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Peer Learning Meeting on Business & Human Rights

Date: 
Friday, October 25, 2024 - 09:00

Where and when: Friday, 25 October 2024  | Egmont Palace, Brussels

 

Scope

The Business & Human Rights landscape is constantly evolving, with governments, international organizations, and companies facing growing expectations to respect human rights and prevent harm. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) have led to significant progress in managing business-related human rights risks and impacts, but challenges remain in ensuring better protection and prevention of adverse human rights impacts.

Join us on Friday, 25th October 2024 for an insightful event where international experts, state representatives, civil society, and private sector leaders come together to discuss the evolving landscape of Business & Human Rights.

This gathering offers a valuable opportunity to explore the latest developments in business and human rights and to stay informed about the evolving landscape in this important area. In the afternoon sessions, we will delve into key topics within this field, where seasoned experts will provide guidance on how we can effectively address these challenges moving forward. During the sessions, you'll have the chance to connect with a dynamic lineup of voices from experts in the field, including:

  • Prof. Robert McCorquodale, member of the UN Working Group on Business & Human Rights
  • Dr. Anaïs Tobalagba, researcher at NOVA Business (Human Rights and Environment Centre)
  • Lieve Verboven, director ILO Office for the EU and the Benelux countries
  • Florence Raes, director of UN Women Brussels
  • Peter Tom Jones, director KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals
  • Benoît Van Keirsbilck, member of the UN Committee on the rights of the child

Program

 

MORNING SESSION  (closed session open to invitees only)

09h00 – 09h30 Registration
09h30 – 09h35 Opening address
09h35 – 10h00 Keynote address
10h00 – 11h00 Peer Learning Session I: State of Play NAPs     
11h00 – 11h20 Coffee break
11h20 – 12h30 Peer Learning Session II: HRDD developments at EU level
12h30 – 14h00 Lunch break
 

AFTERNOON SESSION (open to all stakeholders)

14h00 – 14h10 Introduction with main take aways from morning session*
14h15 – 15h15 Session I: Advancing Women’s Rights at the Workplace
  Session II: Responsible Mining
15h15 – 16h15 Session III: Children’s Rights & Business
  Session IV: EU Helpdesk for Implementation of CSDDD - THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELED
16h15 – 16h25 Recap of thematic breakout sessions
16h25 – 16h30  Concluding remarks
16h30 Reception

This event continues the tradition of peer learning exercises organized by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2013. Don't miss this opportunity to share knowledge and prepare for the future.
 

Practical information

The conference will be held in English without translation.

Registration

Register for the afternoon session via this link