Project description

Economic growth and investment create opportunities for prosperity, but they also bring responsibilities to respect human rights, protect the environment and ensure that communities benefit from development. Strengthening responsible business practices, environmental accountability and inclusive decision-making is essential to achieving sustainable and equitable development in Papua New Guinea.

The Advancing Human Rights, Responsible Business and Environmental Justice in Papua New Guinea project, implemented by UNDP, supports national efforts to establish the foundations for a Business and Human Rights (B+HR) and Environmental Justice agenda. Working with government, the private sector, civil society, academia and communities, the project generates evidence, strengthens institutional capacity, promotes multi-stakeholder dialogue and empowers women and young people to participate in decisions that affect their lives. It also lays the groundwork for the development of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Expected Impact

A stronger national framework that promotes responsible business conduct, protects human rights, advances environmental justice and supports inclusive, sustainable development in Papua New Guinea.

What We Do

• Generate Evidence for Policy and Reform: Produce research and analysis on Business and Human Rights and Environmental Justice to inform policy development, institutional reform and evidence-based decision-making.
• Strengthen Institutions and Partnerships: Support government institutions, the private sector and civil society to strengthen implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, build institutional capacity and foster partnerships that promote responsible business conduct.
• Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue: Create platforms that bring together government, businesses, civil society, communities and development partners to strengthen collaboration, policy dialogue and collective action on business and human rights.
• Empower Women and Young People: Promote the leadership and meaningful participation of women and youth in human rights, environmental justice and responsible business discussions through training, dialogue and advocacy.
• Advance Environmental Justice: Strengthen environmental governance through research, community engagement and accountability mechanisms that promote equitable access to resources and environmentally sustainable development.
• Raise Awareness and Share Knowledge: Increase public understanding of responsible business, human rights and environmental justice through strategic communications, knowledge products, public engagement and regional peer learning.

Key Information

Status: Active

Duration: September 2025 – August 2026

Location: Papua New Guinea, including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Focus Areas: Business and Human Rights, Environmental Justice, Responsible Business Conduct, Human Rights, Gender Equality, Youth Leadership and Multi-Stakeholder Governance

Beneficiaries: Government institutions, private sector organisations, civil society organisations, women and youth networks, local communities, academia and development partners

Funding: UNDP Funding Window