Business & Human Rights Talks

As the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) turn 15 this year, our five-part webinar series explores how companies can strengthen their human rights work both nationally and across global value chains – with practical insights for Nordic businesses.



About the series

From workforce well-being to supply chain stability and investor expectations, companies that understand and manage their human rights impacts are better positioned to reduce risks, meet regulatory demands and build long-term competitiveness. At the same time, they act in line with what is expected of sustainable businesses.

Business & Human Rights Talks is a five-part webinar series hosted by UN Global Compact Finland. The series will start with an introduction to the UN human rights system, and then explore the human rights issues that matter most for business today – from forced labour to child’s rights, decent work, and the links between climate change and human rights – and help companies move from commitment to action.

During the series you will:

  • Gain clear, practical guidance on how to strengthen your company’s human rights work, and understand how robust human rights work supports sustainable, future-proof business

  • Learn from experts and real business cases 

  • Align with global frameworks, including the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles and new regulatory obligations.

The webinars take place throughout 2026, and are held in English. The series is open to all and aimed especially at company representatives.

 

Part 1: Human Rights: From Global Standards To Corporate Reality

30.1.2026 at 9–10 | Online (Zoom)

Take a deep dive into the international human rights framework, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and their relevance for companies! 

As the UNGPs celebrate their 15th anniversary, we will hear from leading experts and Finnish companies why the UNGPs matter to companies and how can businesses best identify, mitigate, and prevent human rights risks in their supply chains.

Speakers include Annamari Tornikoski and Katja Fokin (Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland), Anna Vainikainen (Outokumpu) and Sophia Lawson Hellu (UN Global Compact Finland).

Register now

Part 2: Forced Labour

TBC | Online 

Registration opens soon

Part 3: Child's Rights

TBC | Online 

Registration opens soon

Part 4: Decent Work

TBC | Online 

Registration opens soon

Part 5: Just Transition

TBC | Online 

Registration opens soon

Frequently Asked Questions

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) turn 15 this year, marking a decade and a half of defining the global standard for responsible business conduct. Yet many companies still struggle to turn the principles into practice.

Human rights expectations for companies are rising faster than ever. New regulations, shifting investor demands and growing public scrutiny mean that no business can afford to treat human rights as a side issue. At the same time, global risks, from conflicts to climate impact, are making value chains more vulnerable and increasing the likelihood of harm to people.

This is the moment to close that gap. Acting now not only protects people, it strengthens resilience, reduces risk and builds the trust every company needs to thrive. Our five-part event series gives you the tools, insights and networks to take the next step.

The event series is free of charge and open to all. It is aimed especially at company representatives.

All webinars are held virtually on Zoom. Each session will be recorded and we will send the link to the recording to registered participants.

You’re very welcome to join any of the sessions that interest you most – but there is no requirement to attend all five. However, we do warmly encourage it, as each event builds on the other and together they give a fuller picture of the topic.

You can be in touch with us via email at info@globalcompact.fi. The UN Global Compact Finland team is happy to help!

As the world's largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative, the UN Global Compact is driving change across all aspects of corporate sustainability.