Background

​​​​

Technology companies are navigating rapid digital transformation in Asia. The Asia-Pacific region's digital transformation market is forecast to soar to USD 1.24 trillion by 2030. This widespread adoption of AI and data-driven business models globally and regionally has created intense global and regional competition. Asia is racing to adopt generative AI (GenAI) at a pace that surpasses other regions, with APAC now second only to North America in adoption of the technology. More than 90% of companies in Asia are planning to scale up GenAI over two years (BCG). At the same time, there is a growing investor and regulatory scrutiny on responsible business conduct alongside global calls for greater transparency and accountability in digital ecosystems. 76% of early-stage user companies are discussing basic AI guardrails, while 46% of experienced companies are already establishing robust AI guardrails. However, a patchwork of evolving regional and country specific regulatory regimes, pose tangible challenges for businesses seeking to navigate legal, reputational, and commercial risks, especially as expectations around human rights responsibilities regarding digital products and services continue to sharpen.

​

To reap the full potential of digital technologies, such as AI, companies need to anticipate, prevent, mitigate and remedy the risks to people that otherwise might undermine the value proposition of technological promises. Under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights , there is a clear imperative for businesses to apply robust human rights due diligence (HRDD) across their digital operations, products, and value chains. In this context, many businesses continue to call for clearer expectations, regulatory coherence across jurisdictions, and practical peer examples to effectively embed human rights due diligence (HRDD) in fast-evolving digital contexts. 

​

It is in this background that B+HR Asia UNDP and B-Tech, OHCHR are co-hosting the business roundtable to elaborate upon how companies can meet their responsibility to respect human rights and conduct effective HRDD.

​

About the Technology Business Roundtable

B+HR Asia, UNDP and B-Tech Asia are joining forces to convene high-level tech business-focused roundtable, designed to facilitate a candid, solution-oriented dialogue on operational approaches to HRDD, where companies can explore shared regional challenges, discuss emerging approaches, and explore region specific best practices to uphold human rights responsibilities within evolving digital landscapes in Asia. 

​​

Key Objectives

​​

• To provide a shared trusted confidential forum for technology companies to share challenges, approaches, lessons and best practices on HRDD in digital operations, AI governance, and value chains, while preparing for emerging global and national regulations 

• To share practical, proven tools, frameworks, and grievance mechanisms that address human rights and environmental risks in Asia’ fast-growing tech landscape 

• To strengthen peer networks for ongoing knowledge exchange and collaboration beyond the Forum ​

​

Format

• This will be a 90-minute closed-door business only roundtable, which is designed to be concise and interactive to respect the Forum’s networking environment while delivering meaningful takeaways.

•  *The session will strictly adhere to Chatham House Rules, with no attribution to participant companies. Data will be handled according to UN ethical guidelines on participant privacy and informed consent.

​

Session Partners