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Wednesday, November 27
 

9:00am CET

BHR informal dialogues: Intergenerational Exchange on Business and Human Rights
Wednesday November 27, 2024 9:00am - 9:40am CET
The newly introduced BHR Informal Dialogues will offer an open, dynamic platform for inclusive and in-depth discussions on critical issues within the Business and Human Rights (BHR) agenda. These sessions are structured to encourage autonomous, participant-led conversations without formal speakers or panelists, fostering a free-flowing exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. The aim is to create a collaborative space where all participants can directly engage with one another, enabling meaningful dialogue that promotes deeper understanding of key issues.

By encouraging active participation from all participants, the BHR Informal Dialogues seek to ensure that a broad range of voices contribute to shaping the future of business and human rights practices. This format prioritizes diversity of views and backgrounds, creating a space where different stakeholders can share insights, experiences, and best practices in a flexible and open environment.

Topics for Discussion: The BHR Informal Dialogues will focus on a range of pressing topics, including:
  • Intergenerational Exchange on BHR: Promoting dialogue between different generations on the evolving BHR landscape and priorities.

This informal and interactive space is open to everyone and is designed to spark collaborative thinking, drive solution-oriented discussions, and contribute to advancing the global BHR agenda.
Each Interactive dialogue will be facilitated by one or two people to ensure effective and inclusive dialogue. The facilitators will guide the discussion, assist in maintaining a balanced conversation, and ensure that all voices are heard. This structure will help both facilitators and participants to ensure a free-flowing exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives.

There will be no interpretation provided.
Speakers
avatar for Vanessa Zimmerman

Vanessa Zimmerman

Chief Executive Officer, Pillar Two
Vanessa is a recognised global and domestic corporate sustainability expert focusing on human rights.Originally an anti-trust lawyer, Vanessa specialised in business and human rights, working for five years as a Legal Advisor to the UN Special Representative on Business and Human... Read More →
Wednesday November 27, 2024 9:00am - 9:40am CET
Room XX

9:00am CET

BHR informal dialogues: Responsible Investment
Wednesday November 27, 2024 9:00am - 9:40am CET
The newly introduced BHR Informal Dialogues will offer an open, dynamic platform for inclusive and in-depth discussions on critical issues within the Business and Human Rights (BHR) agenda. These sessions are structured to encourage autonomous, participant-led conversations without formal speakers or panelists, fostering a free-flowing exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. The aim is to create a collaborative space where all participants can directly engage with one another, enabling meaningful dialogue that promotes deeper understanding of key issues.

By encouraging active participation from all participants, the BHR Informal Dialogues seek to ensure that a broad range of voices contribute to shaping the future of business and human rights practices. This format prioritizes diversity of views and backgrounds, creating a space where different stakeholders can share insights, experiences, and best practices in a flexible and open environment.

Topics for Discussion: The BHR Informal Dialogues will focus on a range of pressing topics, including:
  • Responsible Investment: Examining the impact of investment on human rights and business practices.
This informal and interactive space is open to everyone and is designed to spark collaborative thinking, drive solution-oriented discussions, and contribute to advancing the global BHR agenda.

Each Interactive dialogue will be facilitated by one or two people to ensure effective and inclusive dialogue. The facilitators will guide the discussion, assist in maintaining a balanced conversation, and ensure that all voices are heard. This structure will help both facilitators and participants to ensure a free-flowing exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives.

There will be no interpretation provided.
Speakers
avatar for Kindra Mohr

Kindra Mohr

Manager, Financial Services and Human Rights, BSR
Kindra Mohr is a business and human rights attorney who manages BSR's work at the intersection of human rights and finance. Her efforts involve integrating a human rights approach into the operations and value chains of financial services companies and improving their human rights... Read More →
Wednesday November 27, 2024 9:00am - 9:40am CET
Room XIX

9:00am CET

BHR informal dialogues: State-Business Nexus
Wednesday November 27, 2024 9:00am - 9:40am CET
The newly introduced BHR Informal Dialogues will offer an open, dynamic platform for inclusive and in-depth discussions on critical issues within the Business and Human Rights (BHR) agenda. These sessions are structured to encourage autonomous, participant-led conversations without formal speakers or panelists, fostering a free-flowing exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. The aim is to create a collaborative space where all participants can directly engage with one another, enabling meaningful dialogue that promotes deeper understanding of key issues.

By encouraging active participation from all participants, the BHR Informal Dialogues seek to ensure that a broad range of voices contribute to shaping the future of business and human rights practices. This format prioritizes diversity of views and backgrounds, creating a space where different stakeholders can share insights, experiences, and best practices in a flexible and open environment.

Topics for Discussion: The BHR Informal Dialogues will focus on a range of pressing topics, including:
  • State-Business Nexus: Addressing the intersection between public policy and private enterprise, particularly in terms of human rights obligations.
This informal and interactive space is open to everyone and is designed to spark collaborative thinking, drive solution-oriented discussions, and contribute to advancing the global BHR agenda.
Each Interactive dialogue will be facilitated by one or two people to ensure effective and inclusive dialogue. The facilitators will guide the discussion, assist in maintaining a balanced conversation, and ensure that all voices are heard. This structure will help both facilitators and participants to ensure a free-flowing exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives.

