Amman: The National Center for Human Rights (NCHR) launched the third regional dialogue on business and human rights in Arab countries under the theme, "Promoting Responsible Business Practices: Human Rights at the Heart of Sustainable Development in Arab Countries." Chairperson of the NCHR Board of Trustees, Samar Haj Hassan, highlighted the significance of integrating human rights into business practices to foster sustainable development and attract investment.
According to Jordan News Agency, the dialogue coincides with key anniversaries such as the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. Haj Hassan emphasized the complementarity of economic development and human rights, and the need for a people-centered development model in the Arab region, especially amidst economic and digital transformations.
Haj Hassan also referenced Jordan's efforts under the Comprehensive Modernization Vision to build a competitive economy that generates opportunities while ensuring justice and inclusive participation. She mentioned Jordan's National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights as a practical tool for identifying priorities and policies to uphold human rights in the business sector.
Ali Ahmed Derazi, President of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, stated that respecting human rights is essential for responsible business practices and sustainable economic development. He underscored the importance of promoting a culture of responsible business conduct to ensure a fair business environment, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Damilola Olawuyi, Chair of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, urged Arab countries to commit to the Guiding Principles and develop national action plans for responsible business conduct. Despite progress, challenges such as conflicts and climate change continue to impede implementation efforts.
Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan, noted the importance of sustainable development and highlighted the role of the UN Guiding Principles in supporting economic growth while prioritizing human rights. She emphasized the need for a balanced transition towards a green economy, protecting workers' rights and local communities.
In a virtual address, Allan Jorgensen from the OECD stressed the rising importance of responsible business practices in addressing global challenges. He pointed out that responsible conduct is evolving into a prerequisite for accessing global markets, and highlighted the need for safeguards in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
The dialogue included sessions on business and human rights in the Arab region, corporate responsibility, and mechanisms for remedy and redress, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and aligning national frameworks with international standards.