From the boardroom to the newsroom, supply chains are top of mind for businesses worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed our vulnerabilities, noted Diana Chavez, UNITAR Board Vice-Chair and CR/SP Executive Director at UNITAR. How can companies work with teams? Due to Walmart’s size and international presence, explained Paul Dyck, Vice President, Global Government Affairs for Walmart, Inc., supply chain disruption has a big effect. Limiting disruption and building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient supply chains is critical to Walmart’s 250 million weekly customers.
Chavez asked Dyck to explain how Walmart approaches markets as disparate as Mexico and India, both cultures with a strong tradition of buying local. Walmart’s approach is to use in-country suppliers and supply chains wherever possible, and to ensure that the small companies they work with are best positioned to grow and expand if they so choose. One way to do this, Dyck noted, is through Walmart’s omnichannel strategy so products can be sold in stores or online, providing multiple paths for local sales and global export. Walmart aims to be a regenerative company that brings its suppliers into its sustainability journey. By providing them with access to tools and training, they can help their suppliers become more environmentally friendly and resilient.
“You just want to bring all those suppliers [and] leave no one behind, and to make them part of globalization.”
Diana Chavez, UNITAR Board Vice-Chair and CR/SP Executive Director, UNITAR
“The best supply chain is one that is diverse and resilient, and India is a key part of that.”
Paul Dyck, Vice President, Global Government Affairs, Walmart, Inc.