There will be no interpretation provided.
Speakers
avatar for Yayoi Fujita Lagerqvist

Yayoi Fujita Lagerqvist

Program Officer, Swedwatch
Wednesday November 27, 2024 9:00am - 9:40am CET
Room XXIV

10:00am CET

Snapshot series on stakeholder engagement: Lessons from influencing corporate performance on meaningful rightsholder engagement
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:00am - 10:25am CET
Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and World Benchmarking Alliance

The session will focus on stakeholder engagement in the implementation of the UNGPs by companies. Effective engagement is critical for companies to understand the human rights impacts they cause or contribute to and to develop meaningful responses. The discussion will underscore the importance of engaging not only internal stakeholders but also external communities, supply chain workers, and other rightsholders who are often directly impacted by corporate activities. While progress has been made, many companies still struggle to ensure this engagement is equitable, transparent, and effective. Drawing on five years of CHRB trends and WBA's Social Benchmark the session will showcase good practices as well as ongoing challenges. It will explore how companies can foster meaningful engagement that builds trust and comprehensively addresses human rights concerns. Speakers will also examine the role of investors, civil society, and business platforms in driving improved corporate human rights performance, especially in light of growing regulatory requirements.
Speakers
avatar for Harpreet Kaur

Harpreet Kaur

Business and Human Rights Specialist, UNDP
Harpreet Kaur is a Business and Human Rights Specialist at the UNDP’s Regional Bureau of Asia and the Pacific, where she oversees a regional project aiming at promoting responsible business practices through partnerships in Asia. She provides technical and advisory support to governments... Read More →
avatar for Pauliina Murphy

Pauliina Murphy

Head of Responsible Business Partner Programme, World Benchmarking Alliance
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:00am - 10:25am CET
Room XXIV

10:00am CET

Procurement and Deployment of Artificial Intelligence and the UNGPs: Consultation for the Working Group’s 2025 Report to the Human Rights Council
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:00am - 11:20am CET
 
Session organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights 
 
Brief description of the session: 

The Working Group on Business and Human Rights will present a report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025. The report will seek to identify current strategies, policies, and practices, and remaining gaps and challenges to address adverse human rights impacts linked to the procurement and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems by States and non-tech businesses.

The report aims to clarify the respective duty and responsibility of States and non-tech businesses to protect and respect human rights, as well as the roles of other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, human rights defenders, academia, trade unions and national human rights institutions, in the context of the evolving landscape of AI procurement and deployment. As the report focuses on the procurement and deployment of AI systems by States and non tech business enterprises, therefore it does not cover issues related States developing and deploying their own AI systems, and related to tech business enterprises developing and deploying AI systems.
It seeks to explore the following items:
- How States can further enhance efforts to safeguard human rights when procuring and deploying AI systems;
- How non-tech businesses can further incorporate human rights focus in their deployment of AI in their business operations, products and services, including though comprehensive and robust human rights due diligence processes;
- What grievance mechanisms exist for rightsholders that have been affected by AI procured by States or businesses, and how they can be strengthened; and
- The essential role of human rights defenders to support States and businesses in identifying human rights risks and preventing harm in this context.

Key objectives of the session:

  • Identify key issues, actors, practices and trends that should be covered in the Working Group’s report to the Human Rights Council;
  • Highlight promising policies, frameworks or regulations at the national, regional and international levels to address the human rights risks linked to the procurement and deployment of AI by States and non tech-businesses;
  • Share emerging practices of non-tech business in including human rights impacts related to the procurement and deployment of AI systems in their human rights due diligence;
  • Highlight key issues and challenges that are faced by CSOs, human rights defenders and workers in the context of AI systems deployed by States and non-tech businesses;
  • Discuss what effective remedies are available for those whose human rights are adversely affected by AI applications used by States and non tech businesses .

Background of the discussion:
Speakers
avatar for Lyra Jakuleviciene

Lyra Jakuleviciene

Vice-chairperson, UN Working Group on business and human rights
Ms. Lyra Jakulevičienė is an international legal scholar specialising in international and European Union law, human rights law in particular, for more than two decades. She is a Professor and the Dean of the Law School of Mykolas Romeris University in Lithuania. She has extensive... Read More →
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:00am - 11:20am CET
Room XX

10:00am CET

Progress and Opportunities to Strengthen BHR in the Middle East and North Africa Region
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:00am - 11:20am CET
Session organized by the Working Group on business and human rights
  
Interpretation in English, Arabic and French 

(Version française ci-jointe)

Brief description of the session: 
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) have gained increased recognition among various stakeholders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including governments, businesses, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society actors, academia and the legal community. However, despite the growing awareness, there are significant challenges in translating the UNGPs into effective frameworks for protecting and addressing human rights and environmental issues in the region. 

This session will build upon the discussions from the past two annual forums to delve into the progress that has been achieved in advancing the business and human rights agenda, and to identify areas where further progress is needed and where gaps in protection persist. The session will also examine the implementation of the UNGPs, with a particular emphasis on a smart mix of measures to strengthen business and human rights in the MENA region. 

Key objectives of the session: 
  • Examine the utilization of the UNGPs to enhance human rights in the MENA region. 
  • Identify obstacles, drivers, and priorities crucial for realizing the UNGPs in the MENA region. 
  • Discuss practical measures to raise awareness and promote the implementation of the UNGPs throughout the MENA region.  
  • Explore strategies for enhancing the capacities of all stakeholders to effectively leverage the UNGPs as a tool for States and businesses to fulfil their respective duties and responsibilities to protect and respect human rights and the environment. 
  • Emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to advance the UNGPs. 

