United Nations Business and Human Rights Regional Forum: Australia and New Zealand

The inaugural UN Business and Human Rights Regional Forum: Australia and New Zealand (the Forum) will bring together a broad range of stakeholders to strengthen business practices and connect on how businesses manage value chains across our region.

The event is being co-organised by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, UN Global Compact Network Australia, RMIT University’s Business and Human Rights Centre, Macquarie University B&HR Access to Justice Lab, UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute and World Vision New Zealand.

📌 Please note: The regional forum includes one ticketed event, the Australian Business and Human Rights Dialogue. All other events within the regional forum are free.

This event is strictly by registration only and places are limited. Attendance is subject to RMIT Security policies.

📅PROGRAM OVERVIEW

TUESDAY 26 AUGUST 2025

Tuesday will feature a variety of multi-stakeholder and single-stakeholder discussions. 

• 10:00 am | Welcome: Welcome to Country and opening remarks

• 11:00 am - 5:00 pm | Concurrent events: Three concurrent in-depth events aimed at:

  • Academics and researchers: Australia-New Zealand Business and Human Rights Research Workshop

  • Business and investors: UN Global Compact Network Australia Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights

  • Civil society and affected groups: Civil Society Dialogue on Advancing Corporate Accountability

• From 5:00 pm | Networking reception and evening plenary: All participants are invited to a networking reception and evening plenary to hear perspectives on the turbulent times upon us in the business and human rights space

WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025

On Wednesday, all attendees will come together for a full day of discussions on opportunities to strengthen responsible business practices in turbulent times.

Topics include:

• The future of legislation aimed at ending modern slavery and strengthening implementation of human rights due diligence

• Measures to advance respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and cultural heritage

• The obstacles to achieving a just transition in response to the climate and nature crises

• Harnessing responsible AI and other technological developments

• Enabling tangible positive outcomes for affected workers, communities and other groups across complex global supply chains. 

UN Business and Human Rights Regional Forum - Australia and New Zealand is organised by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the UN Global Compact Network Australia, RMIT University Business and Human Rights Centre, Macquarie University B&HR Access to Justice Lab and UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute.

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