The closing plenary of the 2015 Forum on Business and Human Rights on 18 November featured a multi-stakeholder panel which reflected on concrete steps to scale and speed up implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights’ three pillars of ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy.’
During the panel GBI Executive Director, Mark Hodge, noted that ‘Corporate respect for human rights – as set out in the UNGPs – requires change and integration in a hugely complex set of business functions, processes and contexts. The UNGPs also, importantly, seek to effect a radical shift in the relationship between rights-holders and corporations.’ Further, Mark stressed the need for greater state action, noting that ‘Beyond trying to scale corporate activity with reference to Pillar 2, we need more political leadership with regards Pillar One and Pillar Three of the UNGPs. This is the only real way to make substantial progress, especially when it comes to laggards not even at the table.’
Access a summary of Mark Hodge’s talking points here
Access the closing session concept note here
Opening remarks by Margaret Jungk, Chairperson of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Panel discussion moderated by: Diana Chavez, Chairperson of the 2015 Forum on Business and Human Rights
- Lise Kingo, Executive Director, UN Global Compact
- Tone Skogen, State Secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Arancha Gonzalez, Executive Director, International Trade Centre
- Shauna Leven, Corruption Campaigns Director, Global Witness
- Mthunzi Mdwaba, CEO of TZoro IBC; Chairman for the CSR and the Business Human Rights Policy Working Group of the International Organisation of Employers
- Debbie Stothard, Secretary General, FIDH; Coordinator of the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma
- Mark Hodge, Executive Director, Global Business Initiative on Human Rights