This decision is part of the Lyon Metropolis' efforts in the area of socially responsible procurement, particularly in the digital sector. The latter is one of the five priority sectors identified in the action programme of the Responsible Procurement Promotion Plan (SPAR, according to the French acronym) adopted by the Metropolitan Council in September 2023.

Mr. Guillaume Paradas, Director of Public Procurement, explained that, through SPAR, the Metropolis of Lyon has aligned its procurement policy with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, including Goal 8 on decent work and Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. Its Electronics Watch affiliation reflects Lyon's focus on ethical public procurement that is aligned with international standards on human rights at work. The affiliation will strengthens Lyon's ability to ensure that these rights are respected, especially in relation to fair wages and the fight against forced labour.

"We are excited to welcome the Metropolis of Lyon to our network of affiliates. Its affiliation reflects a growing recognition among public authorities of the value of collaboration and the importance of worker-led investigative approaches," said Kate Sullivan, Director of Affiliate Engagement at Electronics Watch.