"The State as an economic actor: the role of economic diplomacy tools to promote business respect of human rights. Open multi-stakeholder consultation convened by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights." Geneva, 15:00 - 18:00, 28 September 2017

The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights has decided to give specific attention to issues related to the “state-business nexus” during 2017-18. It has identified activities to complement and support efforts by others, including to (i) identify good practice models of integrating human rights in the operation of “economic diplomacy tools”, such as export credit, investment guarantees, export promotion and trade missions; (ii) develop practical recommendations for States and international and regional organizations relating to these policy areas; (iii) identify good practice models of integrating human rights in public procurement; (iv) engage key actors and stakeholders to support dialogue and drive convergence in these areas.

The aim is to develop concrete recommendations to be presented in its report to the Human Rights Council in June 2018. To gather information about good practice models and inform recommendations, the Working Group intends to consult with experts and a range of relevant stakeholders through both written processes and in-person meetings. It will seek to get inputs from States from all regions as well as from other stakeholders, including business organizations, civil society, international and regional organizations and other UN experts. The open multi-stakeholder consultation in Geneva on 28 September, held during the Working Group’s 18th session, will have as its main focus points (i) and (ii) above.