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Trees

CONCEPT NOTE

ABOUT
BUSINESSES IN TRANSITION

 

The recognition of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment (R2HE) has fundamentally shifted expectations for corporate accountability. Recent global agreements, including outcomes from COP16 UN Biodiversity Conference and COP29 Climate Change Conference, have highlighted the interconnected challenges of pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss and human rights. Companies are now expected not only to disclose their environmental and social impacts but to take meaningful action through robust due diligence measures. Addressing these requires businesses to engage transparently with civil society and environmental defenders, whose insights and lived experiences can strengthen corporate strategies.

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THE ASIAN CONTEXT

 

Asia plays a pivotal role in the global economy, serving as a manufacturing and resource hub that drives global supply chains. With over 60% of the world's population and a rapidly expanding middle class, the region offers unparalleled opportunities for business growth and innovation. However, this rapid growth brings significant challenges:

  • Climate vulnerabilities affecting operations and communities

  • Environmental degradation impacting resources and stakeholders

  • Human rights considerations across supply chains

  • Evolving regulatory landscapes across multiple jurisdictions

 

As businesses navigate this complex landscape, they face increasing demands from stakeholders for greater transparency, accountability, and action. Meeting these demands not only ensures compliance with emerging regulations but also builds trust, enhances resilience, and positions businesses as leaders in sustainable development.

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For businesses operating in Asia, sustainability is both a necessity and an opportunity. Deeper engagement with key actors directly impacted by corporate actions – including civil society, environmental human rights defenders and youth leaders – can help companies navigate complex challenges while ensuring solutions are inclusive and grounded in community realities.

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ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

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The Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Rights in Asia (CSERA) conference provides a unique platform for business leaders to engage in constructive dialogue with policy makers, civil society, and other stakeholders. This second CSERA conference will focus on practical approaches to stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business practices that create long-term value while supporting human and environmental rights. Over two days we will explore shared responsibilities and opportunities to support the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, fostering partnerships that drive sustainable impact. 

 

Through targeted sessions and multi-stakeholder dialogue, CSERA 2025 will explore:

  • Progress on key environmental priorities including emissions, climate impacts, biodiversity, and pollution

  • Practical approaches to implementing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

  • Effective stakeholder engagement strategies

  • Emerging regulations and compliance requirements

  • Best practices in environmental and human rights due diligence

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WHY ATTEND CSERA 2025?

 

Asia's rapid economic growth creates both responsibilities and opportunities for positive change. CSERA 2025 provides a platform for different stakeholders to:

 

LEARN

  • Understand emerging regulations and human rights-based approaches to compliance

  • Learn from companies successfully balancing stakeholder interests with business objectives

  • Share perspectives on implementing rights-based approaches to business

 

CONNECT

  • Network with industry leaders

  • Engage in direct dialogue between business leaders, policy makers, and civil society organizations

  • Build meaningful partnerships across sectors for sustainable solutions

 

ACT

  • Access practical insights on implementing effective human rights and environmental due diligence

  • Shape effective responses to emerging environmental and social challenges

  • Build trust and understanding across sectors

  • Drive innovation through inclusive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving

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