bennett freeman B-M

hillary BM?

very good 2022 BBC doc big oil v world = frontline

ep 1 https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8clxva

taylor boast of role/ success, bill O; says sci made harder, wishs had time machine wrestle self BA PR hack 32 min

Big Oil v the World episode 1: The story of what the fossil fuel industry knew about climate change more than four decades ago, as scientists working for Exxon reveal how they sounded the alarm about the effects of fossil fuels.

pt 2 raymond confronted (shareholder mtg? by cli sci) reads oregon?! 15 min https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8cnif4

sci heins sp? Arthur Green geosci BS denier ppt, culture polite.

200m$ on BP PR 2x solar John Browne raymond furious brk ranks, exxon ppl ha grnwash

mccraken gore clinton holdover w aggressive agenda sci bias randy randol

ipcc watson

mcc resignation ltr?

37 min BO ocean slow planet heal bennet Freeman PR corp hu rights?

NARRATOR:

The plan emerged as the 2008 presidential campaign was ramping up. Republican candidate John McCain came out in support of the cap and trade approach.

SEN. JOHN McCAIN, R-Arizona:

The facts of global warming demand our urgent attention, especially in Washington.

NARRATOR:

So did his opponent, Democrat Barack Obama.

SEN. BARACK OBAMA, D-Illinois:

I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.

HEATHER ZICHAL, Environmental policy director, Obama campaign:

Having worked on many presidential races and around presidential politics, that was the first year where we really saw climate change as something that American voters really wanted to hear from candidates on. It was interesting, because we were not necessarily having a debate about whether or not climate change was real. It was really, "How collectively can we make a meaningful contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the economy?"

NARRATOR:

Shortly before the presidential election, Exxon Mobil contacted corporate responsibility specialist Bennett Freeman.

BENNETT FREEMAN, SVP, Calvert Investments, 2006-15:

I had an informal conversation in the back of a limousine with Ken Cohen at Exxon Mobil, who was essentially their chief policymaker and public affairs officer. I think the observation that got Ken Cohen's attention was that we had this unprecedented situation where both the Republican and the Democratic nominee for president both committed to the climate agenda. And we had a pretty frank conversation about the implications for the company, particularly on climate.

I thought that Exxon was shamefully out of the action because it had become so apparent that climate science was real. So my advice to Ken was for the company to finally take a public position on climate policy. To make an unequivocal statement accepting the reality of climate science. To make a unequivocal commitment to not fund any more climate denial research, which Exxon was infamous for supporting, for funding directly. And to take a positive, proactive position supporting action at the U.S. federal level.

NARRATOR:

Two weeks before President Obama was inaugurated, Exxon Mobil CEO Tillerson would give a speech that went farther than the company had ever gone on the urgency of the climate change issue.

BENNETT FREEMAN:

Amazingly, that speech happened.

January 2009

REX TILLERSON:

Globally, the outlook for energy expects energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to rise by an average of 1% per year through the year 2030. These two fundamental realities, meeting enormous demand growth and managing the risk of greenhouse gas emissions, are the twin challenges of our time.

BENNETT FREEMAN:

It was, I think, the first time that at least at the CEO level, they started, just started to take a policy position that was potentially constructive. It's important to acknowledge that this was an initial step. But it's equally important, even more important, in my opinion, to emphasize that it was a step that was little and late.

RUSSELL GOLD, FRONTLINE consultant:

I covered Exxon Mobil at The Wall Street Journal at that time, and Rex Tillerson was a breath of fresh air. He starts talking about the importance of pursuing a lower carbon path. But at the end of the day, I can't really point to anything substantive that changed.

NARRATOR:

Rex Tillerson did not respond to interview requests.

Despite his speech, Exxon Mobil did not endorse cap and trade. The bill, sponsored by Democrats Henry Waxman and Edward Markey, narrowly passed the House.

MALE SPEAKER:

===

rev dr

https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/21347-burson-marsteller-names-bennett-freeman-to-lead-corporate-responsibility-unit-in-u-s-

05 03

nEW YORK, NY - Burson-Marsteller today named Bennett Freeman as Managing Director for Corporate Responsibility in the firm's U.S. Corporate and Financial Practice. Based in Washington, D.C., Mr. Freeman will lead the fast-growing specialty area that advises the firm's corporate and institutional clients on corporate responsibility policies, stakeholder engagement strategies, and international standards and initiatives that address human rights, labor rights, the environment and sustainable development.

A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Mr. Freeman, 45, has two decades of combined government and private sector experience on sensitive domestic and global issues faced by multinational corporations. At Burson-Marsteller, he will assist clients develop company principles and codes of conduct, undertake project and countryrisk assessments, build relations with NGOs, manage multi-stakeholder dialogues, and assess corporate responsibility reporting and assurance frameworks.

Mr. Freeman will play a key role on Burson-Marsteller's global corporate responsibility team that takes an inter-disciplinary approach to addressing the growing needs of multinational corporations based here and abroad. The cross-Practice team offers clients integrated expertise in government and public affairs, corporate reputation management, crisis communications, media relations, branding and marketing ? all areas in which B-M is recognized as an industry leader.

"We see corporations facing growing pressures and expectations from diverse stakeholders around the world," said Judi Mackey, chair of Burson-Marsteller's U.S. Corporate and Financial Practice. "These groups have set new agendas and even new rules of the conduct of business. Bennett will bring our clients global expertise and credibility as a recognized leader and innovator on corporate responsibility and human rights."

Mr. Freeman added: "Burson-Marsteller has a respected track record in working with senior executives of leading global corporations in the development and communication of corporate responsibility strategies. I look forward to working with my new colleagues in the U.S. and abroad to build a world-class corporate responsibility practice in what is already the best-in-class firm. Our goal is -to help clients manage risk and create competitive advantage, and contribute positively to the challenges of globalization at the same time."

Mr. Freeman was formerly the Principal of Sustainable Investment Strategies, where he advised global companies, international institutions and NGOs on corporate responsibility and political risk issues.In 2001 he co-authored a Human Rights Impact Assessment for BP's Tangguh natural gas project in Papua, Indonesia, the first conducted for a major energy project in the world. As Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor from 1999 to early 2001, he was responsible for the State Department's bilateral human rights diplomacy, and for international labor diplomacy for part of that period as well.

He led the year-long multi-stakeholder dialogue that brought together the U.S. and UK governments with major oil and mining companies and human rights NGOs to develop the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. Announced in December 2000 and carried forward by the Bush Administration, the Voluntary Principles are widely recognized as the leading human rights standard developed for the extractive sectors, and the first for companies operating in zones of conflict in any sector.

Previously in the State Department, Mr. Freeman served in 1997 and 1998 as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Stuart Eizenstat, for whom he directed the Department's diplomatic strategy and historical research on Holocaust-era assets. From 1993 through 1996, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and chief speechwriter for Secretary of State Warren Christopher. Prior to government service, he worked from 1985 to early 1993 on government relations, public affairs, corporate reputation, and business ethics issues as Manager-Corporate Affairs for General Electric. He conceived and helped implement the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and conduct launched in 1986, still the ethical and procurement compliance standard for the U.S. defense industry.

The author of many published articles on corporate responsibility and sustainable development, Mr. Freeman speaks frequently on these topics at conferences, universities and think tanks in North America and Europe. He serves on the Board of Directors of Oxfam America and on theBusiness and Economic Relations Group of Amnesty International USA. He earned an A.B. in History at the University of California at Berkeley, and an MA in Modern History at Oxford University, where he was a Churchill Scholar at Balliol College.

About Burson-Marsteller

Burson-Marsteller (www.bm.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications counseling firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and other communications services.

The firm's seamless global network is designed to deliver premium, integrated services through 46 wholly-owned offices and 51 affiliate offices, together operating in 57 countries across six continents. In 1979, the firm joined the Young & Rubicam family of companies, which in October 2000 was acquired by WPP Group plc (NASDQ: WPPGY), one of the world's leading communications services groups.

