Are the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights still relevant?

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were adopted 15 years ago this week (June 16). Since then, the world looks very different - multilateralism is in crisis, the UN's influence is weakened, and there is a backlash to sustainability. 

In this episode of our Voices podcast, IHRB’s Salil Tripathi speaks to Jane Nelson, the Director of the Corporate Responsibility Initiative at Harvard Kennedy Business School, about whether, in the current climate, the UNGPs are out of touch or more relevant than ever.

Jane has spent twenty five years working as a pioneer in the business and human rights space, playing an active role in their formation through many consultations. Over the years, she has worked with many companies to help them improve practices by aligning with the UNGPs.

Together they reflect on the history of the UNGPs, whether they are still effective, and how both states and business actors can implement the Principles in the years ahead. 

Stream above, or you can listen on your favourite podcast player.

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Host: Deborah Sagoe, IHRB's Communications Coordinator
Producer & Editor: Helen Brown
Additional Contributors: Sam Simmons, IHRB's Head of Communications