Key discussion questions: 
  • What are the primary drivers and priorities that must be addressed to fully realize the UNGPs in the MENA region? 
  • How can a smart mix of measures assist businesses in identifying and mitigating human rights risks across their operations and supply chains?  
  • What valuable insights can be learned from the progress made in advancing the implementation of the UNGPs in the MENA region, and how can these lessons guide future efforts?  

Speakers
avatar for Damilola Olawuyi

Damilola Olawuyi

member, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Damilola S. Olawuyi is a Professor and UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar. He is also the director of the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development at the Afe Babalola University... Read More →
avatar for Takoua Tayari

Takoua Tayari

Business and Human Rights National Analyst, UNDP
Takoua Tayari is the Business and Human Rights National Analyst at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Tunisia. During the past four years, she has played a pivotal role in establishing Tunisia as a pioneer in promoting Business practices that respect human rights.Beyond... Read More →
avatar for Riyadh Fakhri

Riyadh Fakhri

Legal Professor, University of Hassan First
- Professor of higher education specializing in business law since 2002,- Director of the Business Law Research Laboratory at the Hassan 1er University of Settat Morocco since 2009- Expert evaluator of scientific projects contracted with CNRST Morocco since 2020- Scientific director... Read More →
MM

Mashael M. Al Sulaiti

Mashael Al Sulaiti Law Firm
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:00am - 11:20am CET
Room XIX

10:25am CET

Snapshot series on stakeholder engagement: Access to effective remedy for migrant workers in Europe
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:25am - 10:50am CET
Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business, the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the UN (HEUNI) and Coretta & Martin Luther King Institute for Peace 

This snapshot session focuses on migrant workers’ access to effective remedy in Europe, more specifically in the Nordic countries and the Baltic Sea region, discussing if and how migrant workers, who have been exploited at work, have access to effective remedy for the harm they have suffered. Migrant workers may face structural and practical barriers in accessing remedy, including lack of information about grievance mechanisms and rights, and lack of access to legal aid or other support. Well-functioning grievance mechanisms that allow for access to effective remedy may also not exist. Based on recent research findings, this session highlights the gaps in migrant workers’ access to effective remedy and discusses how to engage with key stakeholders to address these barriers in local remedy ecosystems. It presents concrete examples of stakeholder engagement that have facilitated access to effective remedy.
Key objectives:
  • Address challenges and practical barriers migrant workers face in accessing remedy in the Nordic countries and the Baltic Sea region.
  • Discuss how stakeholders can work together to tighten gaps along different levels of the supply chains to improve access to effective remedy.
  • Emphasize the role of civil society actors in conjunction with all the other actors involved in the abuse-remedy cycle.
  • Address what is needed to move a smart mix of measures from theory to practice to achieve better outcomes.
  • Showcase good examples to improve migrant workers’ access to effective remedy in the Nordic countries and the Baltic Sea region based on recent research.
Speakers
avatar for Saara Haapasaari

Saara Haapasaari

Sustainability specialist, HEUNI, the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:25am - 10:50am CET
Room XXIV

10:55am CET

Snapshot series on stakeholder engagement: Combatting child labour in agriculture through multi-stakeholder engagement
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:55am - 11:20am CET
Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, ECLT Foundation and Better Cotton 

Summary 
In the agricultural sector, farmers and workers, including children face systemic human rights challenges. In response, companies, governments and multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) are collaborating to develop and implement a smart mix of measures to address them.
In this session, the ECLT Foundation and Better Cotton will share their insights as MSIs involved in developing and implementing a smart mix of measures in agriculture across various contexts and geographies.

Objectives of the session
  • Explore the roles that companies, governments, and civil society can play in addressing the root causes of human rights challenges for a meaningful, sustainable change.
  • Assess the landscape for collaboration among MSIs aiming to advance human rights due diligence in agriculture.

About ECLT
The ECLT Foundation works towards agriculture free of all forms of child labour: a world with thriving agricultural communities where children go to school and develop in a safe environment. Our belief is that fostering capacities and establishing enduring partnerships is the most effective approach to tackle the underlying causes of child labour.
To provide a solid foundation for our discussion, we'll be referring to a set of background documents that examine the role of multi-stakeholder initiatives in protecting human rights in agriculture.
ECLT Board Members’ Pledge of Commitment, an agreement to uphold robust policy on child labour, conduct due diligence and provide for remediation consistent with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Baseline and follow up reports on status and progress of Pledge signatories with respect to child rights due diligence in their supply chains.
Agriculture Labour Practices Code from Zimbabwe, which defines minimum standards and requirements for all companies, contractors, auction floors and growers, regardless of crop type.
Strengthening legal, policy and institutional frameworks for addressing child labour in Zimbabwe - Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare 2022 report
 
About Better Cotton
Better Cotton is a global not-for-profit organisation supporting the production of more equitable and sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand.
In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world’s cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive.
Read about Better Cotton’s approach to Decent Work here: How Better Cotton promotes decent working conditions around the world

Speakers
avatar for Leyla Shamchiyeva

Leyla Shamchiyeva

Senior Decent Work Manager, Better Cotton
Leyla Shamchiyeva is the Global Decent Work Lead at Better Cotton, where she spearheads global initiatives to enhance labour rights and foster improved working conditions in cotton farming. Drawing upon her extensive experience in labour rights risk assessment and employment policy... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Innocent Mugwagwa

Dr. Innocent Mugwagwa

ECLT
Innocent earned his PhD from Wageningen University, Netherlands, focusing on the drivers and effects of smallholder participation in modern agrifood chains. Innocent has over 25 years' development experience, the first 10 years of which were dedicated to working as the Finance Director... Read More →
Wednesday November 27, 2024 10:55am - 11:20am CET
Room XXIV

