Ha Noi, 6 July 2022 - The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam and the Embassy of Japan (EOJ) jointly launched in Ha Noi today the global strategic partnership between UNDP and the Government of Japan to advance responsible business practices in Japanese companies and their supply chains in Viet Nam.

Since March 2022, the Government of Japan and UNDP have partnered to promote the responsible business through a Japan-funded global project entitled: “Promoting Responsible Business Conduct with a particular focus on promoting human rights due diligence in global supply chains and leveraging the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) for a just recovery”.

A “just recovery” from Covid-19 that promotes and respects human rights will require concerted and urgent action from governments and businesses, essential for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030 and meeting the Climate action targets set by the Paris Agreement. This requires businesses to take responsibility in driving economic development while ensuring sustainable practices to minimize adverse impact on society and the environment by respecting human rights.

Major economies, including Germany, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and soon the EU, have adopted mandatory due diligence norms that require companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate negative impacts on people and the planet. These requirements will also have significant implications for both Japanese and Vietnamese companies that are part of the global supply chain.

The new project will help strengthen the understanding and capacity of national governments, Japanese businesses, their suppliers, and partners to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Viet Nam is one of the 17 countries prioritized by the Government of Japan for this global project to advance responsible business practices in Japanese companies and their supply chains in Viet Nam.

 In Viet Nam, the project will focus on promoting Human Rights Due Diligence, a core element of UNGPs, through trainings and guidance sessions for Japanese companies and their supply chains.

“The private sector has a leading role to play in fostering a more equitable and sustainable society,” said Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam. “Japan is among the first countries in Asia to adopt a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. Today UNDP and the government of Japan are pleased to launch a global strategic partnership in Viet Nam to help promote responsible business by introducing human rights due diligence among Japanese companies and their suppliers, to enable better management of potential risks while improving competitiveness in the global supply chain.”

The Japanese government has demonstrated a firm commitment to the UNGPs through the adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights in October 2020. This commitment will reinforce the reputation and performance of Japanese companies both in Japan and in countries where they operate. The Government of Viet Nam, with UNDP technical support, has been developing its own NAP which is expected to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval by 2023.

Mr. Daisuke Okabe, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam, said: “We hope that Japanese companies will actively use the information and know-how provided through this project in their own operations, proactively address risks related to human rights and further enhance their reputation in the global market.”

The Japanese Government’s support to this global project complements the funding provided to UNDP by the European Union and the Government of Sweden to promote the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights among governments and businesses in countries around the world.