United Nations Business & Human Rights Regional Forum : Australia & New Zealand
This week, we joined 200 leaders from business, government, civil society, and academia at the inaugural United Nations Business and Human Rights Regional Forum: Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on the 12th edition of the Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights. The Dialogue brought together a diverse group to explore how businesses in Australia can strengthen human rights practices in an increasingly complex and turbulent environment.
The spirit of the forum was clear: celebrate progress, seize opportunities to reassess what’s effective, get creative, lean into collaboration, and look for the interdependencies that can drive change.
Under the theme “Bringing vision and leadership for human rights in turbulent times”, the Dialogue highlighted the urgent need for businesses to navigate a landscape shaped by geopolitical instability, climate and ecological risks, inequality, and emerging technologies like AI. Through practical sessions, interactive discussions, and real-world examples of leadership, attendees were challenged to consider what a rights-respecting business landscape could look like in the next 5–10 years and what their role is in shaping it.
Our key takeaways:
The importance of coming together with purpose. There was a strong sense of dialogue - finding common ground, amplifying decency, and committing to progressive business. At a time when division often dominates the headlines, spaces like this remind us of the power of collective vision.
Conflict risk is rising, and business cannot sit on the sidelines. One message that resonated deeply and one we’ve shared many times, you are either contributing to conflict or to peace - there is no in-between. Companies have choices to make, and with them, real responsibilities. Conflict is not BAU, seek expertise to guide you.
Our economy needs reimagining. To respond to converging risks, we need to organise, collaborate, and take practical steps with urgency. After all, there is no business on a broken planet - which makes finding and building a community of progressive businesses essential to future-proof both companies and societies.
The new economy must be inclusive. Indigenous benefit-sharing, community-led ventures, and more participatory approaches show how transitions can deliver real and lasting benefits for people and remind us that economic shifts must serve everyone, not just a few. Ensuring there is a ‘human-in-the-loop' for AI and new tech is crucial.
Business and investors have an important role in setting and upholding the standard. And, we must move beyond siloed approaches across the ESG spectrum. Climate, conflict, and declining respect for the rule of law are converging risks, and the race to critical minerals is only sharpening the urgency. Business has a responsibility to integrate its response, not treat these issues as separate checklists.
Start with listening. This was the simplest but most profound reminder across the sessions. True leadership on human rights begins with humility and a willingness to hear those most affected. Friendships, solidarity, and partnerships matter - because people have strength and power when they come together.
Image: Professor Robert McCorquodale, United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Right and Ithaca Impact Managing Director, Dr Elizabeth Armstrong
The Dialogue reinforced a clear message: responsible business is not optional - it’s central to building resilient, equitable, and sustainable economies.
We encourage Australian businesses to reflect on these insights and consider how they can embed human rights leadership within their strategies, governance, and operations.
Engaging with experts, building inclusive partnerships, and taking practical, integrated action today will define the business leaders of tomorrow.
If your organisation is looking for guidance on embedding human rights into business strategy or operations, get in touch with us to explore how we can help.