Business Accountability for Human Rights Conference

Paul Hastings Washington, D.C. office

ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in collaboration with Paul Hastings LLP

Conference Agenda
(In-person and virtual)

• 8:30am – 9:00am: Registration 
  Continental Breakfast 
   
• 9:00am – 9:15am: Welcome & Conference Overview
   
• 9:15am – 9:45am: Keynote Address 
  The Hon. Kevin Hyland, O.B.E.
   
• 9:45am – 11:00am: Panel
  Cross Border Challenges and the Need for Private/Public Partnerships
  This panel will feature perspectives on the challenges of human rights issues in global supply chains and the importance of private/public partnerships in promoting corporate accountability.
   
• 11:00am – 11:10am: Break
   
• 11:10am – 11:30am: Paper Presentation
  COVID-19 as the Tipping Point?
  Transforming Business Models in the Global Garment Industry
   
• 11:30am – 12:45pm: Panel
  Recent U.S. Government Laws and Policies to Advance Business and Human Rights
  The U.S. and other governments support the efforts of businesses to respect human rights and strive to protect against human rights abuses, including those involving business enterprises. This panel will explore human rights investigations and governmental tools to advance business and human rights.
   
• 12:45pm – 1:05pm: Paper Presentation
  Contracting and Responsible Production in Global Value Chain
   
• 1:05pm – 2:20pm: Working Lunch & Panel
  The Role of Data in Addressing Risks
  Perspectives from the Intelligence/Data Community
   
• 2:20pm – 2:40pm: Virtual Paper Presentation
  Labour Rights Compliance in Global Supply Chains:
  Is Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence the Way Forward?
   
• 2:40 – 3:50pm: Panel
  Human Rights Challenges in Global Supply Chains & Human Rights Implications of Indirect Sourcing Practices
  This panel will explore the human rights implications of indirect sourcing practices. Indirect sourcing refers to the reliance on subcontractors and agents in a manner that is not transparent to buyers or regulators. The panel will assess current sourcing practices in different industries and discuss how these practices create systemic human rights risks, potential liability, and examine ways to address these challenges.
   
• 3:50 – 4:00pm: Break
   
• 4:00 – 5:15pm: Panel
  Views from the Financial Sector: How Human Rights Risks in Supply Chain and Operations Impact Investment Decisions
  This panel will focus on financial aspects of human trafficking and modern day slavery; implications of growing global awareness of human rights abuses on investment decisions; impact of global; and domestic anti-corruption measures
   
• 5:15pm – 5:45pm: Closing Speaker
  Dr. Peter Biar Ajak, Revive South Sudan, Economist
   
• 5:45pm: Closing Remarks
   
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Reception
  Reception for all of those attending the conference in person in the Law School’s Louise H. Keelty and James Keelty, Jr. Atrium

Registration is Now Open • Click here to Register
(When registering, there is also a Zoom option available for this conference.)