Western Europe Business and Human Rights Forum

The first-ever Regional Forum on Business & Human Rights brings together key voices to strengthen business practices and navigate value chains in a shifting landscape. Here’s what Finnish businesses need to know.


About the Western Europe Business and Human Rights Forum

  • The inaugural Regional Forum will be held in September 17-18, 2026 in Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France

  • The theme for this year is "Navigating the Challenges of our Times: Driving Action on Business and Human Rights"

  • This Regional Forum complements the UN Forum on Business & Human Rights held in Geneva in November

  • Finnish companies are encouraged to participate in the Regional Forum to further develop their human rights expertise, share best practices, and showcase their capabilities on an international stage

  • The United Nations Global Compact has a strong presence in the Regional Forum of 2026, and UNGC Finland is happy to help your company with any questions you may have

For Finnish companies, the Regional Forum is a place for:

Program of the Regional Forum

The two-day event consists of plenary sessions, networking, informal dialogues and working sessions. See the whole program here.

Go to program


UN Global Compact at the Regional Forum

  • UN Global Compact is participating in the first-ever Regional Forum and hosting multiple events with stakeholders.

  • UN Global Compact Finland is happy to guide your company, if you are intersted in joining the Regional Forum

  • In addition to the official parts, organizations are welcome to submit their proposals for side events related to the Regional Forum.

Interested in participating?

Are you interested in participating in the Regional Forum? Or just want to know more? Please fill our this short form to let us know! Filling in the form does not commit you or your company to anything.

Take me to the form

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us know that you're interested. This does not commit you or your company to anything. However, it will you keep in the loop as we start sending relevant updates to Finnish companies.

Book your accommodation. If you need any hotel recommendations, we are happy to help.

Expect regular updates from us, more frequently as September approaches.

Feel free to get in touch with us if you have programme or collaboration ideas or updates to share or would like to discuss more.

Both forums are highly valuable. The best choice depends on your goals, availability, and scope of interest. Importantly, these are complementary events rather than alternatives. If possible, it is worth attending both.

We're listed down some key differences:

UN Forum on Business & Human Rights (Geneva):

  • The largest international gathering on business and human rights

  • Covers a wide range of themes, sectors, and regions

  • Focuses on global frameworks, trends, and multilateral dialogue


Regional Forum (Strasbourg):

  • Regional lens, more tailored to European (and neighboring) contexts

  • Focuses on region-specific regulatory developments, challenges, and best practices

  • Smaller, more regionally concentrated audience.

We strongly recommend to booking accommodation as soon as possible if you are considering attending. It is worth making a reservation with a free cancellation option if your participation is not yet confirmed.

Each participant covers travel and accommodation.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to Sophia (sophia.lawsonhellu@globalcompact.fi) with any questions you may have!

Interested in joining or learning more?

Please don't hesitate to reach out!

Sophia Lawson Hellu
Programme Manager, Social Sustainability & Human Rights
sophia.lawsonhellu@globalcompact.fi
+358 50 313 1351

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