What are some of the emerging trends and innovations in human rights and corporate social responsibility?

1 Human rights due diligence

One of the key trends in human rights and CSR is the adoption of human rights due diligence (HRDD) processes by companies. HRDD is a way of identifying, preventing, mitigating and accounting for the human rights impacts of business activities. It involves assessing the actual and potential risks, engaging with stakeholders, taking action to address them, and communicating the results. HRDD is not only a moral duty, but also a legal requirement in some jurisdictions, such as the EU and the UK.

2 Digital technologies

Another trend is the use of digital technologies to advance human rights and CSR. Digital technologies can enable companies to monitor and measure their human rights performance, collect and analyze data, and improve transparency and accountability. For example, blockchain can be used to track the origin and conditions of products and services, artificial intelligence can be used to detect and prevent discrimination and bias, and social media can be used to engage with and empower stakeholders. However, digital technologies also pose new challenges and risks, such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital exclusion.

3 Stakeholder capitalism

A third trend is the shift from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism, which is a model of corporate governance that considers the interests and needs of all stakeholders, not just shareholders. Stakeholder capitalism recognizes that businesses have a broader role and responsibility in society, and that they can create long-term value by addressing social and environmental issues. Stakeholder capitalism is reflected in initiatives such as the UN Global Compact, the Business Roundtable statement, and the World Economic Forum's Davos Manifesto.

4 Human rights innovation

A fourth trend is the emergence of human rights innovation, which is the application of creativity and collaboration to solve human rights challenges. Human rights innovation can take various forms, such as new products, services, processes, platforms, or partnerships. For example, some companies are developing inclusive and accessible products for people with disabilities, some are creating platforms for human rights education and awareness, and some are partnering with civil society organizations and human rights defenders to support their work.

5 Human rights leadership

A fifth trend is the development of human rights leadership, which is the ability and willingness of business leaders to champion and integrate human rights into their strategies, cultures, and operations. Human rights leadership requires vision, courage, commitment, and collaboration. It also requires skills such as empathy, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Human rights leaders can inspire and influence others, drive change and innovation, and build trust and reputation.

6 Human rights challenges

A sixth trend is the recognition of the ongoing and emerging human rights challenges that businesses face in a complex and dynamic world. Some of these challenges include the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, inequality, migration, conflict, and populism. These challenges pose threats and opportunities for businesses, and require them to adapt and respond with agility, resilience, and responsibility. They also require them to collaborate with other actors, such as governments, NGOs, and academia, to find collective and sustainable solutions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?