While the Trump administration has pressed forward on some key areas, including the use of sanctions against alleged human rights violators, a Biden administration will almost elevate ESG and business and human rights as priority items. Indeed, Democrat candidate Biden has made clear that he sees climate change as an accelerating threat, and the campaign has released a plan that sets a target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Diversity and inclusion also feature prominently in the Biden campaign.

... Firstly, a Biden administration would likely support enhanced transparency measures related to human rights... Secondly, business and human rights will increase in prominence in trade and foreign aid... Thirdly, there will likely be an increase in the use of sanctions and prosecutions for human rights violations, and incentives for responsible business conduct... Fourthly, we can expect a Biden Administration to engage more actively on major business and human rights issues that are debated across the globe.