EFLA recently completed a six-month journey in the UN Global Compact Business & Human Rights Accelerator, which took place from February to July 2025. This international initiative supports companies in developing and strengthening their human rights policies in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. EFLA was one of five Icelandic companies selected to participate in the program.
Leading by Example in Human Rights
“EFLA aims to be a frontrunner in human rights and a role model for other companies seeking to integrate human rights into their projects and daily operations,” says Margrét Ásta Valdimarsdóttir, Human Resources Specialist and one of EFLA’s representatives in the accelerator.
Joining her in the program were Eva Yngvadóttir and Anna Margrét Kornelíusdóttir, specialists in environmental affairs and social responsibility. They participated in both in-person sessions in Iceland and virtual international meetings hosted by the UN Global Compact. The program also offered a rich array of digital learning resources. The outcome of EFLA’s participation was a draft action plan for human rights integration across its Icelandic operations.
Tangible Benefits for EFLA
Participation in the accelerator delivered several key benefits:
- A self-assessment of EFLA’s current human rights position, identifying areas for improvement.
- Analysis and prioritisation of EFLA’s human rights impacts.
- A draft action plan to guide further integration across operations and the value chain.
- Enhanced understanding of international standards, new implementation tools, and strong connections with other Icelandic companies on a similar path.
“This experience helped us contextualise human rights more clearly, both in terms of Icelandic realities and global standards,” says Margrét Ásta. “We now have the tools to integrate human rights more effectively into our operations and prepare for future challenges.”
Hosting the Final Session
EFLA hosted the final in-person session of the accelerator at its headquarters, where Anna Margrét Kornelíusdóttir presented the draft action plan. The session sparked lively discussions among participants, who exchanged ideas and experiences in line with the accelerator’s goal of fostering learning and collaboration.
Through its participation, EFLA has strengthened internal processes, expanded employee knowledge, and built a toolkit that positions the company as a leader in human rights and sustainability within the engineering and consulting sector.
“We are proud to have embarked on this journey with such positive results,” says Margrét Ásta. “It’s an investment that enhances our foundations, deepens our accountability, and builds stronger relationships with clients, partners, and society at large.”