===

LI 7 23note no BM (on p 2)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettfreeman/

Bennett Freeman 2nd degree connection2nd

Consultant, board member, writer, and speaker on business and human rights, sustainability, and responsible investment

Chatham House

University of Oxford

Washington DC-Baltimore Area Contact info

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Dustin Mulvaney is a mutual connection

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Chatham House (where I’m a new Associate Fellow as of this year) posted my “Expert Comment” pivoting off the launch of the Business for Ukraine (B4U) Coalition and Declaration on July 21 (https://lnkd.in/d8j-68AE), plus the lecture I gave at the Institute of International Studies at UC Berkeley on April 13(https://lnkd.in/dQMKzZwy)

The piece argues that the western company exit from Russia—however incomplete—may give impetus to a new geopolitical corporate responsibility focused on supporting the rules-based international order.

https://lnkd.in/dU3n6VVs

Richard Stazinski, Sam Jones, Eka Iakobishvili, Valeriya Melnichuk, Anita Ramasastry, Nataliya Popovych, Olena Sniezhko, Ella Skybenko, Rebecca DeWinter-Schmitt, PhD, Vitali Volovoi, Olena Pavlenko, Robin Hodess, Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, Daniel Sargent, Chanu Peiris, Rashmin Sagoo, Creon Butler

Geopolitical corporate responsibility can drive change

chathamhouse.org • 5 min read

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I am pleased to share the video recording of the lecture I gave introduced by Professor Daniel Sargent at the Institute of International Studies at the University of California at Berkeley on April 13: “Exiting Russia: A New Paradigm for Geopolitical Corporate Responsibility?” https://lnkd.in/gUK-ANQG

I made the case that a new paradigm for what I call “geopolitical corporate responsibility” can and should emerge from the unprecedented exit of Western companies from Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. The consequences of this massive exit—combined with sanctions imposed by Western governments—for the outcome of the war and the future of Russia and Ukraine alike remain unclear. But the implications are becoming apparent: pressures and expectations will intensify for multinational corporations to be more principled actors on the geopolitical stage.

A convergence of values and interests should mobilize business support alongside civil society for the “shared space” rule of law, accountable governance, civic freedoms, and human rights within nations. Such a convergence of values and interests should also focus business support for peace, justice, and strong institutions— both within nations and across the international community—as set forth by UN Sustainable Development Goal 16. At the same time, the commitment of business to the rules and norms of such an international order must be combined with action by companies and investors to diminish inequality and ensure sustainability if democracy is to prevail over autocracy.

Exiting Russia: A New Paradigm for Geopolitical Corporate Responsibility?

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I’m delighted to have become an Associate Fellow in the International Law at Chatham House. I first spoke at a Chatham House conference in November 1999 while serving as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and have been happy to reengage the last half-dozen years, increasingly over the last two. I look forward to focusing much of my policy work related to business, human rights and civil society, as well as U.S. foreign policy, with this leading community of expert scholars and practitioners. https://lnkd.in/gJqwPf_Z

It was a privilege to co-author with Harriet Moynihan the Expert Comment Corporate “Big Beasts Stick Their Necks Out for Democracy” (16 December 2020 https://lnkd.in/dvzEFKm) and then the introductory essay “Corporate action to support civic space in the Age of Impunity” in the Synthesis Paper in the “The role of the of the private sector in protecting civic space” (2 February 2021 https://lnkd.in/dvi3TYt).

More recently, I joined Harriet and others on a webinar “How can the investor community address the ‘S’ in ESG- the role of social purpose values” (16 November 2021 https://lnkd.in/dT22jW7H); chaired a webinar on “International relations and sport” (8 February, 2022 https://lnkd.in/gbqNfm_k); and chaired a session on “Data and Disclosure” at the Responsible Business conference (3 March 2022 https://lnkd.in/gvrD94hM).

I look forward to joining Harriet as Chair, together with David Griffiths and Professor Kate O’Regan as a panelist, at the Joseph Hotung Memorial Event: The future of human rights (11 May) https://lnkd.in/g9eBXp8J

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I have just returned from Tashkent where last Thursday, March 10 myCotton Campaign colleagues and I announced that we ended our dozen-year call for a global boycott of Uzbek cotton now that massive government-imposed forced labor has finally been eliminated after many decades. In my opening remarks at the press conference, I called this outcome “the most significant single-country victory in the global battle against forced labor in the 21st so far in the 21st century.”

The Cotton Campaign announces the end of our dozen-year boycott of Uzbek cotton now that government-imposed forced labor has finally been eliminated

Bennett Freeman on LinkedIn • 3 min read

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Transparency & Natural Resources: How the U.S. Can Regain Its LeadershipTransparency & Natural Resources: How the U.S. Can Regain Its Leadership

YouTubeYouTube

On June 9, the Development Assistance and Governance Initiative at Brookings, Natural Resource Governance Institute (formerly the Revenue Watch Institute), a...On June 9, the Development Assistance and Governance Initiative at Brookings, Natural Resource Governance Institute (formerly the Revenue Watch Institute), a...

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Bennett Freeman reposted this • 2mo2mo

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Thanks to my longtime colleague and friend Richard Howitt for discussing and debating these important and urgent issues with me!

Talk about an early mover and dynamic influencer! For nearly a quarter century, Richard Howitt has been in the front rank of leaders most responsible for the mainstreaming of corporate responsibility, sustainability and ESG as a longtime UK Labour MEP and now as a strategic advisor to Frank Bold and indeed the world!

Our podcast doesn't flinch from the tough issues at stake in the battle over ESG in the US-- and their stakes for the world of responsible business and investment.

I hope we shed a little light amidst the heat!

hashtag#sustainability hashtag#esg hashtag#esginvesting hashtag#esgreporting

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Bennett Freeman reposted this • 2mo2mo

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Thanks to Frank Bold and to my longtime colleague and friend Richard Howitt for inviting me to discuss and debate the ESG backlash in the US!

While there are global technical and methodological issues to address around ESG investing, they have become intertwined with a broader ideological and political attack from the American right on the most fundamental premises and purposes of the responsible business and investment agendas.

The technical and methodological issues are being addressed. We will withstand the ideological and political attack on those fundamental purposes and premises. The backlash against the backlash is gaining traction and momentum.

Asset owners and managers-- and beneficiaries and shareholders alike-- must have the right and exercise the responsibility to address ESG risks. Plus the climate crisis, inequality and human rights present risks and test our values at the same time. Let's be frank-- and bold. hashtag#humanrights hashtag#esginvesting

"The dogs bark, the caravan moves on!"…show more

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Bennett Freeman reposted this • 2mo2mo

It is a privilege to be invited by the Convenor of OxPeace, the Revd Dr Liz Carmichael, to the Revd Dr Rowan Williams (the former Archbishop of Canterbury) on the first plenary of the OxPeace Annual Day Conference tomorrow (Saturday 29 April). The conference theme "Learning from Ukraine: Origins, Impacts and Lessons for Peacebuilding" will bring together a committed group of scholars and students, practitioners and activists to reflect on this tragic war, its consequences and its implications.

Drawing on the work of my B4Ukraine coalition colleagues--and my own experience in the business, human rights and conflict arena-- I will address how Putin's invasion of Ukraine can and should sharpen the responsibility of multinational corporations to support human rights and the rules-based international order. The substantial exit of foreign companies from Russia remains incomplete, even as companies still operating there are becoming complicit in the war amidst such carnage and impunity in Ukraine.

Business shares responsibility to work for peace-- and governments and civil society share responsibility to make business accountable.

This conflict should reinforce the conviction that we all have the moral, political and economic agency to work for peace and human rights. This conference will remind us.…show more

Learning from Ukraine: origins, impacts, and lessons for peacebuilding

eventbrite.co.uk • 1 min read

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AboutAbout

Over ‎the last 18 years of a 35-year career, Bennett Freeman has worked at the intersection of governments, International institutions, multinational corporations, responsible investors and NGOS to promote human rights and sustainable development around the world. An innovative leader in the fields of business and human rights, natural resource governance and responsible investment, he has played key roles in developing several multi-stakholder initiatives and global standards that have strengthened corporate responsibility in industries from extractives to information and communications technology.

