Overview

The IOE Asia-Pacific Business Caucus will provide a trusted environment for candid exchange between business practitioners. It is designed as a business-only forum for companies and Employers' and Business Membership Organisations (EBMOs) to exchange practical experiences on implementing human rights due diligence (HRDD) and responsible business conduct (RBC) in an increasingly complex operating environment.

The discussion will focus on how companies are translating human rights due diligence into day-to-day business practice, while maintaining respect for human rights amid geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, regulatory fragmentation, economic uncertainty, and evolving stakeholder expectations across the Asia-Pacific region. Rather than focusing on policy discussions, it will concentrate on operational implementation. Participants will share practical experiences on managing human rights risks in complex supply chains, engaging suppliers and SMEs, responding responsibly during crises and market disruptions, navigating overlapping due diligence requirements, and balancing commercial realities with responsible business expectations.

Designed as an interactive roundtable under the Chatham House Rule, the session will prioritize peer learning and candid discussion of implementation challenges, emerging practices, and lessons learned. Through moderated discussion, practical case examples, and live audience engagement, the Business Caucus will provide a trusted space for business practitioners to exchange practical solutions, strengthen professional networks, and identify ways that EBMOs can better support companies in operationalising responsible business conduct across the region.

Why it matters

Businesses across Asia-Pacific are operating in an increasingly complex environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, evolving due diligence requirements, and growing stakeholder expectations. In that context, many businesses are seeking practical ways to translate their commitments into day-to-day operations. This Business Caucus provides a trusted, business-only space for companies to exchange practical experiences, discuss implementation challenges openly, and identify workable approaches that strengthen both business resilience and responsible business conduct.

Key questions

• How are businesses implementing human rights due diligence in an increasingly disrupted and complex operating environment?

• What practical approaches are proving effective to manage human rights risks across supply chains while maintaining resilient business operations?

• How can companies respond to evolving due diligence expectations and increasing pressure on suppliers and SMEs?

• What lessons, good practices and implementation challenges can businesses share to strengthen responsible business conduct across the Asia-Pacific region?

• What role can Employers' and Business Membership Organisations play in helping businesses translate responsible business commitments into practical implementation?

Who should attend?

This business-only session is intended exclusively for business representatives, including multinational companies, SMEs, companies operating in the Asia-Pacific region, Employers' and Business Membership Organisations (EBMOs), and other business delegates participating in the Forum. The restricted format is designed to facilitate candid peer-to-peer exchange on practical implementation challenges and emerging business practices.

What participants will gain

• Better understanding of practical business challenges and emerging approaches to implementing HRDD in complex operational environments 

• Concrete examples and lessons learned from companies and EBMOs operating in Asia-Pacific 

• Insights on balancing resilience, competitiveness, and respect for human rights during periods of disruption and uncertainty 

• Improved peer-to-peer exchange and networking among business practitioners working on BHR and RBC issues 

• Stronger understanding of how EBMOs can support companies, including SMEs, in operationalising responsible business conduct

Additional resources

In November 2025, IOE released a new Practical Guide for Employers on Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Implementation for Responsible Business Conduct, designed to support companies of all sizes in translating international standards into concrete, operational steps. You can access it here: https://www.ioe-emp.org/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=165286&token=bb09a2d529c490365121441bdad26b2c4f102970