Since their unanimous endorsement by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) have become the global standard for preventing and addressing adverse human rights impacts linked to business activities.

The European Union has been at the forefront of global efforts to implement the UNGPs. Fifteen EU Member States have developed National Action Plans (NAPs) on Business and Human Rights and the EU has developed a smart mix of measures on responsible business conduct, including rules on mandatory human rights due diligence and non-financial reporting. The EU also promotes the implementation of the UNGPs outside Europe, in particular through comprehensive projects in Latin America and Asia - in partnership with OHCHR, ILO and OECD - and through the engagement of EU delegations with governments and companies in host countries.

In connection with the 10th anniversary of the UNGPs in 2021, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights is undertaking a project to take stock of global implementation efforts to date and to prepare a roadmap of action for the next decade.

The EU is committed to support the work of the UN Working Group and to continue playing a leadership role on UNGP implementation during the next decade. In line with this, the new EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 sets as a priority to strengthen the EU’s engagement in international fora and with partner countries to support global implementation efforts, including by working on a new comprehensive EU Framework on UNGP implementation.

The purpose of the event is to reflect on the role of the European Union in stepping up the global implementation of the UNGPs during the next decade. Speakers will exchange views on the state of play of UNGP implementation and on possible ways to promote the coordination and coherence of EU actions at national, European and international level.

Introduction

Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, Head of the EU Delegation in Geneva

Dante Pesce, Chair of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights

Panel

Ambassador Rui Macieira, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the UN in Geneva

Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation

Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament - MEP

Ambassador Frank Tessler, Permanent Representative of Chile to the UN in Geneva

Crispin Conroy, Permanent Observer/Ambassador to the United Nations, Geneva

International Chamber of Commerce

Rongvudhi Virabutr, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of Thailand to the UN in Geneva

Q&A

Concluding remarks

Anita Ramasastry, Member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights

Guus Houttuin, EEAS Senior Adviser Trade Issues and MSG Chair

Moderator

Guus Houttuin, EEAS Senior Adviser Trade Issues and MSG Chair