Topic in Focus

How can conscious leadership, peer-driven learning and creative communication help SMEs translate Business and Human Rights (BHR) principles and Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) into everyday workplace culture and business practice?

Overview

This interactive session explores how Business and Human Rights (BHR) principles and Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) can be embedded into everyday business practice through conscious leadership, peer-driven learning and creative communication. While many countries continue strengthening legal and policy frameworks, SMEs often face challenges translating these commitments into workplace culture and day-to-day decision-making. Drawing on IWFCI Mongolia's "Conscious Leadership" programme, participants will examine practical approaches that promote responsible business conduct, strengthen employer-employee dialogue and increase participation among youth, women, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups. Through case examples and collaborative discussion, the session will identify scalable, locally relevant strategies that strengthen business resilience while advancing human rights implementation beyond compliance.

Why it matters

Across many emerging economies, legal and policy frameworks on labor rights and responsible business conduct are evolving, yet practical implementation remains a challenge, particularly for SMEs. Limited awareness, accessible guidance and stakeholder engagement prevent human rights principles from becoming part of everyday workplace practice. Strengthening peer learning, trusted leadership and inclusive communication can help bridge this implementation gap and build more resilient environments.

Who should attend?

• SME owners and business leaders

• Human rights and sustainability practitioners

• Employers' organizations and business associations

• Government policymakers and labor institutions

• Civil society organizations and workers' organizations

• UN agencies and international development partners

• Youth organizations, women-led organizations and disability inclusion advocates

• Researchers and practitioners working on Business and Human Rights (BHR), Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) and responsible business conduct

What participants will gain

1. Practical approaches for embedding Business and Human Rights (BHR) principles and Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) into everyday SME operations through peer-driven leadership.

2. Lessons from IWFCI Mongolia's "Conscious Leadership" programme on strengthening responsible business culture, employer-employee dialogue and inclusive workplace practices.

3. Examples of creative communication and social marketing tools that make labor rights and responsible business concepts more accessible and actionable.

4. Practical ideas for fostering stakeholder participation, behavioral change and business resilience through locally relevant, implementation-focused approaches.