11:20am CET

11:40am CET

Harnessing a “smart mix of measures” to protect and respect the rights of LGBTI+ persons in business activities
Wednesday November 27, 2024 11:40am - 1:00pm CET
Session co-organized by the Working Group on business and human rights, ILGA World and PGLE


Brief Description of the Session:

LGBTI+ persons are disproportionately affected by business activities, facing discrimination and violence that impact their rights to equality and non-discrimination and lead to compounding violations of other human rights. Discrimination and attacks occur in various forms, including harassment in the workplace, stigmatization on social media, biased representation in advertising, and exclusion in sports. These risks are exacerbated by intersectional discrimination involving factors such as race, ethnicity, disability, age, migratory status, and more. Hostile cultural, social, and legal environments further restrict the corporate respect for human rights of LGBTI+ persons.

This session will explore different measures implemented by States, businesses and other stakeholders to address gaps in protecting and respecting the rights of LGBTI+ persons in the context of business activities. Drawing on the recent report to the General Assembly by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, titled “Protecting and respecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in the context of business activities: fulfilling obligations and responsibilities under the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”, the session aims to identify effective strategies and share good practices in this field by fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders.

Key Specific Objectives of the Session:

· Identify the key challenges for the respect of LGBTI+ rights in the context of business activities.
· Discuss the "smart mix of measures" necessary from States to adequately protect the rights of LGBTI+ persons against business abuses, highlighting emerging regulatory initiatives, policies and adjudications at the national, regional, and international levels.
· Exchange on business actions to prevent and redress human rights abuses against LGBTI+ persons in the workplace, marketplace, supply chain and communities where they operate, including when operating in jurisdictions that criminalize consensual same sex relationships.
· Explore how meaningful engagement with LGBTI+ persons, organisations defending LGBTI+ rights, and trade unions can be fostered to enhance the respect of the rights of LGBTI+ persons.
· Promote collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society, and LGBTI+ persons.

Key Discussion Questions:
1. What are the most pressing challenges faced by LGBTI+ persons in the context of business activities?
2. What measures should States take to include consideration on LGBTI+ persons in NAP, mandatory human rights due diligence and to repel or amend any regulations that would hamper business respect of the rights of LGBTI+ persons?
3. How does policy coherence look like with regards to guaranteeing the rights of all in the context of business activities?
4. How could the UN Standards of Conduct for Business in Tackling Discrimination Against LGBTI People be effectively implemented to guide businesses in progressing beyond merely respecting the rights of their LGBTI employees in countries with established legal protections, to actively promoting and defending these rights in regions where such protections are limited or non-existent?
5. How could businesses address backlashes and legal risks when respecting the rights of LGBTI+ persons in their operations and value chains?
6. How can State-based judicial and non-judicial mechanisms, as well as operational-level grievance mechanisms be strengthened to address rights violations against LGBTI+ persons?
7. What role can stakeholders play in fostering collaboration and sharing good practices to advance LGBTI+ rights in the business sector?

Background reading:
· Protecting and respecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in the context of business activities: fulfilling obligations and responsibilities under the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights –Working Group report A/79/178
· UN Standards of Conduct for Business Tackling Discrimination Against Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, & Intersex People, · Gender Dimensions of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights – Working Group report A/HRC/41/43

Speakers
avatar for Fernanda Hopenhaym

Fernanda Hopenhaym

Chairperson, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Ms. Fernanda Hopenhaym is Co-Executive Director at Project on Organizing, Development, Education and Research (PODER), an organization in Latin America dedicated to corporate accountability. For twenty years, Ms. Hopenhaym has worked on economic, social and gender justice. Since 2006... Read More →
avatar for Ari Vera

Ari Vera

Presidenta, Federación Mexicana de Empresarios LGBT+
Ari Vera es defensora de derechos humanos, presidenta de la Federacion Mexicana de Empresarios LGBT+ y fundadora de la asociación Almas Cautivas que trabaja a favor de la comunidad trans privada de libertad en los centros penitenciarios de la Ciudad de México.Cuenta con una Maestría... Read More →
BB

Beck Bailey

Accenture
Wednesday November 27, 2024 11:40am - 1:00pm CET
Room XX

11:40am CET

“Smart Mix” in Action: Progress and Opportunities for Advancing Business and Human Rights in Africa
Wednesday November 27, 2024 11:40am - 1:00pm CET
Session co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)


Description of the session:
The “smart mix of measures” – national, international, voluntary and mandatory – has been central to the realization of the UN Guiding principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Already into the second decade of implementation of the UNGPs, this is an appropriate moment to reflect on what the “smart mix of measures” means for the African continent now and into the future.
Increased foreign direct and local investments in key sectors in Africa, including infrastructure development, extractive industries, agriculture, natural resource exploitation and manufacturing, highlights the need to build capacities and strengthen regulatory frameworks promoting and protecting human rights in the context of business activities in Africa.
States in the African continent are increasingly taking action to address the adverse impacts of business activities on people and the environment. Recent developments at national level, including through the adoption of national action plans on business and human rights, as well as sector-specific legislation on issues of business and human rights such as on labour rights, non-discrimination, environment, land, anti-corruption and privacy, show that action is possible in all these areas, and that government leadership from the top is a critical factor.
With the adoption of new regulation at international and regional level, such as EU regulations, particularly the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), as well as national human rights due diligence requirements in countries like France and Germany, States and businesses in Africa are facing new expectations. The session will discuss the key notion of “smart mix of measures” and what its realization means concretely in and for African countries and actors. It will also consider the importance for African Governments, businesses, communities and rightsholders to understand implications and opportunities arising from such regulatory developments as drivers for strengthening business respect for human rights.
The fundamental challenge going forward is to scale up the good practices that are emerging and address remaining gaps and challenges in the continent. This will require concerted efforts by all actors and meaningful stakeholders’ engagement.
This session will offer participants a multi-stakeholder platform to explore the specific application and implementation of a “smart mix” of measures to promote and implement the UNGPs in Africa, and to further invigorate emphasis on collaborative efforts to advance business respect for human rights and to strengthen access to effective remedy when harm happens.

