Conference Recap: Global Business and Human Rights Scholars Gather at Wageningen University

Topics included the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, corporate accountability during armed conflicts, and innovative teaching strategies.

The event featured a keynote address by Professor Robert McCorquodale, a member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights. Distinguished guests included Professor Surya Deva, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, and Professor Carolina Olarte-Bácares, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The first day concluded with the launch of Professor Olarte-Bácares' co-edited book, International Investment Law and Arbitration from a Latin American Perspective, followed by a reception. Rens Buchwaldt, Executive Board member of Wageningen University and Research, officially opened the book launch and welcomed the esteemed attendees. The organizing committee was led by Dr. Nadia Bernaz and Dr. Olena Uvarova, prominent voices in business and human rights.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Dr. Nadia Bernaz remarked, "We are honoured that the two academic organizations in our field have chosen Wageningen to host their annual event. The global business and human rights academic field is growing and attracting many early career scholars and teachers. We are proud to contribute to this inclusive and supportive community."

Key outcomes/highlights:

• Participants from all over the world shared their papers and ideas and have all left with comments on how to improve their work. The event thus has made a clear contribution to the development of our field.
• The teaching sessions provided key insights on how to effectively teach and engage students, notably through the use of human rights clinics and cases.
• Our successful networking hour allowed participants to connect and discuss future collaborations such as books, articles, projects, and guest lectures.

For photos of the event, please visit this link.