Background

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Ensuring responsible business conduct is a core principle of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). These principles require companies to conduct Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD), enabling them to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts on individuals. This fosters a level playing field that incentivizes responsible behavior, reinforced by policies like National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights (NAPs).

 

Adopting responsible practices aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and enhances competitiveness amid growing regulations. Businesses are more receptive to peer-driven knowledge-sharing and practical examples, underscoring the importance of networks and partnerships.

Japanese and multinational companies are thus incentivized to embed HRDD into their operations through strengthened networks. 

 

As the Government of Japan has planned to amend the current NAP by the end of this year, Japanese companies are encouraged to proactively adopt and implement these standards along with the Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains. Strengthening networks and fostering peer learning within ASEAN can support companies in meeting evolving expectations, mitigating risks, and contributing to sustainable development across the region. Embracing responsible business conduct not only aligns with regulatory developments but also enhances corporate reputation and long-term competitiveness in an increasingly responsible trading environment.

 

Given the strong economic ties between Japan and ASEAN, the BHR agenda presents a significant opportunity to promote more responsible business practices across the region. ASEAN has begun to recognize the importance of integrating human rights considerations into its economic development strategies. Initiatives such as the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration and the ongoing efforts to incorporate human rights into trade and investment frameworks demonstrate regional commitment. Additionally, ASEAN member states are increasingly engaging in dialogues and capacity-building activities to strengthen corporate human rights responsibilities. 

 

By fostering regional cooperation and peer learning, the BHR agenda can help harmonize standards and accelerate progress toward responsible business conduct in ASEAN. This will not only support sustainable development goals but also enhance the region’s attractiveness for responsible investment, benefiting both Japanese companies operating there and local stakeholders. Strengthening the BHR network within ASEAN will thus be instrumental in translating these regional commitments into tangible actions, creating a more responsible and sustainable economic environment across the region.

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Key Objectives

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• Deepen practical understanding and implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and relevant Japanese laws for Japanese companies, their suppliers, and partners in target markets;

• Facilitate structured peer-learning and capacity-building;

• Inaugurate the ASEAN BHR Network within the Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, establishing mutual assistance and cooperation within and across regions;　

• Deliberate on how to best leverage this informal network, how often and in what form to meet again in the future.

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Format

• This event requires pre-registration at this link. Attendance will be open to representatives of enterprises, government officials of relevant ministries, international organizations active in the field of responsible business in Japan and ASEAN and interested diplomatic missions.

• The event will be held in the English language with simultaneous translation into Japanese. Participants registered for the event will be able to participate in person. 

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Session Partners