The role of business in respecting human rights is becoming increasingly relevant. Therefore, this autumn the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with various partners and stakeholders, will organise a series of regional forums. These forums will serve as a platform for exchanging good practices and insights among representatives from the public and private sectors, NGOs, international organisations, affected parties, and experts engaged with business and human rights issues.
Key highlights include showcasing the benefits of implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The dialogues will focus on the following areas:
- Increasing awareness among states and businesses about respecting human rights obligations.
- Assessing progress in implementing the UN Guiding Principles, including the challenges faced by states and companies and guidance on their application.
- Policy coherence that leads to better coordination and consistency across areas such as social, economic, and environmental policies.
- Building networks by creating a multilateral network for cooperation and knowledge sharing between the Global South and North on business and human rights issues.
- Supporting affected rights holders by providing a platform to express concerns about adverse impacts on human rights and empower them to engage in the decision-making processes.
- Sharing knowledge products and promoting tools and resources to assist businesses in conducting human rights due diligence.
Here is the schedule for the planned forums:
- 6th UN Forum on Responsible Business and Human Rights in Asia and the Pacific
- Date: 24-27 September 2024
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Theme: The Remedy Blueprint: Bridging Gaps and Accelerating Access3rd African Forum on Business and Human Rights
- 3rd African Forum on Business and Human Rights
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- Date: 8-10 October 2024
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Theme: Promoting Responsible Business Conduct in a Rapidly Changing Context
- Inaugural Dialogue on Business and Human Rights in the Arab States Region
- Date: 28-29 October 2024
- Location: Doha, Qatar
- Theme: Charting the Course for Responsible Business Practices in the Arab States Region
- UN Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights in Europe and Central Asia
- Date: 12-13 November 2024
- Location: Budva, Montenegro
- Theme: The EU Policy and Regulatory Impact on Business and Human Rights (TBC)
UN Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights
The recommendations and conclusions from these regional forums will help shape the themes of the sessions at the UN Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights, scheduled to take place from 24-27 November 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. This year’s theme is “Realizing an ‘Intelligent Mix of Measures’ for Protecting Human Rights in the Context of Business Activities.”
The UN Forum is the world’s largest annual event on business and human rights, bringing together over 2,000 participants from various sectors, including government, business, civil society, and academia. Over three days, attendees will participate in more than 60 panel discussions on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and current human rights issues.
The Forum is a crucial opportunity for networking, experience exchange, and learning about the latest efforts to promote corporate respect for human rights.
