Amman, Jordan - The Third Business and Human Rights Dialogue in the Arab States concluded today with renewed calls to advance responsible business conduct and strengthen the integration of human rights considerations into business, investment, and economic policymaking across the region. 

Hosted by the National Centre for Human Rights in Jordan and organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the Rafto Foundation, and the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI), in collaboration with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UNWG), the Dialogue brought together representatives of governments, the private sector, national human rights institutions, ​labour organizations, ​civil society organizations, and experts from across the Arab States region. 

During her opening remarks, Randa Aboul-Hosn, Resident Representative of ​UNDP​ Jordan, said: "The Dialogue, which coincided with the fifteenth anniversary of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, took place at a time when responsible business conduct is gaining momentum amid rapid economic, technological and environmental transformations, as well as evolving global expectations around corporate accountability and human rights​ due diligence.  ​  

Over the course of two days, participants ​​exchanged ​​​​good practices and lessons learned ​ ​​in​ advancing responsible business practices across the Arab States region​, ​particularly​​ ​through ​national policies​, human rights due diligence ​and grievance mechanisms​.  

Discussions also explored emerging global trends in mandatory human rights due diligence and their ​potential ​implications for regional supply chains, the role of responsible investment in supporting sustainable development, as well as opportunities and challenges linked to digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Participants further examined ​a human rights-based approach to ​large-scale​ development and event projects​, ​and business human rights performance in​ the ​​agriculture, textile, and garment sectors. 

Samar Haj Hassan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Human Rights​ of Jordan​, emphasized: Stressed that respecting human rights is no longer merely a voluntary commitment or a moral responsibility; rather, it has become a fundamental element of business sustainability, an indicator of good governance, and a key pillar for attracting investment and enhancing the competitiveness of both countries and companies alike.  

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among governments, businesses, financial institutions, national human rights institutions, employers' and workers' organizations, and civil society​ ​organizations​, particularly those representing groups in ​vulnerable​ and marginalized ​situations. Discussions highlighted that m​ulti-stakeholder​​ collaboration is essential to aligning policies and practices with international business and human rights standards​, while ensuring ​that they are context-specific and grounded in the lived experiences of people and communities​.​​    

The Dialogue concluded with the adoption of a Declaration, which sets out key recommendations and ​concrete actions​ aimed at ​advancing​ business and human rights across the Arab States region.  

Media Contacts: 

UNDP | Ahmed Bazzoum | Communications Analyst | ahmed.bazzoum@undp.org  

The National Centre for Human Rights in Jordan | Anas Foqaha| Communication focal point | anas.foqaha@yahoo.com  

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