Session objectives:
  • Identify positive practice, gaps and challenges in existing laws, policies and current business and government practice;
  • Develop practical pathways for how the UNGPs as a policy and normative framework can be better leveraged to bring States, businesses, and civil society together and generate sustainable and inclusive solutions to address business-related human rights challenges in Africa;
  • Highlight emerging good practices; and how key stakeholders — States, businesses, NHRIs, civil society organizations, trade unions and the investment community— can contribute to the scaling-up effective human rights due diligence processes, including through a rights-holder’s centred approach and meaningful, inclusive, and effective multi-stakeholder engagement;
  • Discuss the anticipated implications of international, regional and national regulatory developments and what it is needed from States and businesses in the region to ensure that legal developments in other regions result in positive outcomes for stakeholders in Africa;
  • Identify measures to strengthen policy coherence when setting and developing policy and regulation.
Moderators
avatar for Damilola Olawuyi

Damilola Olawuyi

member, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Damilola S. Olawuyi is a Professor and UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar. He is also the director of the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development at the Afe Babalola University... Read More →
Wednesday November 27, 2024 11:40am - 1:00pm CET
Room XIX

11:50am CET

Snapshot series on stakeholder engagement: Beyond ‘do no harm’ to shared prosperity: using a “smart mix” of measures to ensure a fast and fair energy transition
Wednesday November 27, 2024 11:50am - 12:15pm CET
Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and the Business & Human Rights Resource Center

Climate change is both a growing catastrophe and an enormous opportunity for the world. It requires a rapid, global energy transition. The speed of the shift will depend on the scale and scope of investment available. But it will also depend on building broad public support, and particularly from those directly affected by renewable mega-projects and the vast new transition mineral operations essential to powering them. Replicating abuses of the traditional extractive sector risks further entrenching power inequalities between workers and frontline communities – many of which are Indigenous Peoples – and companies, threatening the transition as a whole, as rightsholders increasingly reject abuse and unfair terms.
A smart mix of measures – national, international, voluntary and mandatory – can mitigate these risks and provide pathways to a just energy transition grounded in a corporate duty of care for human rights, fair negotiations, and commitment by business, investors, and governments to true shared prosperity. The mix includes:
  • New regulatory advancements and guidelines demanding human rights due diligence and increased corporate accountability from regions as diverse as Latin America, Asia, and the EU.
  • A limited – but growing – set of examples of better business and investor practice reflecting commitment to an equitable, sustainable and inclusive transition that respects rights and prioritises shared benefits.
  • The informed and assertive role of trade unions, workers’ organisations and Indigenous Peoples’ organisations and communities to achieve fair outcomes to negotiations.
The discussion will seek to highlight the smart mix strategies necessary to deliver a fast and fair transition and a new social contract.
Wednesday November 27, 2024 11:50am - 12:15pm CET
Room XXIV

12:15pm CET

Snapshot series on stakeholder engagement: Fourth Pillar Initiative – Centering Communities in BHR
Wednesday November 27, 2024 12:15pm - 12:40pm CET
Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and the Human Rights Entrepreneurs Clinic, Harvard Law School

This snapshot session will explore the content and application of the “Fourth Pillar,” an initiative which aims to center communities in the field of BHR. Despite the growth in the BHR field in recent years, communities are still too often missing from key conversations and decisions. Communities should be able to claim their place at the table, as they have first-hand understanding of what threatens their rights and have much to contribute to frameworks, processes, and practices that would better protect them. The Fourth Pillar Principles include the need to elevate community agency and tackle power imbalances that undermine communities’ rights. The Fourth Pillar Initiative seeks to have the Principles spur further action and innovation in the BHR field, adding to the “smart mix of measures” for businesses, states, civil society, and communities.

A full version of the Fourth Pillar Principles can be found at www.fourthpillarinitiative.com.


Speakers
ER

Emily Ray

Clinical Fellow, Human Rights Entrepreneurs Clinic - Harvard Law School
Wednesday November 27, 2024 12:15pm - 12:40pm CET
Room XXIV

12:45pm CET

Snapshot series on stakeholder engagement: Why is meaningful stakeholder engagement not advancing in Japan? Examining the challenges and solutions
Wednesday November 27, 2024 12:45pm - 1:10pm CET
Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and Global Compact Network Japan 

In Japan, collaboration between corporations and civil society through dialogue has been slow to progress. Various factors contribute to this, including a cultural tendency to avoid risk and external criticism, the absence of legal requirements for human rights due diligence that includes stakeholder engagement, and a tendency to focus on short-term goals even in areas like "business and human rights," which sometimes require a long-term perspective. As a result, there is little understanding within Japanese society of the role of civil society organizations, and the concept of stakeholder engagement itself is not well understood.
In this session, Mr. Orihashi, Manager of the Sustainability Department at Fast Retailing, which operates globally, will share insights on challenges and responses based on his experience of actively engaging with stakeholders over the past few years.
GCNJ is working within the United Nations Global Compact, together with each country network, to raise awareness about the importance of stakeholder engagement for businesses. Mr. Wakabayashi, Board member of GCNJ will discuss the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement from business and a civil society perspective. He will delve into why promoting meaningful stakeholder engagement is crucial and explore effective approaches to achieving this.
Speakers
avatar for Hideki Wakabayashi

