This year’s theme – “Anchoring Progress and Strengthening Regional Leadership on Human Rights through Crisis” – reflects a rapidly evolving landscape. Geopolitical tensions, shifting regulatory approaches, and growing opposition to ESG and human rights standards are reshaping expectations of responsible business. While Asia faces persistent challenges –including climate impacts, inequality, digital disruption, and shrinking civic space – there are promising trends: more countries are developing National Action Plans on business and human rights, exploring mandatory measures, and responding to growing business demand for ESG guidance and civil society is mobilizing to hold companies and governments accountable, spotlight under-reported harms, and push for stronger safeguards and remedy mechanisms.
.
These realities underscore the importance of strong and sustained regional leadership. The Forum offers a timely space to take stock of progress, centre the voices of those most affected, and align on practical, rights-based solutions. It also encourages deeper business engagement and stronger government responses that uphold rights while advancing inclusive, sustainable development – contributing to global efforts to strengthen accountability, policy coherence, and cross-regional collaboration.