Focus of the 2024 Forum

The “smart mix of measures” – national, international, voluntary and mandatory – has been central to the realization of the UNGPs over the past decade. Already into the second decade of implementation, this is the moment to reflect on what the “smart mix” means now and into the future, what has worked and not worked, and how should the smart mixes that are emerging in different parts of the world better integrate access to remedy as the third pillar of the UNGPs in view of novel challenges, including those presented by the fragility of global value chains.

Accordingly, this Forum will offer participants a multi-stakeholder platform to explore key trends and prospects at the national, regional, and global levels in relation to the implementation of the UNGPs through a “smart mix”. This may include specific application and implementation of a smart mix of measures in the following proposed, but not exhaustive areas :

• State action;
• Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI);
• Access to Remedy for all;
• Climate change, environmental challenges, and nature-based solutions;
• Indigenous Peoples rights; and
• Human rights due diligence.

These sessions and others will examine both the challenges and opportunities of the smart mix.

In considering these challenges, the key questions which are likely to be considered at the Forum include:

• What are the drivers for, and obstacles to, a smart mix in any area?
• To what extent is there evidence of smart mixes at the national, regional, and international levels?
• What, if any, are the impacts of smart mixes on the lived experiences of those affected by business activities?
• What good practices of smart mixes can be found in the actions of States, businesses, and other stakeholders?
• What are effective multi-stakeholder approaches for ensuring an effective smart mix of measures?

This Forum provides an opportunity to reflect critically on the changes which have been made by smart mixes since the UNGPs were adopted. Participants will consider whether and to what extent these changes have proved effective, especially for rights-holders, and what still needs to be achieved.