Freeman is currently Associate Fellow in the International Law at Chatham House. He consults for major corporations, foundations and NGOS through Bennett Freeman Associates LLC and as a Senior Advisor for BSR, Senior Advisor to Critical Resource and Strategic Partner of RESOLVE. Previously he was Senior Vice President, Sustainability Research and Policy for Calvert Investments (2006-15); Managing Director and Senior Counselor, Global Corporate Responsibility, ‎Burson-Marsteller; Principal, Sustainable Investment Strategies; and a Clinton presidential appointee in three positions at the U.S. Department of State, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

He serves as Chair of the Advisory Board ‎of Global Witness (GW); Board Secretary of the Global Network Initiative; a member of the Governing Board of the Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI); Chair of the Board of EG Justice; Chair of the Advisory Board of the Responsible Sourcing Network (RSN); a Trustee of the Mountain Institute; a member of the Human Rights Advisory Council of the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR); an Advisor and co-founder of the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB); a Director of the Oxfam America Advocacy Fund (OAAF); a member of the Advisory Board of the Conflict Risk Network (CRN); and a member of the Board of the Institute of Human Rights and Business USAOver ‎the last 18 years of a 35-year career, Bennett Freeman has worked at the intersection of governments, International institutions, multinational corporations, responsible investors and NGOS to promote human rights and sustainable development around the world. An innovative leader in the fields of business and human rights, natural resource governance and responsible investment, he has played key roles in developing several multi-stakholder initiatives and global standards that have strengthened corporate responsibility in industries from extractives to information and communications technology. Freeman is currently Associate Fellow in the International Law at Chatham House. He consults for major corporations, foundations and NGOS through Bennett Freeman Associates LLC and as a Senior Advisor for BSR, Senior Advisor to Critical Resource and Strategic Partner of RESOLVE. Previously he was Senior Vice President, Sustainability Research and Policy for Calvert Investments (2006-15); Managing Director and Senior Counselor, Global Corporate Responsibility,‎Burson-Marsteller; Principal, Sustainable Investment Strategies; and a Clinton presidential appointee in three positions at the U.S. Department of State, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. He serves as Chair of the Advisory Board ‎of Global Witness (GW); Board Secretary of the Global Network Initiative; a member of the Governing Board of the Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI); Chair of the Board of EG Justice; Chair of the Advisory Board of the Responsible Sourcing Network (RSN); a Trustee of the Mountain Institute; a member of the Human Rights Advisory Council of the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR); an Advisor and co-founder of the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB); a Director of the Oxfam America Advocacy Fund (OAAF); a member of the Advisory Board of the Conflict Risk Network (CRN); and a member of the Board of the Institute of Human Rights and Business USA…see more

ExperienceExperience

Chatham House logo

Associate Fellow, International Law ProgrammeAssociate Fellow, International Law Programme

Chatham House · Part-timeChatham House · Part-time

Mar 2022 - Present · 1 yr 5 mosMar 2022 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

London, England, United KingdomLondon, England, United Kingdom

For more information about this role see: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bennettfreeman_our-people-activity-6918636244570701824-FW1BFor more information about this role see: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bennettfreeman_our-people-activity-6918636244570701824-FW1B

PrincipalPrincipal

Bennett Freeman Associates LLCBennett Freeman Associates LLC

Jul 2016 - Present · 7 yrs 1 moJul 2016 - Present · 7 yrs 1 mo

Advise multinational corporate, foundation and NGO clients including The Coca-Cola Company, Apple, Humanity United (as a Senior Advisor to Know the Chain), the Open Society Foundations and the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. Employ an assistant and contract with other consultants on a project basis.

Conducted a global stakeholder consultation and policy review focused on human rights and supply chain labor issues for Coca-Cola in Q1 2017; delivered comprehensive findings and recommended policy changes for consideration by company management and Board of Directors.Advise multinational corporate, foundation and NGO clients including The Coca-Cola Company, Apple, Humanity United (as a Senior Advisor to Know the Chain), the Open Society Foundations and the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. Employ an assistant and contract with other consultants on a project basis. Conducted a global stakeholder consultation and policy review focused on human rights and supply chain labor issues for Coca-Cola in Q1 2017; delivered comprehensive findings and recommended policy changes for consideration by company management and Board of Directors.…see more

The Copper Mark logo

Member of Advisory CouncilMember of Advisory Council

The Copper MarkThe Copper Mark

Mar 2021 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mosMar 2021 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

Senior AdvisorSenior Advisor

Critical ResourceCritical Resource

Jun 2015 - Present · 8 yrs 2 mosJun 2015 - Present · 8 yrs 2 mos

Advise multinational extractive sector clients on political/human rights risk; work with team based in London.Advise multinational extractive sector clients on political/human rights risk; work with team based in London.

RESOLVE logo

Member Of The Board Of AdvisorsMember Of The Board Of Advisors

RESOLVERESOLVE

Sep 2017 - Present · 5 yrs 11 mosSep 2017 - Present · 5 yrs 11 mos

Support the Resource Diplomacy and Ethical Resource programs through policy development and stakeholder engagement focused on extractive sectors, conflict zones and human rights; work with team based in Washington.Support the Resource Diplomacy and Ethical Resource programs through policy development and stakeholder engagement focused on extractive sectors, conflict zones and human rights; work with team based in Washington.…see more

Show all 20 experiences

EducationEducation

University of Oxford logo

University of OxfordUniversity of Oxford

M.A. Honours, Modern History (Balliol College)M.A. Honours, Modern History (Balliol College)

1979 - 19811979 - 1981

Activities and societies: Arnold and Brakenbury Society (Balliol College)Activities and societies: Arnold and Brakenbury Society (Balliol College)

English-Speaking Union Churchill ScholarEnglish-Speaking Union Churchill Scholar

University of California, Berkeley logo

University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, Berkeley

AB Highest Honors (Summa Cum Laude), HistoryAB Highest Honors (Summa Cum Laude), History

1975 - 19791975 - 1979

Activities and societies: Phi Beta Kappa

Vice President (Elected) University Students' Cooperative Association (USCA)Activities and societies: Phi Beta Kappa Vice President (Elected) University Students' Cooperative Association (USCA)

Awarded the sole "Citation in recognition of outstanding accomplishment" among 1979 graduates by the Department of History.Awarded the sole "Citation in recognition of outstanding accomplishment" among 1979 graduates by the Department of History.

ProjectsProjects

Government testimony/presentations:Government testimony/presentations:

U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Operations; U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law; Congressional Human Rights Caucus; U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; U.S. Department of State; Consultation on U.S. National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (convened by the Corporate Accountability Roundtable/Global Business Initiative on Human Rights); U.S. National Intelligence Council (convened by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace); U.S. Army sustainability lecture series; UK House of Commons (London); Canada House of Commons (Ottawa); Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (Bern).U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Operations; U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law; Congressional Human Rights Caucus; U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; U.S. Department of State; Consultation on U.S. National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (convened by the Corporate Accountability Roundtable/Global Business Initiative on Human Rights); U.S. National Intelligence Council (convened by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace); U.S. Army sustainability lecture series; UK House of Commons (London); Canada House of Commons (Ottawa); Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (Bern).…see more

International institutions speeches/presentations/panels:International institutions speeches/presentations/panels:

International Labor Organization/ILO Annual Conference (Geneva); World Bank/International Finance Corporation (Washington DC); Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe/OSCE Human Dimension Review conferences (Vienna and Warsaw); United Nations Global Compact /UNGC Policy Dialogue on Business in Zones of Conflict; UNGC Conference Working Group on Corruption (New York); UNGC Equality Means Business: Putting Principles into Practice (New York); UNGC/CEO Water Mandate (New York); UNGC/Principles for Responsible Investment Conference (San Francisco); UN Consultation on Human Rights and the Extractive Industry/Mandate of the Special Representative on Business and Human Rights (Geneva); UN Forum on Business and Human Rights (Geneva); UN Environment Program Finance Initiative/UNEP-FI Global Roundtable (Washington). International Labor Organization/ILO Annual Conference (Geneva); World Bank/International Finance Corporation (Washington DC); Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe/OSCE Human Dimension Review conferences (Vienna and Warsaw); United Nations Global Compact /UNGC Policy Dialogue on Business in Zones of Conflict; UNGC Conference Working Group on Corruption (New York); UNGC Equality Means Business: Putting Principles into Practice (New York); UNGC/CEO Water Mandate (New York); UNGC/Principles for Responsible Investment Conference (San Francisco); UN Consultation on Human Rights and the Extractive Industry/Mandate of the Special Representative on Business and Human Rights (Geneva); UN Forum on Business and Human Rights (Geneva); UN Environment Program Finance Initiative/UNEP-FI Global Roundtable (Washington). …see more

