Call for Session Proposals

Overview

This year’s Forum, themed “Anchoring Progress and Strengthening Regional Leadership on Human Rights through Crisis,” comes at a critical moment. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, climate impacts, and pushback on ESG and human rights standards, Asia is also seeing momentum – from more countries adopting national action plans, to growing business demand for clear human rights and ESG guidance, and stronger civil society mobilization.

 

The Forum provides a space to assess progress, elevate affected voices, and advance practical, rights-based solutions that promote accountability, policy coherence, and inclusive development across the region.

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Venue 

The Forum will be held in person at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. For participants, virtual access will be provided for most sessions.

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Dates  

The Forum will be held from 15-19 September 2025.  

 

Thematic Tracks

Proposals linked to the overall theme, and specifically to the following thematic tracks, are strongly encouraged, though there will also be limited space to discuss other relevant responsible business issues. The session may address, but are not limited to, the following topics:​

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Policy Coherence and Regulatory Evolution

This track explores the evolving policy and legal landscapes shaping BHR amid ongoing regional and global crises and transformations. Sessions may focus on bridging gaps and promoting alignment across jurisdictions, the rise of mHRDD measures, public procurement, trade and investment frameworks, national action plans, and integration into mechanisms like the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

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Markets, Finance and Supply Chains

This track examines how financial flows and global supply chains, including MSMEs, lending, and investment frameworks, are shaping and being shaped by systemic risks, from climate volatility to supply chain fragility and economic inequality. Sessions may bring together perspectives on ESG standards, investor expectations, buyer-supplier relationships, and the role of financial institutions in advancing human rights and sustainability.

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Inclusion, Protection, and Participation

This track highlights the central role of rights holders in shaping the BHR agenda, particularly as civic space continues to shrink and accountability gaps persist. Sessions will explore pathways to remedy, particularly by vulnerable groups mentioned above, and meaningful participation, with discussions on SLAPPs, labour rights, gender justice, youth engagement, and the protection of human rights defenders, among other topics.

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Sustainability and Transitions

This track will tackle the disruptive and uneven transitions reshaping the region, from the accelerating climate crisis to rapid technological development and persistent informality. Sessions may cover emerging technology, AI and digital governance, climate adaptation and just transition pathways, and protections for vulnerable groups to critically examining who bears the costs, who is excluded from decision making, and where the region can lead in shaping more responsible business practices in the rush to innovate. 

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Proposal Guidelines

Each session will be 60 minutes long e.g., panel, roundtable, workshop, fireside chat, debate, etc.) or 90 minutes long (e.g. consultations, workshops etc) and should be interactive, engaging, and designed to foster dialogue among participants. Innovative formats are highly encouraged.

Proposals should be submitted via this form and included the following information:

 

1. Session Title: A clear and concise title for the session.

2. Session Description: A brief overview of the session's objectives, key topics, and relevance to the theme (max 500 words).

3. Description of the session format (e.g., panel discussion, roundtable, debate) and how you plan to engage the audience.

4. Session Outcomes: Expected outcomes and key takeaways for participants.

5. Technical Requirements: Any specific technical needs or requirements for the session.

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Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance to the Forum’s theme and objectives

2. Clarity and coherence of the session description and objectives

3. Innovativeness and interactivity of the session format

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📌 Please note: Based on the themes of submitted proposals, availability of rooms, and other logistical considerations, some organizers may be invited to collaborate with others to co-host joint sessions. This helps maximize inclusivity and impact across the programme.​

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Submission Deadline

15 July 2025

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The UNRBHR Forum Secretariat will review applications and respond by 28 July, following which full concept notes and final session information will be requested.

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Support for Session Organizers

The Forum co-organizers will provide collaborating partners with facilities (e.g. rooms and overall IT support) and guide them on the steps they need to take to successfully organize a session. Side session organizers will be responsible for all logistics pertaining to their session, including concept note development, session delivery, coordination with speakers, visa, travel, accommodation, and managing their sessions on Zoom (e.g. sharing presentations, highlighting speakers, monitoring Q&A). 

 

Queries

For the lastest information on the Forum, please visit our website. For general queries related to this application process, please reach out to the Forum Secretariat at unrbhrforum@undp.org with cc to amy.sellmyer@undp.org.