2025 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights
- DATE 26 August 2025
- VENUE Storey Hall Conference Centre, RMIT University City Campus, 342 Swanston Street, Melbourne Australia VIC 3000 (near corner w/ Latrobe St)
About
The 2025 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights, now in its twelfth year, will bring together leaders from the business and investment communities, alongside representatives of other stakeholder groups, to discuss ways forward to strengthen responsible business practices in turbulent times.
Business leaders in Australia and our region are facing a rapidly evolving and challenging environment. Geopolitical conflict and instability, regulatory uncertainty, accelerating ecological crises and the transition to a more sustainable economy demand values-based leadership, agile decision-making and dynamic responses to complex challenges. Operating with respect for human rights in this turbulent landscape is critical – and challenging.
The 2025 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights is being convened as part of the inaugural UN Business and Human Rights Regional Forum – Australia and New Zealand, which incorporates events that support discussions targeted at the needs of specific stakeholder groups as well as rich multistakeholder exchanges. In the context of this dynamic two-day offering, the 2025 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights will focus in on the needs of business leaders working to strengthen responsible, rights-respecting business practices.
Through practical, interactive and thought-provoking sessions, attendees will be supported to:
- Unpack the practical implications of the interplay between the global context and human rights
- Discuss practical tools to maintain focus and traction internally while navigating a turbulent landscape
- Anticipate and prepare for the evolution of regulatory developments in Australia, New Zealand and around the world
- Build confidence incorporating meaningful engagement with affected stakeholders, including insights from lived experience
- Examine emerging frontiers of responsible business practice, including the green transition, inequality, conflict and the growing role of AI
Across these topics, attendees will be challenged to look ahead and ask: What could the business and human rights landscape look like in Australia and our immediate region in the next 5-10 years – and what is our role in achieving that vision?
The 2025 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights will be held under the Chatham House rule.