Bangkok – The United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum for Asia-Pacific has commenced with a compelling call, urging stakeholders at all levels to turn their commitment into action.

In a joint video message recorded to mark the opening of the Forum, senior representatives of eight UN agencies highlighted the need for accelerated efforts to transform economies and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. 

Held in Bangkok, Thailand from 6-9 June 2023, the Forum brings together a wide range of stakeholders in Asia-Pacific for constructive dialogue and peer-learning on enhancing responsible business practices and corporate accountability in the region.

The Forum will shed light on critical issues, challenges, and sectors that demand action from the business and human rights community. Participants will engage in discussions, debate, and knowledge-sharing sessions encompassing a diverse array of topics. These include the regulation of global supply chains, corporate sustainability due diligence, climate-induced labour migration, childrens’ rights, the responsibility of development financiers, and the role of micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises, among others. 

The event also brings attention to specific groups at heightened risk of abuses such as Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and displaced persons.

With 2023 marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this year’s forum also provides an important moment to reflect on the role of the responsible business agenda in a vision for the future of human rights. 

Held annually, the United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum convenes various stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific, including governments, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, trade unions, business enterprises, industry associations, employers’ organizations, international organizations, national and regional human rights institutions, journalists, lawyers, activists and campaigners, and academia.

The 2023 event is being held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. It is co-organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), and the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UNWG).

More information about the Forum can be found at www.rbhrforum.com.

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