Hideki Wakabayashi

Board Member, Global Compact Network Japan, Chief Representative of BHR Civil Society Platform
JO

Jyunji Orihashi

Manager, Supply Chain Labour Management, Sustainability Department, Fast Retailing (UNIQLO) CO., LTD.
Wednesday November 27, 2024 12:45pm - 1:10pm CET
Room XXIV

1:20pm CET

Networking hubs: Government representatives
Wednesday November 27, 2024 1:20pm - 2:40pm CET
The Networking Hubs will provide an open platform designed to facilitate exchanges among diverse groups of stakeholders on the Business and Human Rights (BHR) agenda. These spaces are structured to encourage autonomous, participant-led conversations without formal speakers or panelists, fostering a free-flowing exchange of experiences and perspectives. The aim is to create a collaborative peer learning space within stakeholders, where each stakeholder group can directly engage with one another, fostering meaningful dialogue. 

The format of these spaces leverages the networking essence of the Forum, offering a flexible and open environment for different stakeholder groups to share best practices, challenges, and innovative proposals.  

Stakeholder groupsThe Networking Hubs will focus on a range of pressing topics, including: 
  • Government Representatives: Discussing the role of public policy, regulation, and enforcement in promoting BHR.  

No interpretation will be provided. 


Wednesday November 27, 2024 1:20pm - 2:40pm CET
Room XX

1:20pm CET

Networking hubs: Indigenous Peoples
Wednesday November 27, 2024 1:20pm - 2:40pm CET
The Networking Hubs will provide an open platform designed to facilitate exchanges among diverse groups of stakeholders on the Business and Human Rights (BHR) agenda. These spaces are structured to encourage autonomous, participant-led conversations without formal speakers or panelists, fostering a free-flowing exchange of experiences and perspectives. The aim is to create a collaborative peer learning space within stakeholders, where each stakeholder group can directly engage with one another, fostering meaningful dialogue. 

The format of these spaces leverages the networking essence of the Forum, offering a flexible and open environment for different stakeholder groups to share best practices, challenges, and innovative proposals.  

Stakeholder groupsThe Networking Hubs will focus on a range of pressing topics, including: 
  • Indigenous Peoples: Highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities related to Indigenous Peoples’ rights in business operations. 

No interpretation will be provided. 


Wednesday November 27, 2024 1:20pm - 2:40pm CET
Room XIX

1:20pm CET

Networking hubs: National Human Rights Institutions
Wednesday November 27, 2024 1:20pm - 2:40pm CET
The Networking Hubs will provide an open platform designed to facilitate exchanges among diverse groups of stakeholders on the Business and Human Rights (BHR) agenda. These spaces are structured to encourage autonomous, participant-led conversations without formal speakers or panelists, fostering a free-flowing exchange of experiences and perspectives. The aim is to create a collaborative peer learning space within stakeholders, where each stakeholder group can directly engage with one another, fostering meaningful dialogue. 

The format of these spaces leverages the networking essence of the Forum, offering a flexible and open environment for different stakeholder groups to share best practices, challenges, and innovative proposals.  

Stakeholder groupsThe Networking Hubs will focus on a range of pressing topics, including: 
  • National Human Rights Institutions: Sharing experiences in monitoring and promoting human rights within business  

No interpretation will be provided. 


Wednesday November 27, 2024 1:20pm - 2:40pm CET
Room XXIV

3:00pm CET

Snapshot series on other relevant topics of the BHR agenda: Smart-Mix Approaches to Business and Human Rights Education
Wednesday November 27, 2024 3:00pm - 3:25pm CET
Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and the OGEES Institute

The intersection of business activities and human rights presents a critical area for scholarly exploration and policy development. Recognizing the importance of promoting responsible business practices, protecting human rights, and fostering expertise in this field, this panel aims to establish a multisectoral platform for advancing Business and Human Rights (BHRs) education and capacity development. Furthermore, bolstering the capacity for implementing BHRs scholarship and education necessitates educational institutions to develop customized courses that offer practical, skill-based learning utilizing a diverse array of online and traditional classroom resources. Conventional human rights programs typically lack the depth required to delve into the complexities of BHRs as a unique and interdisciplinary field of study. Thus, what are the BHRs education needs of stakeholders in business, government, civil society and industry associations, and how can educators effectively meet such needs through innovative pedagogy that emphasize the smart mix of measures?

Speakers
avatar for Anil Yilmaz

Anil Yilmaz

Lecturer and Co-director of the Essex Business and Human Rights Project, University of Essex School of Law and Human Rights Centre
Anil is a Senior Lecturer at Essex Law School and Human Rights Centre. She is also an Honorary Associate Professor at Warwick Law School based at the GLOBE Centre and a non-practising lawyer at the Istanbul Bar Association.She teaches and researches in the area of business, investment... Read More →
OA

Oyeniyi Abe

Business and Human Rights Expert, OGEES Institute Nigeria
Wednesday November 27, 2024 3:00pm - 3:25pm CET
Room XXIV

3:00pm CET

Transforming BHR Commitments into Change through Youth-Driven Initiatives
Wednesday November 27, 2024 3:00pm - 4:20pm CET
Session co-organized by the Working Group on business and human rights and Ubuntu Development Network.

