Supported by the Norwegian Center of Human Rights (NCHR), the event was co-organized with Lanzhou University's School of Law and the Institute for Human Rights Studies of the China University of Political Science and Law. The gathering of over 20 academic and business professionals underscored the growing importance of integrating human rights considerations into business practices.
Four experts from universities and the business sector reviewed the latest developments in international human rights law and the increasing body of regulations and frameworks designed to ensure that businesses respect human rights. Presentations covered essential guidelines, including the "Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights," OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and other regional and national legislations focused on mandatory human rights due diligence.
The workshop also featured insights from business sector experts who shared practical case studies and strategies for addressing human rights issues within corporate operations. These discussions highlighted the increasing recognition of human rights within global supply chains and the necessity of corporate training initiatives in China.
As this was the first workshop of its kind in Gansu province, it created a unique platform for fostering discussion and collaboration between academia and businesses in this region. Organizers and participants emphasized the need to increase the focus on business and human rights education, advocating for stronger academic-enterprise partnerships to cultivate more academia and students equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of human rights in business settings.