We believe that dialogue with a wide range of external stakeholders is critical to respecting human and workplace rights. We are committed to continuous dialogue in order to identify and address potential and actual issues proactively and collaboratively.

We work with a wide range of stakeholders in the Coca‑Cola system, among our business partners, including suppliers and customers, and with our many external stakeholders across the private, public, nonprofit and labor sectors. We believe together we can have a greater and more sustainable impact than by working alone.

Our Principles:

- Transparency: Respect the diversity of views and values stakeholders present, and work to engage openly, providing the information they need to make meaningful contributions to our decision-making processes and activities.

- Inclusiveness: Include a wide range of stakeholders, especially those who are traditionally marginalized (e.g., women, youth, indigenous groups and the poor).

- Consistency: Maintain regular and consistent communication to ensure continuity and meaningful engagement.

- Accountability: Inform stakeholders of how their feedback influenced the outcome of a decision or activity.

We use a variety of communication channels and platforms to engage with stakeholders including our human rights conferences in Atlanta, our website, assessments, on-the-ground projects, business or human rights-specific associations, and routine, standing dialogues with several labor and nonprofit organizations.

Here are two examples of our ongoing engagement.

International Union of Foodworkers (IUF)

Since 2005 we have met twice annually with theInternational Union of Foodworkersand several of its affiliates. The IUF is a world-wide federation of trade unions representing workers in sectors including agriculture and plantations, food and beverages, and hotels among others. More than 30 percent of our business system’s employees are members of unions affiliated with the IUF. The semi-annual meetings, in addition to ongoing communications, provide a forum to discuss a variety of labor relations matters. Read our updated joint statement (PDF).

Brand Collaboration: AIM Progress

The Coca‑Cola Company is a leading member ofAIM-PROGRESS, a forum of fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers and suppliers working together to promote responsible sourcing practices. Through AIM-PROGRESS's joint training initiative, members conduct in-person and virtual supplier training sessions around the world.

Trainings cover the four major pillars of responsible sourcing: human rights and labor standards, health and safety, environmental compliance and business integrity. The sessions also provide a forum for suppliers to ask questions, share best practices and learn from each other. Over the last few years The Coca‑Cola Company co-hosted events in collaboration with other AIM-PROGRESS members in New Delhi, Dubai, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos and Turkey.

Member companies recognize supplier audits completed on behalf of another company through a framework called Mutual Recognition. Recognizing audits conducted on behalf of another company reduces audit fatigue, reduces time and costs on the part of suppliers and shifts the focus from auditing to performance.

Each year AIM-PROGRESS conducts an annual benchmarking survey to track progress among members, identify trends and share best practices. The executive summary is available online and outlines member activities including audits and activities on corrective actions and remediation.