Other speeches/lectures/debates:Other speeches/lectures/debates:

National Press Club (Washington); Wiener Library (London); The Economist Debate: The Business of Business is Business (New York); Society for International Development (Washington); American Jewish Committee (Los Angeles, San Francisco); CFA Society of Nebraska (Omaha); Green Festivals (Washington, Chicago, San Francisco); Wharton Club (Washington); Caux Rountable (hosted by the Minneapolis Club); Seattle World Affairs Council.National Press Club (Washington); Wiener Library (London); The Economist Debate: The Business of Business is Business (New York); Society for International Development (Washington); American Jewish Committee (Los Angeles, San Francisco); CFA Society of Nebraska (Omaha); Green Festivals (Washington, Chicago, San Francisco); Wharton Club (Washington); Caux Rountable (hosted by the Minneapolis Club); Seattle World Affairs Council.…see more

Show all 7 projects

SkillsSkills

Corporate Social ResponsibilityCorporate Social Responsibility

Endorsed by Mike Wallace and 55 others who are highly skilled at thisEndorsed by Mike Wallace and 55 others who are highly skilled at this

Endorsed by 2 colleagues at Chatham HouseEndorsed by 2 colleagues at Chatham House

99+ endorsements99+ endorsements

SustainabilitySustainability

Endorsed by Stephan Sylvan and 6 others who are highly skilled at thisEndorsed by Stephan Sylvan and 6 others who are highly skilled at this

Endorsed by 3 colleagues at BSREndorsed by 3 colleagues at BSR

32 endorsements32 endorsements

International Sustainable DevelopmentInternational Sustainable Development

3 endorsements3 endorsements

Show all 39 skills

RecommendationsRecommendations

ReceivedReceived

GivenGiven

Nothing to see for nowNothing to see for now

Recommendations that Bennett receives will appear here.Recommendations that Bennett receives will appear here.

PublicationsPublications

Shared space under pressure: Business support for civic freedoms and human rights defendersShared space under pressure: Business support for civic freedoms and human rights defenders

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre and International Service for Human Rights · Sep 1, 2018Business & Human Rights Resource Centre and International Service for Human Rights · Sep 1, 2018

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Authored by Bennett Freeman, a longtime leader and innovator in the business and human rights field, the guidance draws on over 90 interviews with company and industry associations representatives, responsible investors, civil society advocates, human rights defenders, as well as leaders of multi-stakeholder initiatives, academic experts, and government and UN officials.

This guidance encourages companies to focus on this increasingly inescapable agenda. It urges them to engage and to act—carefully but deliberately—in their own interests and in the mutual interest that they share with civil society. It sets forth both the normative responsibility, the business case and the moral choice that companies should consider in the face of these growing pressures, and proposes a decision framework to guide companies as they decide whether and if so how to act. This guidance also encourages civil society to work with business and identifies multiple examples of actions and initiatives drawn from different sectors and regions.

This pioneering guidance complements other published and shortly forthcoming publications also addressing this theme. We want to thank the B-Team for substantive advice, OSF for funding support, DLA Piper for its pro bono contribution as well as the Business Network for Civic Freedoms and Human Rights Defenders for its encouragement.Authored by Bennett Freeman, a longtime leader and innovator in the business and human rights field, the guidance draws on over 90 interviews with company and industry associations representatives, responsible investors, civil society advocates, human rights defenders, as well as leaders of multi-stakeholder initiatives, academic experts, and government and UN officials. This guidance encourages companies to focus on this increasingly inescapable agenda. It urges them to engage and to act—carefully but deliberately—in their own interests and in the mutual interest that they share with civil society. It sets forth both the normative responsibility, the business case and the moral choice that companies should consider in the face of these growing pressures, and proposes a decision framework to guide companies as they decide whether and if so how to act. This guidance also encourages civil society to work with business and identifies multiple examples of actions and initiatives drawn from different sectors and regions. This pioneering guidance complements other published and shortly forthcoming publications also addressing this theme. We want to thank the B-Team for substantive advice, OSF for funding support, DLA Piper for its pro bono contribution as well as the Business Network for Civic Freedoms and Human Rights Defenders for its encouragement.…see more

ICONS Interview SeriesICONS Interview Series

Green Money Journal · Mar 1, 2013Green Money Journal · Mar 1, 2013

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Rebecca Adamson of First Peoples Worldwide interviews Bennett Freeman of Calvert InvestmentsRebecca Adamson of First Peoples Worldwide interviews Bennett Freeman of Calvert Investments

Tax credit benefits business - Wind-power project depends on passageTax credit benefits business - Wind-power project depends on passage

Louisville Courier-Journal · Aug 20, 2012Louisville Courier-Journal · Aug 20, 2012

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Larry Culp profile picture

Larry CulpLarry Culp

Chairman & CEO at GE and CEO, GE AerospaceChairman & CEO at GE and CEO, GE Aerospace

102,665 ers102,665 ers

Christine Lagarde profile picture

Christine LagardeChristine Lagarde

President of the European Central Bank President of the European Central Bank

2,594,613 ers2,594,613 ers

Chatham House logo

Associate Fellow, International Law ProgrammeAssociate Fellow, International Law Programme

Chatham House · Part-timeChatham House · Part-time

Mar 2022 - Present · 1 yr 5 mosMar 2022 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

London, England, United KingdomLondon, England, United Kingdom

PrincipalPrincipal

Bennett Freeman Associates LLCBennett Freeman Associates LLC

Jul 2016 - Present · 7 yrs 1 moJul 2016 - Present · 7 yrs 1 mo

The Copper Mark logo

Member of Advisory CouncilMember of Advisory Council

The Copper MarkThe Copper Mark

Mar 2021 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mosMar 2021 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

Senior AdvisorSenior Advisor

Critical ResourceCritical Resource

Jun 2015 - Present · 8 yrs 2 mosJun 2015 - Present · 8 yrs 2 mos

RESOLVE logo

Member Of The Board Of AdvisorsMember Of The Board Of Advisors

RESOLVERESOLVE

Sep 2017 - Present · 5 yrs 11 mosSep 2017 - Present · 5 yrs 11 mos

BSR logo

Senior AdvisorSenior Advisor

BSR (Business for Social Responsibility)BSR (Business for Social Responsibility)

Sep 2015 - Dec 2021 · 6 yrs 4 mosSep 2015 - Dec 2021 · 6 yrs 4 mos

Advise multinational corporate and foundation clients on behalf of global corporate responsibility/sustainability consultancy; work most closely with teams based in BSR offices in San Francisco, New York and Paris.Advise multinational corporate and foundation clients on behalf of global corporate responsibility/sustainability consultancy; work most closely with teams based in BSR offices in San Francisco, New York and Paris.

Global Witness logo

Chair, Advisory BoardChair, Advisory Board

Global WitnessGlobal Witness

Sep 2011 - Dec 2020 · 9 yrs 4 mosSep 2011 - Dec 2020 · 9 yrs 4 mos

Global Network Initiative logo

Vice Chair/Board Secretary and co-founderVice Chair/Board Secretary and co-founder

Global Network InitiativeGlobal Network Initiative

Jun 2010 - Apr 2020 · 9 yrs 11 mosJun 2010 - Apr 2020 · 9 yrs 11 mos

Natural Resource Governance Institute logo

Governing BoardGoverning Board

Natural Resource Governance InstituteNatural Resource Governance Institute

Jun 2008 - Nov 2019 · 11 yrs 6 mosJun 2008 - Nov 2019 · 11 yrs 6 mos

Calvert Research and Management logo

SVP, Sustainability Research and PolicySVP, Sustainability Research and Policy

Calvert InvestmentsCalvert Investments

Apr 2006 - Apr 2015 · 9 yrs 1 moApr 2006 - Apr 2015 · 9 yrs 1 mo

Bethesda MD (Washington DC area)Bethesda MD (Washington DC area)

Led the Sustainability Research Department and managed 15-20 analysts and others responsible for conducting company/industry research and shareholder advocacy/public policy initiatives.