Interpretation available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Arabic

(Version française ci-jointe)
(Versión en español adjunta)
 


Brief description of the session: 
This session aims to assess the role of youth-driven initiatives in bringing about real transformations through a smart mix of business and human rights measures. It will serve as a critical platform for sharing stories and examples of positive change related to business and human rights spearheaded by youth, assessing the effectiveness of these changes, especially for rights-holders, and identifying ongoing challenges. Additionally, the session will address various focused issues such as climate change and gender. Emerging and other systemic issues confronting the youth in the business and human rights agenda will also be discussed, linking the discussion to the overarching theme of transforming commitments into tangible change through youth-driven initiatives.  

Key objectives of the session: 
  • Discuss how to empower youth in understanding and actively participating in the global business and human rights discourse by addressing barriers to comprehensive knowledge acquisition and presenting practical opportunities for engagement.  
  • Highlight youth perspectives and practices in responsible consumerism, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, showcasing successful youth-driven business models. 
  • Discuss strategies to amplify youth voices and foster collaboration for effective change in responsible business conduct. 

Key discussion questions: 
  • As young people, what challenges and opportunities have you faced with regard to advancing the business and human rights agenda, including any barriers to business and human rights knowledge? 
  • How have responsible business models and strategies driven by youth helped to foster awareness, engagement, and collaboration in BHR policy development and practice? 
  • What strategies can amplify youth voices and participation as levers of effective change in advancing responsible business conduct across different communities, regions, and sectors? 

 
Additional background documents: 
Speakers
avatar for Damilola Olawuyi

Damilola Olawuyi

member, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Damilola S. Olawuyi is a Professor and UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar. He is also the director of the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development at the Afe Babalola University... Read More →
avatar for Oswald Anonadaga

Oswald Anonadaga

Founder & CEO, Ubuntu Development Network
Awarded as one of the Top 100 Impactful Change-makers in Africa, Oswald Wedam Anonadaga is the Founder and CEO of FloodGates International, a fellow of the African German Young Leaders in Business Network, and ambassador for the Canada Africa Innovation Summit. He also serves as Chief... Read More →
OD

Okan Dursun

Carbon Gate / Twin Science
PA

Pamela Aguirre

Youth Forum for Parliamentarians
Wednesday November 27, 2024 3:00pm - 4:20pm CET
Room XX

3:00pm CET

Key developments in the WEOG region over the past year
Wednesday November 27, 2024 3:00pm - 4:20pm CET
Session co-organized by the Working Group on business and human rights and the Danish Institute for Human Rights

Interpretation in English, Arabic and French 

Brief description of the session:
This session will consider the issues pertinent to the business and human rights agenda across WEOG States. This includes the development by some States of second, or reviewed, National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights. Due to the significant developments at the EU level during 2024, and the impacts beyond the EU, there will be a special focus on mandatory human rights due diligence and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (Directive 2024/1760 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1760/oj) which entered into force on 25 July 2024.

The aim of the EU Directive “is to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour in companies’ operations and across their global value chains. The new rules will ensure that companies in scope identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their actions inside and outside Europe” (https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/sustainability-due-diligence-responsible-business/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_en). The Working Group conducted advocacy on the Directive, including in its statement of 7 February 2024 (https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/business/workinggroupbusiness/20240207-Corporate-Sustainability-Due-Diligence-Directive.pdf). The Working Group’s advocacy was conducted alongside that of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/un-human-rights-chief-urges-eu-leaders-approve-key-business-and-human-rights). This outreach sent a strong message on the need for regulation at the European level.

The session will consider the lessons learned from efforts by governments and regional entities to drive greater policy coherence on the business and human rights agenda through regulation. It will discuss how to scale up the implementation by business enterprises of the corporate responsibility to respect human rights. It will examine how to ensure that compliance with legislation by businesses does not become a formulaic “tick the box” exercise. The session will also examine some good practices followed by businesses when undertaking human rights due diligence, for example in contractual provisions in contracts along their value chains and in stakeholder engagement.

Key objectives of the session:
  1. Consider developments within the WEOG region, including the development of revised National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights;
  2. Clarify the key provisions of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and consider how States and businesses are responding;
  3. Consider what new causes of action may arise from the Directive and what remedies might be available; and
  4. Clarify what effectiveness of these pieces of legislation means for the different stakeholders.

Key discussion questions: 
  1. What needs to happen in the WEOG region in terms of policy and legislation to further develop the business and human rights agenda? What role is played by National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights in this regard?
  1. What can be learned from the processes followed during the drafting and negotiation of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive?
  1. What factors should all stakeholders consider when contemplating drafting legislation on mandatory human rights due diligence and other regulation relevant to the business and human rights agenda?
 
