German Participants Discuss Ways to Address Refugee Crisis through Core Business Operations

The following is an article submitted by a Global Compact Local Network. Please contact the network representative listed below with any questions regarding its contents.

(Berlin, 22 April 2016) – Business engagement for the integration of refugees into the German labor market featured at the bi-annual meeting of the Global Compact Network Germany held on 13 April in Berlin.

German companies are increasingly taking action in response to the European refugee crisis and helping refugees to gain access to the German labor market through targeted initiatives and programs. 

In this respect, challenges and opportunities for the occupational integration of refugees were addressed at the German network’s meeting last week. 

During a plenary session, Ernst and Young and the Diversity Charter, a corporate initiative to promote diversity in companies and institutions, presented their projects and efforts to coordinate different initiatives and streamline support from business, politics and society. Subsequently, a SME representative shared his experience with hiring refugees and highlighted the challenges posed by the social and cultural aspects of integration, especially the language barrier and considerations related to the refugee’s status and individual circumstances. Moreover, informal education and a lack of training poses another challenge for companies.

In a more in-depth workshop, participants gained an overview of possible actions in response to the refugee crisis and partners for cooperation. Representatives of two companies that implemented specific internship programs for refugees shared their lessons learned. A key message was that mentoring programs connecting refugees with co-workers are essential for successful integration. Moreover, hiring programs need to be accompanied by language courses.

The need to manage risks for refugees related to a company’s supply chain was also addressed during the workshop. 

Participants were further encouraged to join the UN Global Compact’s Business Action Pledge and demonstrate leadership by taking action to help respond to the refugee crisis. 

• Download the workshop agenda
• Learn more about the Global Compact Network Germany 

Contact

Mr. Philipp Bleckmann
Global Compact Network Germany, Manager Business and Human Rights
philipp.bleckmann@giz.de