Reported to the President/CEO and served on the firm’s Management Committee and Investment Committee with other senior executives/chief investment officers. Accountable to three separate funds boards and the parent company board.

Developed investment themes and sustainability criteria for innovative new equities funds (Global Alternative Energy/2007, Global Water/2008, SAGE Strategies/2008, Emerging Markets Sustainability/2012).

Represented Calvert with current and prospective clients, at industry and issue-specific conferences, in the media, and before U.S. Government regulators and policy-makers (including the SEC, White House/NSC, State Department and Congress).

Established or reinforced Calvert’s leadership on human rights (conflict minerals; extractives revenue transparency; Internet freedom of expression and privacy; forced labor in Uzbekistan; Indigenous Peoples; investment in Sudan/other conflict zones); water sustainability and climate change adaptation; gender equity and board diversity in Corporate America.

Led Calvert engagement with major companies including Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, GE, Dow Chemical, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, BNP Paribas, Apple, Cisco. (Engagement with Exxon covered by Steve Coll in The New Yorker: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/04/09/120409fa_fact_coll)

Continues to represent Calvert (post-April 2015) on the Board of the Global Network Initiative (GNI), a multi-stakeholder initiative for corporate responsibility on Internet freedom of expression/privacy including Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Facebook and LinkedIn plus human rights NGOs, academics and other investors. Helped forge consensus on governance and accountability framework. Chairs Board Executive/Management Committee as Board Secretary.Led the Sustainability Research Department and managed 15-20 analysts and others responsible for conducting company/industry research and shareholder advocacy/public policy initiatives. Reported to the President/CEO and served on the firm’s Management Committee and Investment Committee with other senior executives/chief investment officers. Accountable to three separate funds boards and the parent company board. Developed investment themes and sustainability criteria for innovative new equities funds (Global Alternative Energy/2007, Global Water/2008, SAGE Strategies/2008, Emerging Markets Sustainability/2012). Represented Calvert with current and prospective clients, at industry and issue-specific conferences, in the media, and before U.S. Government regulators and policy-makers (including the SEC, White House/NSC, State Department and Congress). Established or reinforced Calvert’s leadership on human rights (conflict minerals; extractives revenue transparency; Internet freedom of expression and privacy; forced labor in Uzbekistan; Indigenous Peoples; investment in Sudan/other conflict zones); water sustainability and climate change adaptation; gender equity and board diversity in Corporate America. Led Calvert engagement with major companies including Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, GE, Dow Chemical, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, BNP Paribas, Apple, Cisco. (Engagement with Exxon covered by Steve Coll in The New Yorker: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/04/09/120409fa_fact_coll) Continues to represent Calvert (post-April 2015) on the Board of the Global Network Initiative (GNI), a multi-stakeholder initiative for corporate responsibility on Internet freedom of expression/privacy including Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Facebook and LinkedIn plus human rights NGOs, academics and other investors. Helped forge consensus on governance and accountability framework. Chairs Board Executive/Management Committee as Board Secretary.

Transparency & Natural Resources: How the U.S. Can Regain Its LeadershipTransparency & Natural Resources: How the U.S. Can Regain Its Leadership

On June 9, the Development Assistance and Governance Initiative at Brookings, Natural Resource Governance Institute (formerly the Revenue Watch Institute), and Global Witness co-hosted a discussion on international developments in natural resource transparency. The discussion considered how transparency of payments to governments can improve the governance of natural resource wealth and combat corruption, and the business case for consistent disclosure across jurisdictions.On June 9, the Development Assistance and Governance Initiative at Brookings, Natural Resource Governance Institute (formerly the Revenue Watch Institute), and Global Witness co-hosted a discussion on international developments in natural resource transparency. The discussion considered how transparency of payments to governments can improve the governance of natural resource wealth and combat corruption, and the business case for consistent disclosure across jurisdictions.

The Modern Shareholder: How a Short-Term Focus is Harming U.S. CorporationsThe Modern Shareholder: How a Short-Term Focus is Harming U.S. Corporations

On June 1, the Governance Studies program at Brookings hosted a forum focused on the social, economic and political ramifications of the changed nature of corporate shareholders. A panel of experts explored how the short-term focus of shareholders and investors affects corporate behavior and government policy, how to encourage longer time horizons among shareholders and executives, and how the financialization of America's corporations is affecting long-term development.On June 1, the Governance Studies program at Brookings hosted a forum focused on the social, economic and political ramifications of the changed nature of corporate shareholders. A panel of experts explored how the short-term focus of shareholders and investors affects corporate behavior and government policy, how to encourage longer time horizons among shareholders and executives, and how the financialization of America's corporations is affecting long-term development.

Global Network Initiative 2012 Learning Forum: Concluding ReflectionsGlobal Network Initiative 2012 Learning Forum: Concluding Reflections

Global Network Initiative 2012 Learning Forum: Concluding Reflections GNI's inaugural Learning Forum will bring to Washington, D.C. an exciting lineup of international speakers on cutting-edge issues relating to freedom of expression and privacy rights online.Global Network Initiative 2012 Learning Forum: Concluding Reflections GNI's inaugural Learning Forum will bring to Washington, D.C. an exciting lineup of international speakers on cutting-edge issues relating to freedom of expression and privacy rights online.

Show all 12 media

Burson-Marsteller

Managing Director/ Senior CounselorManaging Director/ Senior Counselor

Burson-MarstellerBurson-Marsteller

May 2003 - Mar 2006 · 2 yrs 11 mos

Washington D.C.Washington D.C.

Led the Global Corporate Responsibility practice for the largest strategic communications and public affairs firm in the world. Advised multinational corporations across a range of industries on policy development, stakeholder engagement and communications strategies related to human rights, labor practices and sustainable development:

Repositioned and re-launched the offering; expanded revenue and client list of the U.S. practice in particular; created a global network of experts on five continents.

Counseled clients including Coca-Cola, Royal Dutch Shell, Suez Environement, Unilever, Siemens, Encana, Gap Inc., VF Corporation, Gildan, Visa International, McDonalds, USAID Global Development Alliance.

Contributed especially significant strategic advice to:Gap,Inc. on the substantive content and launch of its first Social Responsibility Report, which raised standards for transparency and accountability for its industry and beyond; Coca-Cola on its response to labor/human rights issues in Colombiaand on a new policy and stakeholder engagement framework that helped point the company towards a more positive global approach.Led the Global Corporate Responsibility practice for the largest strategic communications and public affairs firm in the world. Advised multinational corporations across a range of industries on policy development, stakeholder engagement and communications strategies related to human rights, labor practices and sustainable development: Repositioned and re-launched the offering; expanded revenue and client list of the U.S. practice in particular; created a global network of experts on five continents. Counseled clients including Coca-Cola, Royal Dutch Shell, Suez Environement, Unilever, Siemens, Encana, Gap Inc., VF Corporation, Gildan, Visa International, McDonalds, USAID Global Development Alliance. Contributed especially significant strategic advice to: Gap, Inc. on the substantive content and launch of its first Social Responsibility Report, which raised standards for transparency and accountability for its industry and beyond; Coca-Cola on its response to labor/human rights issues in Colombia and on a new policy and stakeholder engagement framework that helped point the company towards a more positive global approach.

Principal

Sustainable Investment StrategiesSustainable Investment Strategies

Jun 2001 - Apr 2003 · 1 yr 11 mosJun 2001 - Apr 2003 · 1 yr 11 mos

Washington D.C.Washington D.C.

Advised multinational companies, international institutions, and NGOs on corporate responsibility and human rights issues. Major assignments undertaken:

Co-authored comprehensive human rights impact assessment (HRIA) for BP’s multi-billion dollar Tangguh liquefied natural gas facility planned for West Papua, Indonesia, the first such assessment undertaken in advance of a major energy project in the world. Traveled to Jakarta and West Papua, Indonesia in January 2002 to meet with BP Indonesia executives; senior government and military officials; NGO and local community leaders. Wrote section of report analyzing risks faced by BP in balancing human rights and security concerns; developed specific recommendations on structuring relations with the Indonesian military and police, provincial government and NGOs. Presented findings to key stakeholders in London and Washington. The Tangguh HRIA became a model for the extractive and other industries and remains unsurpassed in its scope and influence on a company’s policies and actions in a project and/or country context. No major human rights incidents or violations have thus far been reported during the 15-year life of the project.

