GCA Accountability Accelerator

🌍 On November 27, the GCA Accountability Accelerator and the Laudes Foundation co-convened a discussion in Geneva, alongside the UN Business and Human Rights Forum, to explore policy, regulatory and industry strategies for advancing integrated corporate approaches for respecting nature, human rights and climate. Seven High-Level Reflections emerged from the event:  1️⃣  The international standards and policies including human rights law provide a basis to advance an integrated approach..  2️⃣  Concerted efforts and a clever strategy are needed to advance an integrated approach in practice, which captures key elements of responsible business practice.  3️⃣  New and emerging regulations  as ‘incentives’ for adopting integrated corporate actions.  4️⃣  Communicating the need for, and the benefits of, companies adopting an integrated approach is key.  5️⃣  Regulations and best practice industry standards are under attack. 6️⃣  New business models for companies to integrate human, nature and climate risks are needed. 7️⃣  An integrated group of actors is essential to get the best result. 💡 What’s next In 2025, the Accelerator will convene a community to discuss concrete opportunities for advancing integrated corporate actions for people and planet.  📄 Interested? Check out the full Summary and Background Paper to learn more and get involved: https://lnkd.in/d6BiNtKU Together, we can drive meaningful change! 🌱✨ #BusinessAndHumanRights #Sustainability #IntegratedApproach #PeopleandPlanet #CorporateResponsibility #NatureBiodiversity #Accountability Seema Joshi, Mariana Cascardo Michael, Randall Krantz, Ilishio Lovejoy, Ilan V.

🎉2024 in Review at the Accountability Accelerator 🌍 As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year filled with action, learning, and collaboration - all made possible by our dedicated team, grantees, and partners worldwide. Here are some highlights that made our 2024 successful: ✅ 18 Grants Awarded: Supporting #global and #local initiatives driving corporate accountability for nature on every continent. From projects driving accountability related to transition minerals with grantees including Auriga Nusantara Business & Human Rights Resource Centre and The China Global South Project to advancing standardized approaches for business action with Finance for Biodiversity Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and World Wildlife Fund to building the legal architecture with Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID) Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Inclusive Development International 👥 Team Growth: We expanded from 5 to 11 team members, strengthening our ability to scale our impact and work more closely with global stakeholders. 🚀 Validation Launch: We officially launched our Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) Validation Service, with the first three companies publicly disclosing and adopting their targets #COP16 - a huge milestone for corporate accountability! 🎤 Driving Collaboration: We hosted 10+ convenings globally, bringing together leaders and changemakers to drive system-wide transformation. We’ve advanced action on critical topics such as integrated approaches for nature and people, transition minerals in Indonesia, a safe and just energy transition, capacity building for corporate action and accelerating nature funding. 👫 Our Team United in the Real World: Working remotely across the globe, we make the most of technology to connect everyday but  we finally had the chance to meet in person, sharing ideas, strengthening bonds, and planning for an even greater future. 💡 Lessons Learned & Inspirations: This year reminded us that progress is a collective journey. We learned, adapted, and were inspired by our partners, whose vision and commitment push us to raise the bar every day. ✨ Looking Ahead: We’re stepping into 2025 with hope, determination, and a shared mission - to accelerate an impactful and just accountability ecosystem for #people and #nature. A huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey. Here’s to scaling new heights together in 2025! 💪🌱 #CorporateAccountability #NaturePositive #ClimateAction Seema Joshi Natasha Milan Matic, Ph.D. Natasha Tariq Randall Krantz Paola D. Luna Heidi Lampén Mariana Cascardo Michael Kathryn Oldfield Dean Cambridge

