Doing business responsibly in challenging contexts: Lessons from Myanmar

Myanmar's progress towards democracy began in 2012 but was abruptly halted by a military coup on 1 February 2021, which has led to widespread conflict throughout the country. Clashes between ethnic and resistance groups opposed to military rules cost tens of thousands of lives.

In addition to facing greater operational and commercial challenges, businesses have had to undertake 'heightened human rights due diligence' of the adverse impacts their operations might cause, contribute to, or be linked to, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Should companies stay or go?  And what lessons from Myanmar are applicable to other conflict-affected countries?

A discussion with:

• Vicky Bowman, Director, Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business; Member of the International Advisory Council of the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB)

Moderated by:

• Anousheh Karvar, French Government Representative to the ILO and to the G7-G20 Labour & Employment; PSIA faculty member