Background reading: 
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1760/oj

https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/sustainability-due-diligence-responsible-business/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_en

https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/business/workinggroupbusiness/20240207-Corporate-Sustainability-Due-Diligence-Directive.pdf

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/un-human-rights-chief-urges-eu-leaders-approve-key-business-and-human-rights

“Supporting the implementation of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive in global supply chains involving smallholders and their communities” https://fairtrade-advocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CSDDD_Accompanying-Measures.pdf


Moderators
avatar for Robert McCorquodale

Robert McCorquodale

member, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Robert McCorquodale is the Emeritus Professor of International Law and Human Rights, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom and Barrister / mediator at Brick Court Chambers, London, United Kingdom. He has been researching, teaching and advising on business and human rights for... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Helene Budliger Artieda

Helene Budliger Artieda

State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Switzerland, State Secretary and Director
State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda has been Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) since August 2022. Prior to that, she was Switzerland’s ambassador in Bangkok, Thailand, with additional accreditations to Cambodia and Laos. Until 2019, she held the same... Read More →
JA

Jordyn Arndt

Foreign Affairs Officer, State Department
avatar for Gabrielle Holly

Gabrielle Holly

Chief Adviser, Human Rights and Business, Danish Institute for Human Rights
Gabrielle Holly is a Chief Adviser in the Business and Human Rights Department of the Danish Institute for Human Rights. She is a business and human rights specialist and an experienced commercial disputes practitioner having practiced over a decade at Magic Circle firms in Australia... Read More →
avatar for Joseph Byomuhangyi

Joseph Byomuhangyi

Project Coordinator, Uganda Consortium on Corporate Accountability
Joseph leads the Business and Human Rights Program at the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights in Uganda. He also coordinates the Uganda Consortium on Corporate Accountability. He has been at the frontline in the development journey of Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business... Read More →
Wednesday November 27, 2024 3:00pm - 4:20pm CET
Room XIX

3:30pm CET

Snapshot series on other relevant topics of the BHR agenda: Litigating Business and Human Rights
Wednesday November 27, 2024 3:30pm - 3:55pm CET
Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

The “Litigating Business & Human Rights” snapshot will feature an engaging and dynamic conversation between Deborah Enix-Ross, Senior Advisor for Global Engagement at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, and past-President of the American Bar Association, and Daisuke Takahashi, Partner at Shinwa Law, Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s Business & Human Rights Committee, and Representative Director of the Japan Center for Engagement and Remedy on Business and Human Rights. Deborah and Daisuke will discuss the role of litigation in the “smart mix” of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms in the enforcement of business and human rights. Speakers will focus on the advantages and limitations of litigation, the challenges of achieving meaningful remedy, the function of lawyers in business and human rights litigation, and the role of the UNGPs and the draft treaty in litigating business and human rights.


Speakers
DE

Deborah Enix-Ross

Secretary General, Debevoise & Plimpton
avatar for Daisuke Takahashi

Daisuke Takahashi

Partner Attorney / Representative Director, Shinwa Law / Japan Center for Engagement and Remedy on Business and Human Rights (JaCER)
Daisuke Takahashi is a Partner at Shinwa Law in Tokyo and Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s Business Human Rights Committee. As a “business and human rights (BHR) lawyer”, he has been striving to embed BHR into his legal practices which include global legal compliance... Read More →
Wednesday November 27, 2024 3:30pm - 3:55pm CET
Room XXIV

4:00pm CET

Snapshot series on other relevant topics of the BHR agenda: Human Rights Due Diligence at Mega-Sporting Events: from Policies to Practices to Remedy
Wednesday November 27, 2024 4:00pm - 4:25pm CET
In the past decade, the UNGPs became the authoritative framework in the world of sport, in particular for organizing and staging mega-sporting events (MSEs), like the Olympic and Paralympic Games, or world or regional championships of a specific sport. A smart mix of human rights policies, requirements and provisions in hosting regulations and contracts, and human rights strategies, working groups, advisory boards, and guidances are currently in place, issued by sports bodies, governments and international organizations.

While there has been a strong increase in human rights standards, the information on the way these standards are being enforced is just emerging. This snapshot session reflects on the effectiveness of human rights due diligence measures that were implemented for UEFA’s EURO 2024 that took place in Germany in the summer of this year, with a specific focus on the Human Rights Advisory Board and grievance mechanism that UEFA and the event organizers established. A conversation between members of the board and representatives of UEFA will highlight some of the challenges and lessons learned regarding human rights due diligence for mega-sporting events.
Wednesday November 27, 2024 4:00pm - 4:25pm CET
Room XXIV

4:40pm CET

Closing plenary
Wednesday November 27, 2024 4:40pm - 6:00pm CET
Speakers
avatar for Ambassador Omar Zniber

Ambassador Omar Zniber

President, Human Rights Council
Ambassador Omar Zniber has been the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva since April 2018. On 10 January 2024, Mr. Zniber was elected President of the Human Rights Council for 2024.Mr. Zniber has held several... Read More →
avatar for Belinda Christine Borck

Belinda Christine Borck

Global Public Policy Lead, Tony Chocolonely
I have worked for Tony’s Chocolonely for the past five years, and as Tony’s Global Public Policy Lead, I focus on advocating for ambitious legislation that integrates human rights and environmental protection. I am responsible for Tony’s cocoa sustainability reporting, aiming... Read More →
avatar for Sonya Mohamed Janahi

Sonya Mohamed Janahi

Founder & CEO, Maya La Chocolaterie & The Living Concepts
Responsible for pioneering and executing business and marketing strategies for several companies within the group of my ownership, with over 25 years experience in banking and investment and telecom industries, as well as the retail, real estate, and food beverages sectors.One of... Read More →
avatar for Julián Tole Martínez

Julián Tole Martínez

Director del Observatorio Latinoamericano de DDHH y empresas, Universidad Externado de Colombia
Director del Observatorio Latinoamericano de DDHH y empresas de la Universidad Externado de Colombia; Ph.D. y máster en Derecho y relaciones internacionales económicas de la Universidad de Barcelona (España); abogado y máster en Derecho Público de la Universidad Externado de... Read More →
Wednesday November 27, 2024 4:40pm - 6:00pm CET
Room XX
 
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