Advised the International Labor Organization (ILO) on a major published study of management approaches to implementing corporate codes of conduct in the sports footwear, apparel and retail sectors.

Advised Transparency International and Social Accountability International on the substantive content and launch strategy for the Global Business Principles for Countering Bribery.Advised multinational companies, international institutions, and NGOs on corporate responsibility and human rights issues. Major assignments undertaken: Co-authored comprehensive human rights impact assessment (HRIA) for BP’s multi-billion dollar Tangguh liquefied natural gas facility planned for West Papua, Indonesia, the first such assessment undertaken in advance of a major energy project in the world. Traveled to Jakarta and West Papua, Indonesia in January 2002 to meet with BP Indonesia executives; senior government and military officials; NGO and local community leaders. Wrote section of report analyzing risks faced by BP in balancing human rights and security concerns; developed specific recommendations on structuring relations with the Indonesian military and police, provincial government and NGOs. Presented findings to key stakeholders in London and Washington. The Tangguh HRIA became a model for the extractive and other industries and remains unsurpassed in its scope and influence on a company’s policies and actions in a project and/or country context. No major human rights incidents or violations have thus far been reported during the 15-year life of the project. Advised the International Labor Organization (ILO) on a major published study of management approaches to implementing corporate codes of conduct in the sports footwear, apparel and retail sectors. Advised Transparency International and Social Accountability International on the substantive content and launch strategy for the Global Business Principles for Countering Bribery.

Columbia University logo

Adjunct Lecturer, School of International and Public AffairsAdjunct Lecturer, School of International and Public Affairs

Columbia UniversityColumbia University

Sep 2002 - Dec 2002 · 4 mosSep 2002 - Dec 2002 · 4 mos

New York, NYNew York, NY

Taught graduate course on human rights and corporate responsibility, focusing on extractive sector case studies.Taught graduate course on human rights and corporate responsibility, focusing on extractive sector case studies.

Council on Foreign Relations logo

Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow in Business and Foreign PolicyBernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow in Business and Foreign Policy

Council on Foreign RelationsCouncil on Foreign Relations

Feb 2002 - Jul 2002 · 6 mosFeb 2002 - Jul 2002 · 6 mos

New York, NYNew York, NY

Developed a new program exploring the relationship between American business and foreign policy under Director of Studies Lawrence Korb. Identified research themes, policy roundtable topics, and a new focus for the Council on the roles of business in conflict prevention and resolution.

Later served on the CFR Independent Commission on Indonesia: Conflict Resolution in Papua (Fall 2002-Spring 2003).Developed a new program exploring the relationship between American business and foreign policy under Director of Studies Lawrence Korb. Identified research themes, policy roundtable topics, and a new focus for the Council on the roles of business in conflict prevention and resolution. Later served on the CFR Independent Commission on Indonesia: Conflict Resolution in Papua (Fall 2002-Spring 2003).

U.S. Department of State logo

U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of State

7 yrs 10 mos7 yrs 10 mos

Washington D.C. Metro AreaWashington D.C. Metro Area

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Democracy, Human Rights and LaborDeputy Assistant Secretary, Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Apr 1999 - Jan 2001 · 1 yr 10 mosApr 1999 - Jan 2001 · 1 yr 10 mos

Responsible for bilateral U.S. diplomacy to advance human rights and democracy, reporting to Assistant Secretary Harold Koh. Focused on torture and political prisoners; impunity and the rule of law; freedom of expression and media independence; protection of human rights defenders and promotion of civil society; development and monitoring of fair electoral processes. Engaged foreign governments, international institutions, NGOs and human rights defenders. Led diplomatic negotiations on trips to over 20 countries on four continents; accompanied Secretary Albright to Central Asia and South America. Led diplomatic dialogues/negotiations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia/Chechnya, Kosovo, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Colombia. Led delegations to the OSCE and ILO. Oversaw the Bureau's dozen-person Office of Bilateral Affairs.

Conceived and led the State Department British Foreign Office initiative that forged the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, which seek to ensure that company security arrangements in the extractive sectors are consistent with international human rights standards. Led intensive year long negotiations with seven major American and British oil and mining companies, plus nine leading U.S. and UK based human rights and corporate responsibility groups. Launched by Secretary Albright in December 2000, the Voluntary Principles gained wide recognition as the first agreed standard for the extractive sector and the first operational standard for any sector addressing corporate responsibility in zones of conflict. Subsequently carried forward by the Bush and Obama Administrations, the process now numbers 30 companies committed to implementing the VPs in over two dozen countries.

Conceived and successfully consulted an initiative announced by President Clinton in August 2000 to work with oil companies to address governance, revenue distribution, security and community development issues in the Niger Delta.Responsible for bilateral U.S. diplomacy to advance human rights and democracy, reporting to Assistant Secretary Harold Koh. Focused on torture and political prisoners; impunity and the rule of law; freedom of expression and media independence; protection of human rights defenders and promotion of civil society; development and monitoring of fair electoral processes. Engaged foreign governments, international institutions, NGOs and human rights defenders. Led diplomatic negotiations on trips to over 20 countries on four continents; accompanied Secretary Albright to Central Asia and South America. Led diplomatic dialogues/negotiations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia/Chechnya, Kosovo, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Colombia. Led delegations to the OSCE and ILO. Oversaw the Bureau's dozen-person Office of Bilateral Affairs. Conceived and led the State Department British Foreign Office initiative that forged the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, which seek to ensure that company security arrangements in the extractive sectors are consistent with international human rights standards. Led intensive year long negotiations with seven major American and British oil and mining companies, plus nine leading U.S. and UK based human rights and corporate responsibility groups. Launched by Secretary Albright in December 2000, the Voluntary Principles gained wide recognition as the first agreed standard for the extractive sector and the first operational standard for any sector addressing corporate responsibility in zones of conflict. Subsequently carried forward by the Bush and Obama Administrations, the process now numbers 30 companies committed to implementing the VPs in over two dozen countries. Conceived and successfully consulted an initiative announced by President Clinton in August 2000 to work with oil companies to address governance, revenue distribution, security and community development issues in the Niger Delta.

Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Economic and Business AffairsSenior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs

May 1997 - Mar 1999 · 1 yr 11 mosMay 1997 - Mar 1999 · 1 yr 11 mos

Developed policy and diplomatic strategy for Under Secretary of State Stuart Eizenstat, focusing on the State Department's historic initiative to uncover the hidden economic dimension of the Holocaust and achieve the restitution of billions in assets and a measure of justice for victims and survivors.

Presented U.S. policy to foreign governments, Congress, state and local officials, NGOs and the media. Edited and drafted key sections of the May 1997 interagency report focusing on allied diplomatic negotiations with Switzerland over Nazi-looted gold and then conceived, directed and edited the second interagency report (June 1998) on Allied efforts to halt the wartime neutrals’ trade with Nazi Germany; both reports received front page coverage in The New York Times. Conducted sensitive senior-level diplomatic discussions with Switzerland, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Argentina. Key member of team that facilitated the August 1998 $1.25 billion settlement of the class action lawsuit brought against the major Swiss banks. Framed themes, agenda and final statements for the December 1998 Washington Conference on Holocaust-Era Assets, focusing on restitution of looted art works and insurance policies. Played a key role in launching and developing the International Task Force on Holocaust Education and Remembrance. Conceived the January 2000 Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust; drafted the declaration agreed by over forty governments. Roles highlighted in subsequent books, including The Victims’ Fortune: Inside the Epic Battle Over the Debts of the Holocaust by John Authers and Richard Wolffe (Harper Collins 2001).

