Overview

New technologies—from AI and blockchain to IoT and quantum computing—are driving economic growth and reshaping supply chains as well as societies. However, their human rights and environmental impacts are frequently disregarded or underexamined. Resource extraction, use of critical minerals, energy consumption, water and land-intensive data centers, and rising e-waste disproportionately harm communities in vulnerable situations. For example, Indigenous Peoples, who make up just 6% of the global population but steward 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity and critical ecosystems, are often excluded from decisions on technology design, development, application, and disposal. Embracing Indigenous knowledge and engaging constructively with local communities impacted by business operations enables businesses to strengthen their corporate due diligence strategies, unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth, ethical innovation, and long-term resilience.

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Asia, a global hub of technological production and consumption, is at the forefront of both challenges and solutions related to new technologies. Rapid digitalization, complex supply chains, and evolving due diligence regulations necessitate the development of a new and more inclusive business landscape. With diverse ecosystems and rich Indigenous knowledge systems, as well as substantial deposits of critical minerals, Asia provides valuable insights for balancing technological advancement with human rights and environmental sustainability.

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For businesses in Asia, building bridges towards meaningful participation of affected communities and rights holders can strengthen resilience, address emerging risks, and align with evolving human rights due diligence standards. Such partnerships are not only about compliance—they drive long-term value creation, provide innovative solutions to real world risks, and catalyze sustainable growth. 

 

But how can businesses ensure meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, including communities? What are the entry points for open dialogue to address evolving impacts of new industries, on rights-holders? Are businesses meeting their human rights obligations in their supply chains? What lessons can be learned from regions already navigating these intersections? These are some of the questions that this session seeks to answer.

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LEARN:

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• Understanding Human Rights Impacts of Technology: Explore how emerging technologies can impact communities and ecosystems, with examples of social and environmental risks.  

• Aligning Innovation with Due Diligence: Discover how businesses can link technological advancements with human rights and environmental frameworks to meet compliance standards while fostering responsible growth.

 

ENGAGE:

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• Facilitated Dialogue: Participate in dynamic, solution-driven conversations between business leaders, communities, environmental rights experts and regulators, uncovering opportunities for inclusive technology governance.

• Case Spotlights: Analyze real-world examples of corporate-Indigenous partnerships that have resolved conflicts, advanced sustainability goals, and delivered measurable outcomes.

• Pathways to Partnership: Identify actionable ways for businesses to include Indigenous Peoples ’ contributions in due diligence processes, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

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CONNECT:

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• Collaborative Relationship Building: Network with business leaders, frontline communities, environmental rights experts and regulators, exchanging insights and building partnerships aimed at advancing human and environmental rights and responsible innovation.

• Knowledge Sharing Platforms: Engage in peer-to-peer exchanges that spotlight successful models of integrating human and environmental rights into technological advancements, driving business value.

• Sustainable Business Models for the Future: Gain insights into innovative approaches that link corporate due diligence, Indigenous knowledge, and human and environmental rights commitments to create resilient, future-proof businesses.