GCN, NBI host  human rights workshop on Business and Human Rights

KATHMANDU: Global Compact Nepal (GCN), in collaboration with the National Business Initiative (NBI), concluded a two-day in-person workshop on Business and Human Rights (BHR) in Thamel, Kathmandu, on July 22. 

The event aimed to strengthen the understanding and implementation of human rights principles within Nepal’s private sector.

GCN President Pradeep Man Vaidya opened the workshop by underlining the growing responsibility of businesses to respect and promote human rights. He was followed by GCN Executive Director Krishna Bikram Shah, who introduced the UN Global Compact BHR Accelerator programme, a six-month initiative designed to equip companies with essential tools to manage human rights risks effectively.

The BHR Accelerator is a UN Global Compact programme that helps firms understand and meet international human rights and labour standards. It supports businesses in establishing human rights due diligence processes, preparing for legal requirements, reporting progress and linking these efforts to broader social-sustainability goals.

Puspa Pokharel, a PhD candidate in Business and Human Rights and Presidential PhD Scholar at the University of Hong Kong, facilitated the session. She guided participants through fundamental human rights concepts, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), human rights due diligence, grievance mechanisms and Nepal’s national legal framework. Interactive exercises and quizzes were used to enhance learning and engagement.

During the workshop, Shudarson Subedi, director of Ability Manch, delivered an intervention emphasising the need for inclusive policies that address the rights of persons with disabilities. He stressed the importance of accessible grievance mechanisms and urged companies to ensure disabled individuals are not left behind in human rights due diligence.

Participants shared experiences and perspectives throughout the two-day event, reflecting a growing awareness and readiness within Nepal’s private sector to adopt responsible business practices aligned with international human rights standards. Attendees also developed Human Rights Action Plans tailored to their companies’ unique contexts.

NBI President Kush Kumar Joshi delivered the closing remarks, expressing appreciation for the participants’ active engagement and commitment. He emphasised that respecting and promoting human rights is not only a moral responsibility but also essential for building sustainable and peaceful business environments in Nepal. The workshop concluded with a certificate ceremony underscoring the commitment of participating companies to embed human rights into their operations.

Global Compact Nepal is the local network of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiative. Established in 2005, the National Business Initiative is a not-for-profit, apolitical network of Nepali businesses and associations committed to promoting responsible business practices.