Session co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, UNDP Programme B+HR Asia, Mount Kenya University, Columbia Law School, ASEAN Youth Organization, Global Business and Human Rights Scholars Association, Teaching Business and Human Rights Forum.
International sign language and closed captioning provided
Brief description of the session:
This session will examine the role of youth in promoting effective change towards business respect for human rights, and in evolving beyond “do no harm” to a more proactive implementation approach.
Over the last few years, there has been a growing recognition of the role of youth in advancing the business and human rights (BHR) agenda. When it comes to highlighting responsible business conduct, youth, especially rightsholders, human rights defenders, young consumers, professionals, academics, or other early career stakeholders can play active roles as levers of effective and responsible change. However, in many countries, the opportunities for the active engagement of youth as responsible participants, partners, and collaborators in the business and human rights agenda remain unclear. The lack of specific strategies to train, employ, engage, or involve youth in the business and human rights agenda often means that the vital voices of young people are missing. In addition to the wide range of technological tools, entrepreneurial skills, growth mindset, and energy at their disposal, youth can leverage their understanding and concerns for sustainable development to be at the forefront of advancing the effective implementation of the UNGPs by States, business enterprises and other stakeholders in all key economic sectors.
Key objectives of the session:
- Indicate the barriers to BHR knowledge amongst the youth and practical opportunities through which they can acquire methodological and practical skills to be more involved in the global BHR discourse
- Highlight perspectives, and practices of youth on responsible consumerism, eco-entrepreneurship, circular economy, responsible business conduct, sustainable development, and green growth.
- Identify responsible business models and strategies driven by youth regarding awareness, engagement, and collaboration in BHR policy development and practice.
- Discuss strategies to amplify youth voices and participation as levers of effective change in advancing responsible business conduct across different communities, regions, and sectors.