Advised the Under Secretary on global trade policy issues, including fast-track authority. Focused on the economic dimension of the Middle East peace process. Traveled twice to the region with the Under Secretary to explore ways to ease the closure of the West Bank and Gaza with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials.Developed policy and diplomatic strategy for Under Secretary of State Stuart Eizenstat, focusing on the State Department's historic initiative to uncover the hidden economic dimension of the Holocaust and achieve the restitution of billions in assets and a measure of justice for victims and survivors. Presented U.S. policy to foreign governments, Congress, state and local officials, NGOs and the media. Edited and drafted key sections of the May 1997 interagency report focusing on allied diplomatic negotiations with Switzerland over Nazi-looted gold and then conceived, directed and edited the second interagency report (June 1998) on Allied efforts to halt the wartime neutrals’ trade with Nazi Germany; both reports received front page coverage in The New York Times. Conducted sensitive senior-level diplomatic discussions with Switzerland, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Argentina. Key member of team that facilitated the August 1998 $1.25 billion settlement of the class action lawsuit brought against the major Swiss banks. Framed themes, agenda and final statements for the December 1998 Washington Conference on Holocaust-Era Assets, focusing on restitution of looted art works and insurance policies. Played a key role in launching and developing the International Task Force on Holocaust Education and Remembrance. Conceived the January 2000 Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust; drafted the declaration agreed by over forty governments. Roles highlighted in subsequent books, including The Victims’ Fortune: Inside the Epic Battle Over the Debts of the Holocaust by John Authers and Richard Wolffe (Harper Collins 2001). Advised the Under Secretary on global trade policy issues, including fast-track authority. Focused on the economic dimension of the Middle East peace process. Traveled twice to the region with the Under Secretary to explore ways to ease the closure of the West Bank and Gaza with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials.

Washington Journal Feature - C-SPAN Video LibraryWashington Journal Feature - C-SPAN Video Library

Mr. Freeman, senior advisor to undersecretary for Economics, Business & Agricultural Affairs discussed the current U.S. policy on Nazi gold while responding to audience phone calls, faxes, and e-mail.Mr. Freeman, senior advisor to undersecretary for Economics, Business & Agricultural Affairs discussed the current U.S. policy on Nazi gold while responding to audience phone calls, faxes, and e-mail.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs / Chief Speechwriter for Secretary ChristopherDeputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs / Chief Speechwriter for Secretary Christopher

Apr 1993 - May 1997 · 4 yrs 2 mosApr 1993 - May 1997 · 4 yrs 2 mos

Worked directly with Secretary of State Warren Christopher and other senior officials to develop and communicate the major themes and objectives of U.S. foreign policy for the early post Cold War world. Primary responsibility was to serve as Chief Speechwriter for the Secretary and to manage a key policy process in the Department, while reporting to Chief of Staff Tom Donilon.

Led the five person team that drafted Secretary Christopher's speeches, press statements, congressional testimony, op ed articles and ceremonial remarks. The major policy addresses form the core of Christopher's 1998 book In the Stream of History: Shaping Foreign Policy for a New Era published by Stanford University Press. Traveled with the Secretary to over forty countries on six continents.

Oversaw the thirty person Office of the Historian responsible for the multi volume documentary series Foreign Relations of the United States. Resolved sensitive declassification issues and achieved greater openness in the record of U.S. diplomacy. Directed “The Road to Dayton—U.S. Diplomacy and the Bosnia Peace Process,” now declassified and available through the National Security Archive.

Recognized three times for "distinguished performance" as a member of the Senior Executive Service.Worked directly with Secretary of State Warren Christopher and other senior officials to develop and communicate the major themes and objectives of U.S. foreign policy for the early post Cold War world. Primary responsibility was to serve as Chief Speechwriter for the Secretary and to manage a key policy process in the Department, while reporting to Chief of Staff Tom Donilon. Led the five person team that drafted Secretary Christopher's speeches, press statements, congressional testimony, op ed articles and ceremonial remarks. The major policy addresses form the core of Christopher's 1998 book In the Stream of History: Shaping Foreign Policy for a New Era published by Stanford University Press. Traveled with the Secretary to over forty countries on six continents. Oversaw the thirty person Office of the Historian responsible for the multi volume documentary series Foreign Relations of the United States. Resolved sensitive declassification issues and achieved greater openness in the record of U.S. diplomacy. Directed “The Road to Dayton—U.S. Diplomacy and the Bosnia Peace Process,” now declassified and available through the National Security Archive. Recognized three times for "distinguished performance" as a member of the Senior Executive Service.

Foreign Policy Speech Writing - C-SPAN Video LibraryForeign Policy Speech Writing - C-SPAN Video Library

Current and former speech writers discussed the role of speeches and speech writers in making U.S. foreign policy. They talked about the process of writing speeches, the high pressures and expectations of their jobs, the characteristics of a good foreign policy speech and shared personal experiences.Current and former speech writers discussed the role of speeches and speech writers in making U.S. foreign policy. They talked about the process of writing speeches, the high pressures and expectations of their jobs, the characteristics of a good foreign policy speech and shared personal experiences.

GE logo

Manager-Corporate AffairsManager-Corporate Affairs

GEGE

Feb 1985 - Apr 1993 · 8 yrs 3 mosFeb 1985 - Apr 1993 · 8 yrs 3 mos

Fairfield, CTFairfield, CT

Joined GE as Staff Associate Executive Communications. Promoted to Project Manager Corporate Affairs in 1988 and to Manager Corporate Affairs in 1991. Worked closely with Executive Vice President for External and Industrial Relations Frank Doyle; also directly with CEO Jack Welch. Responsible for public policy, public affairs and communications initiatives relating to GE's global business strategy; U.S trade policy and competitiveness; workforce and training issues; corporate responsibility and business ethics. Major achievements:

Managed GE Congressional lobbying effort and helped coordinate successful overall private sector campaign in spring 1991 to extend fast track authority for the NAFTA and GATT Uruguay Round negotiations.

Developed policy arguments and coordinated GE lobbying in 1990 that contributed decisively to the first upturn in Export Import Bank funding after eight years of budget cuts.

Drafted key internal presentations in 1988 and 1989 on GE's European business strategy (anticipating the EC 1992 internal market project) and GE's overall globalization strategy.

Conceived and co-authored the six principles guiding the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct in 1986. Served for over six years on the Working Group guiding implementation of the code across the industry and worked closely with the Corporate Audit staff to guide and assess implementation within GE. The DII attracted all major U.S. defense contractors as signatories; spurred new procurement compliance and ethics training programs throughout the industry; and remains the standard for the industry after 25 years.Joined GE as Staff Associate Executive Communications. Promoted to Project Manager Corporate Affairs in 1988 and to Manager Corporate Affairs in 1991. Worked closely with Executive Vice President for External and Industrial Relations Frank Doyle; also directly with CEO Jack Welch. Responsible for public policy, public affairs and communications initiatives relating to GE's global business strategy; U.S trade policy and competitiveness; workforce and training issues; corporate responsibility and business ethics. Major achievements: Managed GE Congressional lobbying effort and helped coordinate successful overall private sector campaign in spring 1991 to extend fast track authority for the NAFTA and GATT Uruguay Round negotiations. Developed policy arguments and coordinated GE lobbying in 1990 that contributed decisively to the first upturn in Export Import Bank funding after eight years of budget cuts. Drafted key internal presentations in 1988 and 1989 on GE's European business strategy (anticipating the EC 1992 internal market project) and GE's overall globalization strategy. Conceived and co-authored the six principles guiding the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct in 1986. Served for over six years on the Working Group guiding implementation of the code across the industry and worked closely with the Corporate Audit staff to guide and assess implementation within GE. The DII attracted all major U.S. defense contractors as signatories; spurred new procurement compliance and ethics training programs throughout the industry; and remains the standard for the industry after 25 years.

