human rights due diligence and the social dimensions of the green transition.
Against the backdrop of evolving EU sustainability requirements and their growing relevance to EU Türkiye trade relations, the programme supports public officials and companies in strengthening their knowledge and practical capacity in areas including human rights due diligence, sustainability reporting and green finance.
Programme Components
Professional Training Programme for Public Officials
Mid level officials from key public institutions participate in an online preparatory programme followed by an intensive ten day training programme in Lund, Sweden. Participating institutions include the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Industry and Technology, Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Directorate for EU Affairs.
Using a case based learning methodology, participants develop policy relevant case studies addressing challenges encountered within their respective institutions, with expert guidance and mentorship from RWI and BHRTR.
Corporate Engagement with Swedish Companies
Up to ten Swedish companies and their first tier contractors operating in Türkiye participate in a series of five closed workshops focusing on preparedness for evolving EU sustainability and human rights due diligence requirements. The participating companies represent sectors including energy, construction, textiles, agriculture and mining.
The workshops provide a platform for practical learning, peer exchange and the development of corporate case studies with support from RWI and BHRTR.
BHRTR's Role
As RWI’s local partner in Türkiye, BHRTR provides contextual expertise and practical support across both components of the programme. BHRTR’s contributions include:
- Designing and delivering an awareness raising session on business and human rights and EU sustainability regulation for public sector participants
- Developing a Türkiye focused public sector case study together with RWI thematic experts
- Reviewing and contributing to RWI’s digital learning modules
- Participating in the intensive training programme in Lund and Copenhagen
- Providing structured feedback throughout the public and corporate case development processes
- Contributing to five corporate workshops with Swedish companies in Istanbul
- Supporting the design and delivery of the closing multistakeholder conference and practitioner roundtables
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness and capacity within Türkiye’s public sector regarding the European Green Deal, corporate sustainability and human rights due diligence
- Increased preparedness among Swedish companies operating in Türkiye regarding human rights due diligence and ESG related requirements
- Stronger dialogue and knowledge exchange between public institutions, companies and practitioners on the social dimensions of the green transition
- A foundation for longer term capacity building, including an informal network of EGD Champions across participating public institutions and opportunities for future programme development
