The Ethics of Legacy: Baurs’ Commitment to Human Rights and Sustainable Growth

A. Baur. & Co invited to be Patron of the Business & Human Rights Working Group of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka

For over a century, A. Baur & Co. (Baurs) has grown alongside the communities it serves, its identity shaped by a blend of heritage and evolving expectations. As Baurs enters its 125th year, the company is revisiting the principles that have anchored it through time, giving them new structure through stronger ethical and human rights practices. Under the stewardship of CEO Rolf Blaser, Baurs continues to evolve as a living embodiment of values-based leadership - one that balances heritage with innovation, and tradition with accountability.

“Our Swiss spirit of precision defines our standards, while our Sri Lankan roots ensure our actions are grounded in purpose and impact,” says Mr. Blaser. As Patron of the Business & Human Rights Working Group of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka), Baurs’ influence now extends beyond its own operations. It champions a vision where respect for human dignity and ethical business conduct form the foundation of sustainable growth - not its byproduct.

Legacy of Responsibility

For Baurs, responsible business is not a recent commitment - it is an inheritance. Since its founding by Alfred Baur in 1897, the company has operated with the guiding purpose of doing what is “good for the country.” That principle has evolved into a robust ethical framework that shapes every decision, from daily operations to long-term corporate strategy. “Our values act as a non-negotiable ethical filter,” explains Mr. Blaser. “We consciously prioritize quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing over short-term gains. Integrity, fairness, and transparency are not slogans - they are standards.”

Baurs’ commitment to zero tolerance for corruption is deeply embedded in its culture. Every operational choice undergoes rigorous compliance checks, while technology investments are evaluated not only for efficiency, but for alignment with environmental and ethical standards. This disciplined approach ensures that Baurs’ actions remain consistent with its founding philosophy - a legacy lived, not inherited.

Embedding Ethics into Practice

Human rights at Baurs are grounded in practical systems rather than abstract ideals. The company’s Code of Moral & Ethics provides a framework for conduct and is embedded into onboarding and regular training. Across the value chain, these expectations are reflected in contractual Human Rights Clauses supported by due diligence, monitoring, and remediation mechanisms.

“Respect for human rights is a fundamental business obligation,” Mr. Blaser notes. “Our responsibility begins with our people and extends to everyone our business touches.”

Transparency is further supported through an anonymous Whistleblower Policy, while a Diversity, Tolerance & Inclusion Policy reinforces equitable treatment across the organization, ensuring that human rights commitments are implemented consistently.

Building Systems for Accountability

Recognizing that effective human rights due diligence (HRDD) is integral to modern governance, Baurs has embedded it into its business strategy. From partner selection to internal audit frameworks, the company ensures ethical consistency throughout its operations.

However, implementing HRDD in Sri Lanka has not been without challenges.

“We’ve put considerable effort into developing systems internally and building the necessary expertise to manage human rights due diligence effectively” Mr. Blaser explains. “But that effort has deepened our understanding and strengthened our resilience.” Baurs’ proactive stance on anti-corruption and business integrity, living wage, and data ethics reflects its forward-thinking approach to responsible leadership. A pioneering child support initiative complements its fair wage policies, while robust digital safeguards uphold privacy and data protection as the company embraces technological transformation.

Purpose Across Sectors

Operating across agriculture, healthcare, and education, Baurs’ impact extends well beyond business outcomes. Its initiatives in sustainable agriculture strengthen food security and empower rural farmers, while its healthcare division ensures equitable access to life-saving medicines across the island. In education, the company continues to champion learning and capacity-building, helping young people develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“From pioneering agricultural solutions to expanding access to healthcare and education, we aim to uplift communities and set a benchmark for responsible business,” Mr. Blaser adds. This multi-sectoral approach reflects Baurs’ belief that social contribution is not a separate agenda, but a measure of business success.

 Collective Progress

Baurs’ journey within the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka has been one of deep learning and meaningful collaboration. Through the Network’s working groups, peer dialogues, and capacity-building sessions, the company has been able to benchmark itself against global best practices, strengthen its due diligence processes, and refine its governance frameworks. “The UN Global Compact has been instrumental in helping us structure our sustainability journey,” Mr. Blaser acknowledges. “It has provided us with access to global tools, expert guidance, and peer networks that help us translate our principles into actionable outcomes.”

Network Sri Lanka, in turn, recognizes Baurs as a vital partner in shaping national conversations on business integrity and ethical governance. Together, both are advancing shared priorities under the Business & Human Rights vertical - from promoting anti-corruption and due diligence to exploring new frontiers such as AI and digital rights. “Going forward, we look forward to working more closely with government partners and key institutions to strengthen the enabling environment for responsible business in Sri Lanka,” Mr. Blaser reflects. “It’s through partnership that we can drive lasting change.” This collaborative vision spotlights a shared belief - that advancing human rights in business requires alignment between the private sector, government, and civil society.

Looking Ahead

As Baurs looks to the future, its focus remains clear: to continue aligning its operations with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights while championing ethical leadership and transparency within Sri Lanka’s private sector. “Collective leadership is essential for meaningful change,” Mr. Blaser concludes. “By joining forces, companies can amplify impact and foster a culture of accountability that strengthens not just individual businesses, but the country as a whole.”

For Baurs, responsibility is not a milestone - it is a mindset. And as one of Sri Lanka’s oldest corporates, it continues to prove that ethical business is not just good practice; it is the foundation of enduring progress.