Excellencies,
Dear President Bachelet,
dear Michelle,
Colleagues,

This year, the Forum brings us together to discuss how to build bridges between business, human rights, and the right to a healthy environment.

The triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, is both complex and urgent.

Building bridges means bringing positions closer together and finding solutions through collective action, solidarity, and justice. It means listening to the voice of all actors, in particular those most affected.

This Forum is an important step in this direction.

The recognition of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment last year by the United Nations General Assembly, along with the Escazú Agreement – the first human rights and environmental regional treaty – are also positive developments.

We must now turn principle to practice, and to ensure their effective implementation at international, regional, national and local levels.

There is still much to be done.

The Human Rights 75 initiative led by my Office – as we mark a new anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – is an opportunity to revitalize our commitment to human rights, and to ensure that human rights provide solutions to the biggest challenges of our era.

At the Forum you will consider how the implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, by States and companies, can be catalysts for the protection of people and the planet.

I also urge you to consider concrete pledges as part of Human Rights 75 that will promote responsible business conduct and guarantee the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for all.

Colleagues,

Over the coming days, I encourage you to engage in conversations, some of which may be difficult, and to find common ground. Even more so when positions may seem irreconcilable.

This is the path that will lead us to just, sustainable and inclusive growth.

I wish you all success for your joint work during the Forum. Many thanks.