Violent conflict is the biggest obstacle to sustainable development, with the impact of violence on the global economy more than $14.1 trillion last year. Conflicts also drive 80% of all humanitarian needs and reduce GDP growth by two percentage points per year, on average.
Alongside the 2019 UN Business and Human Rights Forum, the Business 4 Peace event aims to address the role of responsible business in areas facing multi-dimensional risks and in areas of conflict. What are the common and divergent aspects of the business and human rights and the business for peace agendas? This event will bring together a range of stakeholders to think creatively and strategically about how the private sector, in particular Global Compact Local Networks, can positively contribute to the building of peaceful societies. The event will include interactive discussions, including thematic breakouts, leading into a moderated strategy session to set a way forward for Business 4 Peace.
Taking place on November 27, 2019, the morning will be dedicated to partner sessions, with the official side event in the afternoon.
Participants must request invitations and be confirmed in advance.
9:00 – 12:00: Partner sessions
12:00 – 17:00: Business 4 Peace: Bridging the Gap with Human Rights
Buffet Lunch
Opening
The Changing Nature of Conflict: What’s the impact on the private sector?
Connecting the Principles in Complex Environments: From the UNGPs to the 10 Principles
The Role of Business in Enabling and Sustaining Peace
Breakout discussions on the role of business in:
- Supporting human rights defenders and the civic space
- Measuring corporate peace-building contributions
- Operating in countries with fragile governments
Facilitated report back and discussion (a way forward for Business 4 Peace)
Morning partner sessions
9:00 – 10:00am Engaging companies in manmade disaster
Presentation of the Connecting Business initiative (CBi) and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) guidance toolkit
With funding from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid or ECHO, the Connecting Business initiative (CBi) and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) have co-developed a resource for private sector networks operating in manmade disaster contexts. The guidance toolkit provides a framework and practical tips for private sector networks on translating manmade disaster contexts into an engagement strategy that fits the capabilities of network participants, efficiently channels private sector capabilities and supports governments and the humanitarian community.
This session will provide an introduction to private sector engagement in manmade disasters. Through short interventions, participants will understand the importance of engaging the private sector in such contexts and learn how the new resource can guide them in the process.
10:30 – 12:00pm Organisational Crisis Management 2.0: How to Match Your Preparation and Response to Today’s Crises
Masterclass with Dr. Chris Pearson, Thunderbird School of Global Management
No organisation is immune from crisis, regardless of its size, location or mission. Prevalent organisational trends, such as globalisation, hyper-competition and techno-fusion, spread the reach of crises, accelerate their evolution, and intensify their impact. Unfortunately, crisis management has not kept up with contemporary changes. This session addresses new challenges to crisis management, along with specific organisational improvements to meet those threats.