Companies are faced with increasing pressure to know and show the impact that their operations – and those of their supply chains – have on society.

A growing number of leading economies are introducing normative provisions requiring companies to undertake human rights and environmental due diligence in order to operate within their markets. Pressure on companies does not come only from policy and normative instruments: consumers’ and investors’ expectations not to be associated with issues such as child labor or modern slavery are rising, as is the attention of the media on irresponsible business practices around the world.

Against this backdrop, businesses have a strong incentive to undertake human rights due diligence (HRDD). Those succeeding will not only respond to the pressing demand of society to do the right thing and prevent risks to people and planet; they will also do the wise thing from a business point of view, reducing their own reputational and legal risks while ensuring long-term competitiveness.

UNDP designed the B+HR Academy to support the growing interest by businesses to undertake human rights due diligence, contribute to more responsible global supply chains, and stay competitive in the global market. It is currently partnering with the Government of Japan to implement the B+HR Academy for Japanese companies, their affiliates, suppliers and partners in 18 countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.