The first Arab-African Forum on Business and Human Rights officially commenced on Tuesday in Marrakech, under the resonant theme, “For a regional dialogue in favor of a responsible economy that respects human rights.”
This forum signifies a progressive shift in economic governance strategies across Arab and African nations, where corporate social responsibility is increasingly recognized as a crucial driver for regional cooperation.
Organized by Morocco’s Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights (DIDH), in collaboration with various ministerial departments, national institutions, and UN agencies, the event is designed to foster regional dialogue, promote the integration of human rights principles into economic activities, and advance sustainable development throughout the Arab-African region.
A key objective of the forum is to facilitate the exchange of best practices and identify new avenues for cooperation, drawing guidance from the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The gathering has attracted over 200 participants, including representatives from Arab and African countries, UN agencies, public and private companies, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and academia.
Discussions during the forum are centered on establishing robust national frameworks to better integrate human rights into economic activities. Participants are also exploring mechanisms for enhanced regional cooperation, economic integration, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social commitments within investment agreements. Furthermore, the forum is examining the multifaceted role of businesses as economic and social actors whose practices directly influence both individual and collective rights.
An accompanying exhibition space has been set up to showcase innovative initiatives, programs, and experiences that align with the themes being addressed at the forum.
This initiative underscores Morocco’s commitment to reinforcing its position as a leading regional actor dedicated to ethical economic governance. It also reflects a growing alignment between the agendas of sustainable development, investment, and the protection of fundamental rights within Arab-African interregional relations.
SL/Sf/te/fss/abj/APA