📣 Welcome Kathryn Oldfield! Our New Validation and Learning Manager 🌟 We’re excited to announce that Kathryn has joined the Accountability Accelerator as our new Validation and Learning Manager for science-based target setting! 🎉 Kathryn will lead the design and setup of the #validation service for science-based targets for nature, working closely with the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) to share key learnings and improve the target-setting process. Why We’re Excited: ✅ Deep Expertise: Kathryn has spent her career helping businesses with large agricultural supply chains measure their #nature and #climate impacts and set meaningful sustainability targets. ✅ Industry Knowledge: She spent 7 years at PwC’s Sustainability and Climate Change team, most recently seconded to SBTN, where she supported 17 multinational companies in setting their first science-based targets for nature through the validation pilot. 🌟 Welcome to the team, Kathryn! We’re excited about the impact your expertise and leadership will bring to advancing corporate accountability for nature and climate. #NaturePositive #CorporateAccountability #Sustainability

🌟 Meet Paola D. Luna – Our Validation Director! 🌍 We’re excited to introduce Paola D. Luna, who joined the Accountability Accelerator this year as our Validation Director. Paola leads our Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) validation service, appointed to us by the SBTN to ensure independent, rigorous evaluations of corporate #sustainability targets. With 15+ years of experience in environmental auditing and sustainability assurance, Paola has been at the forefront of #corporateaccountability frameworks. Her impressive career highlights include: ✅ Leading SBTN’s Validation Pilot (2023-2024) — Shaping the validation methods now ready for corporate implementation. ✅ Playing a crucial role in the Science Based Targets initiative (2014-2021) — Establishing frameworks that continue to drive corporate climate action globally. ✅ Accrediting One of Mexico’s First GHG Verification Bodies (2010-2012) — Paving the way for early climate transparency efforts. Under Paola’s leadership, we will advance robust and accessible validation services, ensuring corporate sustainability goals are not just ambitious but credible and actionable. Her efforts will help strengthen global sustainability frameworks and enhance the interoperability of sustainability systems across sectors. Welcome, Paola! We are blessed to have your expertise and leadership driving the future of nature accountability. 💪 #NaturePositive #ClimateAction #Accountability

It has been amazing to work with the Justiça Global team over the past year and wonderful to meet them in person last week at our event on the sidelines of the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights. Their work reminds us that the supply chains of our overconsumption are having dire impacts on people and nature through the long tendrils of global supply chains…

🌱 Spotlight on Accountability in Action: Justiça Global Grão-Pará Maranhão Project 🌎 Our grantee, Justiça Global, has pioneered a powerful initiative to enhance #corporate #accountability in South America. Through their Grão-Pará Maranhão Project, they have been scrutinizing the corporate architecture of a major development in the region, ensuring that human rights and environmental protections remain at the forefront of corporate activities. This project is tackling corporate accountability through: ✔ Detailed Corporate Mapping: Analyzing the business structure behind the Grão-Pará Project, from management and shareholders to consultants and investors. ✔ Local Impact Assessment: Collaborating with local communities to map potential environmental and social impacts using Human Rights Impact Assessment methodology. ✔ Environmental Licensing Oversight: Reviewing and systematizing environmental licensing procedures to ensure compliance. ✔ Global Advocacy: Engaging German civil society to advocate for corporate responsibility under the German Due Diligence Act, holding companies accountable across borders. ✔ Driving Systemic Change: Developing a set of recommendations based on the case study to push for systemic reforms in corporate accountability and human rights due diligence. Find out more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eQdysTsN This project is a vital part of our collective mission to support stakeholders worldwide in holding corporations accountable, ensuring that communities and ecosystems are protected. We’re proud to stand alongside Justiça Global in their commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice. Global Commons Alliance Natasha Milan Matic, Ph.D. Natasha Tariq Seema Joshi Mariana Cascardo Michael Randall Krantz Dean Cambridge #HumanRights #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityImpact

📣 We are re-opening the call for applications to our Integrity Council for science-based targets for nature. We are seeking applicants from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Candidates should be experts in environmental science or sustainable business, with at least 15 years of experience in their field. We are looking for expertise across land, biodiversity and freshwater, and a commitment to our core principles of independence, robustness and accountability. Members of the Integrity Council will oversee the governance of the target validation function, playing a central role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy and scientific validity of science-based targets for nature. To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to validation@accountabilityaccelerator.org. The deadline for applications is 21 December 2024. 🔗 Read the full call for applications: https://lnkd.in/eVscFpa3 🔗 Read the Integrity Council terms of reference: https://lnkd.in/ev_4EtYh 🔗 Read about the validation of science-based targets for nature: https://lnkd.in/g6qkSEtR Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) Natasha Milan Matic, Ph.D. Paola D. Luna Randall Krantz Heidi Lampén Kathryn Oldfield

📢 Exciting news! Welcoming Heidi Lampén to the Accountability Accelerator team 🌍 We are thrilled to introduce Heidi, who joined us in November 2024 as our new Operations and Data Manager! 🎉 Heidi plays a pivotal role in our efforts to drive corporate #accountability. She’s responsible for coordinating the #validation service for Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) and leads our data management strategy. One of her key projects is the development of the SBTN Validation Tracker, which will publicly disclose companies’ targets. 👀 Watch this space! 👀 🧭 With over 8 years of experience in sustainability, Heidi brings a wealth of expertise in: ✅ Sustainable agriculture and #biodiversity ✅ Science-based targets for #nature and #climate ✅ Circular economy and sustainability strategies ✅ Data management and technical frameworks 💪 From leading strategies to operationalizing data-driven solutions, Heidi’s technical expertise in #geoinformatics, #environmentalscience, and #datascience makes her an invaluable addition to our mission. Before joining the Accountability Accelerator, Heidi made significant contributions at South Pole, Metabolic, and several African value chain development projects focused on smallholder farmers. 🌍 ✨ Heidi, welcome to the team! 🌱

📢 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 – 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰! ✨ We’re thrilled by the interest in joining our team and are giving you more time to apply! The GCA Accountability Accelerator, in partnership with the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), is hosting the validation of corporate science-based targets for nature. This initiative ensures the integrity and independence of the evaluation process, driving impactful corporate action for nature. 🌍 We’re hiring a Target Validator, a vital role to lead the first validations of science-based targets for nature launching in 2025. The Validator will validate companies’ targets and help shape guidance based on new learnings. 🌱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://lnkd.in/eTavSCB6 📅 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: December 15, 2024 Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference for a nature-positive future! #hiring #jobopportunities #accountability #nature Natasha Milan Matic, Ph.D., Randall Krantz, Paola D. Luna, Mariana Cascardo Michael, Sarah Savage, Kathryn Oldfield, Heidi Lampén

🌍 Advancing Integrated Corporate Action for People and Planet Today, on the sidelines of the UN Forum for Business and Human Rights in Geneva, the Accountability Accelerator and Laudes Foundation hosted an interactive roundtable discussion at the Graduate Institute to address the integration of human rights, nature, and climate within corporate strategies. 🌱💡 Despite emerging policies requiring responsible corporate action, many companies treat climate, nature, and human rights risks in isolation. Our discussion centered on breaking down these silos and fostering holistic approaches to protect both people and the planet. Together with an interdisciplinary group of experts, we explored: ✔️ Opportunities within international frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the Paris Agreement, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. ✔️ Policy and regulatory pathways for integrated accountable corporate actions. ✔️ Industry standards and methodologies that drive responsible business practices. The session concluded with a collective recognition that within the next 12 months, tangible avenues and opportunities for advancing this work are needed.  We invite you to join us to build on policies, regulations and emerging methodologies to advance responsible business practices across climate, nature and human rights. Thank you to our participants for their insightful contributions and commitment to advancing solutions that address the challenging but necessary intersection of human rights, nature, and climate. Stay tuned for more updates as we work towards meaningful accountability and action. 🌏✨ #Sustainability #CorporateAccountability #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #HumanRights Randall Krantz, Seema Joshi, Mariana Cascardo Michael, Dean Cambridge