Events | Human Rights and Transnational Enterprises

Practical applications of the UN’s Guiding Principles on Human Rights for companies in the Extractives, Infrastructure and Primary Materials Sectors. This workshop is part of the BSR series Global Frameworks and Company Responses: Building Shared Value in a Complex World.

Meeting Background

In June, the UN Human Rights Council endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights proposed by UN Special Representative John Ruggie. The principles outline the steps companies should take to ensure respect for human rights. The principles have quickly emerged as the global standard for business and human rights, and companies in all sectors are beginning to develop appropriate management systems based on these principles.

Forum Focus

In this full-day workshop, participants will learn about the key elements of effective human rights due diligence, including human rights policies, impact assessments, integration and performance measurement, and reporting. Using interactive exercises and real examples, we will share a step-by-step approach to minimizing human-rights-related risks and maximizing opportunities for positive impact.

The workshop will be organized in three segments:

1. presentation and discussion on the UN’s Guiding Principles, best practice for policy development and implementation
2. training session on effectively managing human rights
3. hands-on session to address different scenarios.

There will also be a panel to offer external perspectives on the debate:

• Responsible Investor | Hugh Wheelan, Managing Editor (co-founder).
  Responsible Investor is the only dedicated news service reporting on responsible investment, ESG, and sustainable finance issues for institutional investors globally. Hugh Wheelan will share key learnings from the upcoming Responsible Investor Conference on expectations of investors on the Guiding Principles
• Sherpa | Sandra Cossart, Head of CSR Program
  Sherpa is a Paris-based non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and defending victims of economic crimes. Sherpa will share its vision on how and whether the UN Guiding Principles clarifies and further support Sherpa’s mission

External panelist will be present only during the 45-minute panel session. The rest of the workshop will be restricted to company participants to foster an atmosphere conducive to companies candidly discussing the challenges of integrating human rights considerations into business activities.

Who Should Attend?

The sessions are open to CSR practitioners from companies in the energy and extractives, transportation and infrastructure sectors across Europe, Middle East and Africa. The series will be designed as interactive sessions based around practical case examples.

More Events in the Building Shared Value in a Complex World Series

• October 14, 2011: Human Rights and Transnational Enterprises: Practical Applications of the UN’s Guiding Principles on Human Rights
• January 24, 2012: Building Effective Local Content Strategies
• April 2012: Engaging with local communities through Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)
• June 2012: Going Beyond Traceability of Conflict Minerals: Lessons Learned Promoting Sustainable Local Benefits in DRCM