IBA to host free training in the US for corporate counsel: Unlocking the “S” in ESG

Wednesday 23 August 2023

The International Bar Association (IBA) Business Human Rights Committee and the IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) have announced free, in-person training sessions for in-house lawyers and corporate counsel on business and human rights (BHR) to promote respect for human rights while mitigating business risk and enhancing market viability. The sessions will take place in cities across the United States from 18–25 September 2023.

To assist corporate counsel navigate an increasingly complicated environmental, social, corporate governance (ESG) and human rights environment, the main focus of the sessions will be the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) – designed to raise awareness of international human rights law obligations as they apply to a business environment and to provide insight into the role of legal professionals in protecting and promoting these rights. 

Below are links to the individual training sessions being sponsored and hosted by leading global law firm Paul Hastings in its US offices. All times are local. Places are limited. Registration is essential.

During the three-hour training sessions, participants will gain an understanding of human rights in a business setting through time spent with experts who will highlight case studies and share their knowledge and experiences. Via group participation and shared experience, participants will learn how best to incorporate the UNGPs into their workstreams and operations.

Following the US training, the IBA plans to roll out the sessions to other locations around the globe.

The US training sessions form part of IBA Committees’ and the IBA LPRU’s ongoing work and commitment to assist the legal profession in the business and ethics arena, with projects focused on topics including the climate crisis, gender equality and modern slavery.

Address any queries to: lara.douvartzidis@int-bar.org
Project Lawyer and BHR Training Co-Facilitator, IBA LPRU

ENDS

Notes to the Editor

  1. Likely to also be of interest are IBA reports, guides, articles, podcasts, webinars, films and more on the Association’s work around ESG (Environment, social and governance). Items can be read/watched/listened to at: www.ibanet.org/esg-hub-page.
  2. The IBA Business Human Rights Committee aims to raise awareness of business and human rights principles and promote the development of legal skills required to advise clients and to support law firm management in the areas of corporate responsibility, ethical business, sustainability and good corporate governance.
  3. The International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) undertakes research, and develops and implements innovative strategies, projects and initiatives that are relevant to business and the rule of law, the global legal profession and the broader global community.
  4. The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, with the aim of protecting and promoting the rule of law globally, the IBA was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.

    The IBA acts as a connector, enabler, and influencer, for the administration of justice, fair practice, and accountability worldwide. The IBA has collaborated on a broad range of ground-breaking, international projects with the United Nations, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, The Commonwealth, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, among others.

  5. Find the IBA  on social media here:

Please direct enquiries/interview requests to:

Romana St. Matthew-Daniel
Press Office

International Bar Association
Chancery House, 53-64 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1QS
United Kingdom

Mobile: +44 (0)7940 731 915
Direct Line: +44 (0)20 7842 0094
Main Office: +44 (0)20 7842 0090
Fax: +44 (0)20 7842 0091

Email: romana.daniel@int-bar.org
Email: IBApressoffice@int-bar.org
Website: www.ibanet.org

Website page link for this news release:
Short link:
tinyurl.com/fzxny9t8 
Full link: www.ibanet.org/IBA-to-host-free-training-in-the-US-for-corporate-counsel-on-protecting-companies-and-respecting-human-rights