This Summit is generously supported by Marshalls plc, enabling these important conversations to take place.
The UN Global Compact Network UK’s Business & Human Rights Summit will be an interactive digital event featuring a series of discussions over the course of two days, 30-31 March 2021. We will be bringing business representatives together with top leaders from the United Nations, the UK Government, and civil society to progress, shape, and showcase how businesses are addressing salient human rights issues in 2021.
30 March - Day 1
OPENING PLENARY:
UNITING BUSINESS (& HUMAN RIGHTS) FOR A BETTER WORLD
09:45-11:00 GMT
Session overview: This session will convene government, business leaders, and civil society to discuss the importance of human rights for the conduct of responsible business globally and locally. A high-profile speaker panel will share their insights on main business and human rights issues in 2021 and upcoming years, identify key cross-sector partnerships and synergies – especially in relation to the SDGs, UNGPs, and other relevant frameworks – and set the scene for this two-day summit.
Confirmed Speakers:
David Schofield, Group Head of Corporate Responsibility, Aviva
Marcela Manubens, Global VP, Integrated Social Sustainability, Unilever
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Karla Drpić, Project Manager –Business & Human Rights.
TARGET GENDER EQUALITY ACTION DIALOGUE
11:30-13:00 GMT
Session overview: In this high-level policy dialogue, participants will look back at the first edition of Target Gender Equality in the UK, discuss forward-looking steps and ambitious corporate targets that companies are setting to advance women’s representation and leadership in business, and foster discussions and partnerships on gender equality between relevant stakeholders.
Confirmed Speakers:
Stephen Miles, CEO Commercial Services, DWF LLP
Claire Barnett, Executive Director, UN Women UK
Shiv Sibal, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Marshalls plc
Tim Strawn, Regional CEO for EMEA, ERM
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Karla Drpić, Project Manager – Business & Human Rights.
ACTING AGAINST STATE-IMPOSED FORCED LABOUR
13:30-14:45 GMT
Session overview: There is a growing number of examples highlighting state-imposed forced labour infiltrating global supply chains. This session will bring business, government, and civil society together to discuss how to best act in order to prevent state-imposed forced labour from entering supply chains.
Confirmed Speakers:
Julia Batho, Head of Labour Rights, IHRB (Moderator)
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Marcella Mizzi, Project Manager – Business & Human Rights.
CLIMATE MIGRATION AND THE ROLE OF BUSINESS
15:30-17:00 GMT
Session overview: Climate-induced migration is increasingly becoming a reality that business cannot ignore. This session will discuss climate migration with business, experts and civil society and focus on what strategies and practical actions business can take to address this issue.
Confirmed Speakers:
Mr. Andrew Harper - UNHCR Special Advisor on Climate Action
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Marcella Mizzi, Project Manager – Business & Human Rights.
