[Spring academy] Explore the digitalisation of sustainability due diligence

This innovative four-day training programme combines theory and practice, featuring lectures by academics and workshops led by industry experts. You will gain a deep understanding of key technological solutions for sustainable due diligence, empowering you to drive responsible business practices.

As large European companies face legal requirements to carry out sustainability due diligence, the question of how this new form of transnational governance is implemented has become more critical than ever. Many organisations are turning to digital solutions like AI, blockchain, data mining, and survey tools to embed sustainability into their operations and mitigate risks of adverse human rights or environmental impacts.

Engaging at the forefront of developments in big data technologies and sustainability due diligence, the Asser Institute released a 2023 report commissioned by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

In 2024, the academic coordinators of the spring academy, Dr Antoine Duval and Dr Klaas Eller, initiated the interdisciplinary DigiChain project with the support of the University of Amsterdam and the Asser Institute. The project brings together researchers from different UvA faculties to explore the digital turn in sustainability due diligence. 

Built on our research in this area, this course is designed to equip you with the skills to address the complexities of digitalisation within the transnational governance of value chains - promoting human rights and environmental protection on a global scale.

The four-day programme will focus on the following issues: 

• Day 1: Foundations of digitalised due diligence. Explore the theory of sustainability due diligence, its reliance on digital tools, and the risks and challenges posed by their adoption.

• Day 2: Mapping and tracing value chains. Discover digital tools for mapping supply chains and tracking products, while discussing their role in corporate due diligence.

• Day 3: Risk identification and evaluation. Learn how AI and machine learning can identify and mitigate risks, from social media analytics to satellite imagery.

• Day 4: Stakeholder engagement. Examine how digital tools facilitate meaningful consultations with workers and communities in a globalised world.

You have the flexibility to either enrol in the entire course (Regular fee: €1495) or choose specific training days. Individual training days are priced at a discounted rate of €495 and can be invoiced.

Who should attend?
This intensive course is designed for professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in leveraging digitalisation to address global challenges ethically and sustainably.
We are continuously working to keep the programme up to date. Have a look at last year’s training programme.

Registration
Please carefully read the Terms and Conditions before registering.