This Summit was generously supported by Marshalls plc, enabling these important conversations to take place.
The UN Global Compact Network UK’s Business & Human Rights Summit was an interactive digital event featuring a series of discussions over the course of two days, 30-31 March 2021. We brought 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.
31 March - Day 2
THE WAY FORWARD: BUSINESS & HUMAN RIGHTS IN "GLOBAL BRITAIN”
10:00-11:15 BST
Session overview: This session explored the future of the business and human rights landscape in the UK in the context of the UK Government’s new visions for a “Global Britain” and new and emerging challenges, including Brexit, COVID-19, and UK’s new international ventures. Particular focus was given to discussions around possible UK legislation on mandatory human rights due diligence, further development of the Modern Slavery Act, and other pertinent issues.
Speakers:
Lise Smit, Senior Research Fellow in Business & Human Rights & Director, Human Rights Due Diligence Forum, BIICL
Oliver Elgie, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills
Stuart Neely, Senior Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright
Phil Bloomer, Executive Director, Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
Mark Dearn, Director, CORE Coalition
Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu,
Lawyer and Political & Women’s Rights Activist (Moderator)
Sir Hugh Bayley, Commissioner, ICAI
Elizabeth Meyer
Senior ESG Investment Analyst
Aberdeen Standard Investments
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Karla Drpić, Project Manager – Business & Human Rights.
CHILD LABOUR IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS: ACCELERATING PROGRESS FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE
11:45-13:00 BST
Session overview: To commemorate the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour, this session convened relevant multi-stakeholder initiatives, business and civil society to discuss practical actions companies can take to successfully address child labour in their supply chains. The aim was to inspire the private sector to translate aspirations into action and put SDG 8.7 among their top priorities.
Speakers:
Mari-lou Dupont, Senior Manager Decent Work & Social Sustainability, United Nations Global Compact
Josephine Carlsson, Secretary to Church Investors Group, CCLA Investment Management
Amayèle Dia,
Child Labour in Mining Portfolio Coordinator, PACT
Katherine Torres, Senior Specialist Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, ILO Child Labour Platform
Gabbi Loedolff, Global Buying Coordinator, Lush
Elaine Mitchel-Hill, Business and Human Rights Director Marshalls plc
Adil Rehman, Senior Ethical Trade Manager, ASOS
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Marcella Mizzi, Project Manager – Business & Human Rights.
13.30 – 14.45 BST
Session overview: The rapid development of modern technology presents great opportunity and promise, but also challenges to our established systems and ways of life. This is especially true for human rights. The session discussed technology and human rights, with industry experts and civil society actors exploring the potential for technology to support human rights and the SDGs and the practical actions businesses can take to facilitate this.
Speakers:
Craig Melson, Head of Devices, Market Access, Environment and Sustainability, techUK
Salil Tripathi, Senior Advisor, Global Issues, IHRB
Mattie Yeta, Head of Sustainability, Defra IT
Alison Berthet
Human & Digital Rights Strategy Manager at BT
Mikko Niva, Group Privacy Officer and Head of Legal – Privacy, Security & Content Standards, Vodafone
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Bee Delgado, Senior Programme Manager – Business & Human Rights.
CLOSING DEBATE: THE PROS AND CONS OF MANDATORY HUMAN RIGHTS DUE DILIGENCE
15:00-16:30 BST
Session overview: There is growing momentum among governments worldwide to require companies to undertake human rights due diligence. This closing session presented a constructive debate on the arguments for and against moving human rights due diligence from a voluntary exercise to a mandatory requirement.
Speakers:
Baroness Young of Hornsey, OBE
(Moderator)
Rae Lindsay, Partner, Clifford Chance
Helen Sheppard, Global Corporate Responsibility & Inclusion Manager, RELX
Chris Harrop, OBE, Group Sustainability Director, Marshalls plc
Robin Sundaram, Responsible Sourcing Manager, Nestle UK
Antony Crockett, Senior Consultant, Herbert Smith Freehills
John Morrison, Chief Executive , IHRB
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Marcella Mizzi, Project Manager – Business & Human Rights.
*Please note that we have taken every care to ensure that all sessions at the Business & Human Rights Summit feature gender and ethnically diverse panels, where possible.
