International Accord at the 4th UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights
The International Accord participated in the 4th UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights organised by UNDP Business and Human Rights Asia from 20-22 March 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The forum brought together key stakeholders including governments, trade unions, civil society, businesses, UN agencies, and development partners that discussed over a dozen topics relevant to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) during the three-day deliberations.
International Accord participated in the plenary From Tragedy to Progress: Lessons from the Rana Plaza Building Collapse that analyzed the progress and highlighted the continued need to prioritize worker safety in the textile and garment industry. The session was moderated by Prof Pichamon Yeophantong, Chair of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, and included insights from Shamim Ehsan (BKMEA), Mahruna Islam (UNDP) Kalpona Akter, Bangladesh Center for Workers’ Solidarity, and Zulfiqar Shah, Pakistan Consultant, International Accord.
- The contributions of the Accord in building a safer Bangladeshi garment industry.
- The importance of awareness, trust, and collaboration in ensuring human rights in business.
- The crucial role of stakeholder engagement, particularly the participation of local industry and government, in any new Accord country programs.
- The opportunities in replicating the Accord model in other major garment-producing countries.
- The benefits of legally binding agreements in ensuring transparency and accountability in garment supply chains.
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Related updates
On 23 October 2025, the Pakistan Accord hosted a Brand-Supplier Roundtable at the Avari Hotel in Lahore, bringing together over 50 brand representatives and 30 key suppliers.
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands, factories and workers. Additionally, it includes guidance on the actions suppliers should take to address immediate safety findings.
Safe exits, unlocked gates, functioning alarms, effective fire separation, and strong emergency preparedness are essential for the health and safety of every worker, within and beyond the garment industry.
On 23 October 2025, the Pakistan Accord hosted a Brand-Supplier Roundtable at the Avari Hotel in Lahore, bringing together over 50 brand representatives and 30 key suppliers.
Safe exits, unlocked gates, functioning alarms, effective fire separation, and strong emergency preparedness are essential for the health and safety of every worker, within and beyond the garment industry.
The International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to insights on the progress and operations of the Accord’s country program in Bangladesh and Pakistan, alongside exploring opportunities to expand the Accord’s scope and impact.
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