SSBM Geneva Students in Collaborative Workshop with UN on Business and Human Rights

SSBM Geneva students, in collaboration with the United Nations, and MAAT for Peace, organised and will host a two-day international workshop on 2–3 July 2026 dedicated to marking 15 years of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

Bringing together international experts, academics, policymakers, civil society representatives, and students, the workshop will provide a platform to discuss the implementation of the UNGPs, corporate accountability, youth engagement, and the role of national and international institutions in advancing business and human rights.

Workshops schedule

The 1st Roundtable

 15 Years of the UN Guiding Principles: A Review of International Frameworks & Mechanisms
Thursday, 2 July 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The opening roundtable will examine the evolution of international frameworks and mechanisms since the adoption of the UN Guiding Principles and discuss how global commitments can be translated into meaningful action.

Moderated by SSBM Geneva student Yasmeen Friday.

Speakers:

• Marina Mikhail, Director of the International Human Rights Mechanisms Unit at Maat (Introduction)
• Ayman Okeil, Human Rights Expert & Deputy Presiding Officer of the African Union ECOSOCC
• Jelena Aparac, Former UN Mandate Holder, Governance & International Justice Specialist
• Mary Mayenfisch-Tobin, Educational Counsellor & Business and Human Rights Expert
• Hulya Kurt, Business Coach, Professor and Author with more than 30 years of international experience

The 2nd Roundtable

An Evaluation of Transnational Corporate Compliance with UNGPs.
Thursday, 2 July 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This session will explore the extent to which transnational corporations have integrated the UN Guiding Principles into their governance, compliance frameworks, and business operations.

Moderated by SSBM DBA Student Ana Medolishvili.

Speakers:

• Mary Mayenfisch-Tobin, Educational Counsellor & Business and Human Rights Expert
• Ana Villalobos Prada, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Better Cotton Initiative
• Gerald Pachoud, Principal of Pluto Advisory & Professor of Practice at SOAS University of London
• Oussam Ketouati, President of Youth Organization for International Cooperation

The 3rd Roundtable

Strengthening the Role of Youth in Promoting the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
Friday, 3 July 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The third discussion will focus on empowering young leaders to contribute to the implementation and promotion of responsible business practices and human rights.

Moderated by SSBM Geneva student Grace Koyenga.

Speakers:

• Rim Bitar, Postdoctoral Researcher/Fellow, American University of Beirut
• Mariam Shakil, Research Assistant, Institute for Business Ethics, St. Gallen
• Merna Shalash, President of Partners for Transparency
• Hasna Bara, from Jeune Chambre Internationale

The 4th Roundtable

The Effective Role of National Human Rights Institutions & Civil Society in Turning Commitments into Action
Friday, 3 July 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This roundtable will highlight the contribution of national human rights institutions and civil society organisations in ensuring the effective implementation of the UN Guiding Principles.

Moderated by SSBM Geneva student Irvie Ramos.

Speakers:

• Ayman Okeil, Human Rights Expert & Deputy Presiding Officer of the African Union ECOSOCC
• Olesya Meskina, Head of Academic Programs, SSBM Geneva
• Naji Moulay Lahsen, President of CIDH & Member of the Steering Committee of the NGO Forum
• Ana Villalobos Prada, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Better Cotton Initiative

The 5th Roundtable

Stalled Progress on an International Business & Human Rights Instrument
Friday, 3 July 2026 | 3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The closing roundtable will examine the current challenges surrounding the development of an international legally binding business and human rights instrument and discuss opportunities for advancing global cooperation.

Moderated by Mira Farash, Deputy Director of the International Human Rights Mechanisms Unit at Maat.

Speakers:

• Ayman Okeil, Human Rights Expert & Deputy Presiding Officer of the African Union ECOSOCC
• Naji Moulay Lahsen, President of CIDH & Member of the Steering Committee of the NGO Forum

This two-day workshop reflects SSBM Geneva’s commitment to fostering dialogue on responsible business conduct, international cooperation, and human rights. By bringing together distinguished experts alongside student moderators and organisers, the event highlights the important role of higher education in preparing future leaders to promote ethical governance, sustainable business practices, and the effective implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.