Campaign Strategy and Communications / Debate PrepCampaign Strategy and Communications / Debate Prep

Clinton-Gore Presidential CampaignClinton-Gore Presidential Campaign

Aug 1992 - Nov 1992 · 4 mosAug 1992 - Nov 1992 · 4 mos

Little Rock, ArkansasLittle Rock, Arkansas

Worked on the Clinton Gore debate prep team in Little Rock, Arkansas from August October 1992; helped draft and edit the domestic policy briefing book and served in the “war room” rapid response operation during each debate. Separately, anticipated and countered Republican efforts to borrow Conservative tactics that defeated Labour in the June 1992 UK General Election; worked with senior Labour strategist Phillip Gould and forged early links between the Clinton team and New Labour (described in the December 7, 1992 Letter from Washington: “Order of the Boot” in The New Yorker http://www.newyorker.com/archive/1992/12/07/1992_12_07_055_TNY_CARDS_000363229 and many other press accounts and subsequent books).Worked on the Clinton Gore debate prep team in Little Rock, Arkansas from August October 1992; helped draft and edit the domestic policy briefing book and served in the “war room” rapid response operation during each debate. Separately, anticipated and countered Republican efforts to borrow Conservative tactics that defeated Labour in the June 1992 UK General Election; worked with senior Labour strategist Phillip Gould and forged early links between the Clinton team and New Labour (described in the December 7, 1992 Letter from Washington: “Order of the Boot” in The New Yorker http://www.newyorker.com/archive/1992/12/07/1992_12_07_055_TNY_CARDS_000363229 and many other press accounts and subsequent books).

Presidential Campaign AidePresidential Campaign Aide

Walter F. Mondale Presidential CampaignWalter F. Mondale Presidential Campaign

Feb 1982 - Nov 1984 · 2 yrs 10 mosFeb 1982 - Nov 1984 · 2 yrs 10 mos

Washington DC and fieldWashington DC and field

Worked in several different roles across the full span of the Mondale presidential campaign:

Speechwriter on personal staff (February 1982 August 1983), later on Mondale Ferraro campaign. Wrote speeches, talking points and press statements for Walter Mondale.

Lead field organizer (September 1983 April 1984) in eight Midwestern and New England primary and caucus states; served as Constituencies Director of Iowa caucus campaign. Member of small select team (May-July 1984) that tracked delegates and directed San Francisco Democratic Convention floor operations; responsible for New York State.

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Business & Human Rights Specialist

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Institute for Human Rights and Business

https://www.ihrb.org › about › friends-of-ihrb › benn...

Bennett Freeman previously served as Senior Vice President for Social Research and Policy of the Calvert Group, leading the social, environmental and governance research, analysis, policy and advocacy work of the largest family of socially responsible mutual funds in the U.S. based in Bethesda MD.

Bennett Freeman served in three positions as a Clinton presidential appointee in the State Department,including as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor from 1999 to early 2001 with responsibility for bilateral human rights diplomacy.

ggl 7 23

Bennett Freeman

https://www.linkedin.com › bennettfreeman

Washington DC-Baltimore Area · Chatham House

An innovative leader in the fields of business and human rights, natural resource governance and responsible investment, he has played key roles in developing ...

Bennett Freeman

World Economic Forum

https://www.weforum.org › people › bennett-freeman

As Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor from April 1999-January 2001, Freeman directed the State Department's bilateral human rights ...

Bennett Freeman

Institute for Human Rights and Business

https://www.ihrb.org › about › friends-of-ihrb › benn...

Bennett Freeman previously served as Senior Vice President for Social Research and Policy of the Calvert Group, leading the social, environmental and ...

Bennett Freeman

Chatham House

https://www.chathamhouse.org › About us › Our people

Jul 26, 2022 — As principal of Bennett Freeman Associates LLC, he advises multinational corporations, international institutions and NGOs on policy and ...

Bennett Freeman: Human Rights and Responsible Investing

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com › watch

12:06

Bennett Freeman, senior vice president of sustainability research and policy at Calvert Investments, discusses human rights in relation to ...

YouTube · Berkeley Haas · Jun 19, 2015

Bennett Freeman

Sched

https://2019unforumbhr.sched.com › speaker › bennet...

An innovative leader in the fields of business and human rights, natural resource governance and responsible investment, he has played key roles in developing ...

SHARED SPACE UNDER PRESSURE:

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

https://media.business-humanrights.org › media

Bennett Freeman has worked at the intersection of governments and international institutions; multinational corporations and investors; NGOs and civil society ...

11 pages

Statement by Bennett Freeman

U.S. Department of Labor (.gov)

https://www.dol.gov › ILAB › files › statement18

I am Bennett Freeman, Senior Vice President of. Sustainability Research and Policy at Calvert ... connected to corporate labor and human rights practices.

3 pages

20th anniversary - Bennett Freeman

Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights

https://www.voluntaryprinciples.org › ...

Bennett Freeman led the development of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in 2000 as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, ...

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Burson-Marsteller Names Bennett Freeman to Lead ...

CSRwire

https://www.csrwire.com › press_releases › 21347-bur...

May 18, 2003 — NEW YORK, NY - Burson-Marsteller today named Bennett Freeman as Managing Director for Corporate Responsibility in the firm's U.S. Corporate ...

Testimony of Bennett Freeman

Senate.gov

https://www.banking.senate.gov › download › f...

Oct 3, 2007 — Senior Vice President, Social Research and Policy, Calvert Group ... Application of Calvert's human rights and Indigenous Peoples' Rights ...

Bennett Freeman: Investors should pay attention to how ...

Responsible Investor

https://www.responsible-investor.com › Hot Topics

Jun 27, 2016 — Additionally, the number of human rights allegations relating to the ICT sector is on the rise. An analysis of requests from the Business & ...

Risk, Uncertainty and the Future of Corporate Human ...

Harvard University

https://www.hks.harvard.edu › mrcbg › files

by M Rogge — Keywords: human rights due diligence, corporate law, risk management, risk and uncertainty, corporate social responsibility, ethics, UNGPs, “business and ...

95 pages

So you think you know your supply chain?

Financial Times

https://www.ft.com › ... › Supply chains

Mar 24, 2023 — Bennett Freeman, a corporate responsibility adviser and vice-chair of RSN, remembers the birth of organisations such as the Clean Clothes ...

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS AND HUMAN ...

UW-Madison

https://wilj.law.wisc.edu › sites › 2005/05 › kro...

by L KRONFORST · Cited by 5 — 4 Bennett Freeman et al., A New Approach to Corporate Responsibility: The Volun- ... incentives to respect human rights.38 Most TNCs' public relations.

24 pages

Roundtable on Conflict Minerals — Panelist Biographies

SEC.gov

https://www.sec.gov › spotlight › conflictmineralsroun...

Oct 20, 2011 — In 2004, he became Marketing Director of Public Relations and Promotions ... corporate responsibility, human rights and U.S. foreign policy.

Task Force on US Strategy to Support Democracy and ...

Freedom House

https://freedomhouse.org › democracy-task-force

Bennett Freeman Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. Charles Freeman Senior Vice President for Asia, US Chamber of ...

Bennett Freeman Phone Number, Address, Age, Contact ...

Radaris

https://radaris.com › ... › Freeman

Skills: Corporate Social Responsibility, International Relations, Public Policy, International Development, Human Rights, Strategic Communications, Foreign ...

Bennett Freeman

Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders

https://humanrightsdefenders.blog › tag › bennett-free...

May 14, 2019 — Bennett Freeman Business Support for Civic Freedoms and Human Rights Defenders, Bennett Freeman Associates LLC [see also: https:// ...

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Ethics and governance for internet-based conservation ...

Wiley

https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com › doi › full › cobi

by RM Thompson · 2021 · Cited by 11 — Privacy rights may also restrict the use and access of data, ... mixed roles of the researcher in relation to study subjects (Bennett et al.

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Bennett Freeman | World Economic Forum

Bennett Freeman from BSR Talks Disruption in Corporate Human Rights Practices | Skytop Strategies

Video

Bennett Freeman | Chatham House – International Affairs ...

Bennett Freeman | LinkedIn

Bennett Freeman: Human Rights and Responsible Investing

Video

Business & Human Rights on Twitter: "@TheElders ...

Bennett Freeman | LinkedIn

20th anniversary - Bennett Freeman - Voluntary Principles on ...

Bennett Freeman | LinkedIn

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Directory of Cases & Legislation

JSTOR

https://www.jstor.org › stable › pdf

SkyWest Airlines, Inc., 603, 1210(b). [930] Kasten v. Port Auth. of N.Y. & N.J., ... Freeman, 919(a), ... Maine Dep't of Human Servs., 904(b)(5),. 904(c)(3).

Business Support for Civic Freedoms and Human Rights ...

University of Oxford

https://www.law.ox.ac.uk › events › shared-space-und...

Bennett Freeman, board member of the Institute for Human Rights and Business ... Rights in September 2018) and discusses corporate support for human rights.

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