UNDP and EU Hosted Collaborative Dialogue to Empower Indonesian Youth and Media in Advancing Business and Human Rights

January 18, 2025
a group of people standing on a stage posing for the camera
©️ UNDP/Thomas Benmetan

Jakarta, 18 January 2025 –The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia, together with the European Union (EU), hosted a collaborative dialogue with youth representatives and media network titled “Voices of the Future: Youth and Media for Sustainable Business in Indonesia.” Part of the "Agents of Change: Youth and Media for Responsible Business" project, the event aimed to raise awareness among youth and media on the importance of advocating for responsible business practices. The initiative is in line with Indonesia’s National Strategy on Business and Human Rights (NS-BHR), strengthening the country’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible business conduct.

“Companies must adhere to human rights principles both for their workers and the environment. Similarly, the government also needs to maintain its commitment in protecting the human rights of all Indonesians in accordance with international standards. However, this goal is one that must be achieved together, and as such, youth and media play a critical role in ensuring such protection is guaranteed to all,” said H.E Natalius Pigai, Minister of Human Rights of Indonesia in his opening remarks. 

The event included two sessions, a dialogue with Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Youth Indonesia and the Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI), followed by a talkshow with UNDP BHR’s Agents of Change: Youth and Media for Responsible Business project. Youth organizations, business associations, media, CSOs, and government officials gathered to discuss responsible business practices, including gender equality in the workplace, environmental sustainability, and corporate accountability. 
 

a group of people sitting at a desk

Asnil Bambani from Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (AJI), Merlyn Yuriana from Ministry of Digital Affairs, and Mega Ayu Lestari from Global Youth Biodiversity Network engaged in the first discussion moderated by Salma Ranggita from UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

©️ UNDP/Nabilla Rahmani

In his remarks, UNDP Indonesia Team Leader ad interim for Risk, Resilience, and Governance Unit, Siprianus Bate Soro addressed how this initiative will underscore the commitment in fostering partnership and driving systemic change that benefits Indonesians.

“Indonesia stands at a critical juncture in its journey toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Empowering youth and media professionals to support responsible business practices plays an important role in driving inclusive economic growth, creating opportunities for women, and encouraging fairer and more efficient labor practices,” he said.

The first session featured a fireside chat titled “Ngeriung Biar PaHAM!”, a collaborative dialogue that brought together representatives from SDSN Youth Indonesia, AJI, and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. The discussion centered on how youth, media, and the government can synergize in advocating for human rights in business operations and promoting responsible business practices. The session followed by the second dialogue where participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on BHR frameworks and shared their aspirations and ideas for advancing responsible business practices in Indonesia.

Since 2016, UNDP and the EU have been continuously supporting the Government of Indonesia in advancing BHR agenda. This collaboration led to key achievements, such as the adoption of the National Strategy on Business and Human Rights (NS-BHR) in 2023, which was developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. This initiative reflects Indonesia's growing commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring businesses play a positive role in sustainable development. By engaging youth, media, and other stakeholders, these efforts aim to create a future where businesses respect human rights and contribute to a better quality of life for all Indonesians.

“Indonesia is a booming country with 5% growth on average, aiming at 8%. The way businesses are growing is impressive, offering more opportunities to more Indonesians. In this context, the EU is proud to join forces with UNDP and the Government to engage youth and media in supporting Indonesia’s efforts for inclusive economic development,” said H.E Denis Chaibi, the Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia.

The UNDP BHR “Agents of Change: Youth and Media for Responsible Business” project, funded by the EU was initiated to leverage youth and media to promote responsible business practices that align with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other global standards. With a focus on Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, and Thailand, the project engages youth and media to drive discussions on business, human rights, and environmental issues, promoting sustainable and ethical business practices. This event, marking the project’s first initiative, seeks to build momentum for positive change, driving a more equitable and sustainable future through impactful dialogues and strengthened collaboration.


About UNDP 
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, sustainable solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at www.undp.org/Indonesia or follow at @undpindonesia

Media Contacts 

Nabilla Rahmani 
Head of Communication, UNDP Indonesia
Nabilla.rahmani@undp.org