In September 2025, the annual United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights (UNRBHR) Forum for the Asia-Pacific region took place in Bangkok. At this year’s forum, the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) had the honour of co-organising the session “Enhancing the Human Rights Mindset: Interactive Dialogue with Businesses”, together with GIZ Bangladesh and the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE).
The discussion focused on a question that is becoming increasingly relevant for companies across Asia: how can human rights due diligence be both impactful and practical in the context of (new or changing) global regulations?
The question was explored by a diverse panel of speakers who shared hands-on experiences and offered new perspectives and insights for reflection. Sahil Jain, Chief Executive Officer of Hirschvogel Components India and COO and Board Member of the Hirschvogel Group, provided valuable insights into business and human rights from an Indian perspective. Sheikh Shuchita Jahan Sneha represented the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) as a coordinator of the Responsible Business Hub. Sheikh HM Mustafiz, Managing Director of Cute Dress Ltd and Director - BGMEA, contributed his experience from the garment sector as an industry leader in Bangladesh. Peter Ford, Energy Policy Lead for Garment and Clean Energy Skills at EnergyLab Asia in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, completed the panel. The discussion was moderated by Michael Klode (GIZ Bangladesh) and Roxana Hilloo (IGCC).
Around 150 participants joined the session in the conference hall in Bangkok on 16 September, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ICT), to listen, exchange ideas, and actively participate in the dialogue.
Why Enhancing the Human Rights Mindset Matters Now
The topic of enhancing the human rights mindset has become increasingly urgent as regulatory developments in both Europe and Asia accelerate. While these evolving frameworks, such as the EU’s and Germany’s mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (mHREDD) laws, are providing vital momentum, they also create uncertainty for businesses that rely on long-term planning security.
To navigate this new landscape, companies must strengthen three interconnected areas: robust risk management, the use of credible and consistent data, and clear pathways for compliance, decarbonisation, and decent work. At the same time, production countries are becoming active drivers of change, building local capacities and advancing sustainability agendas from within. Professionals in these markets are integrating local expertise with international due-diligence standards — bridging global expectations with on-the-ground realities and enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to take meaningful ownership of the transition.
Shared Responsibility, Data Management and Energy in Global Supply Chains
A key message from the session was that progress depends on shared responsibility. Suppliers in Bangladesh described how they are investing heavily in cleaner production and safer workplaces, yet still face price pressure from buyers. Participants called for closer cooperation between purchasing and sustainability departments, longer-term partnerships, and more joint investments along the supply chain.
Speakers agreed that the regulatory path is well defined. With Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and the upcoming EU directive, expectations are converging globally. Even though some recent political developments have led to debates about weakening certain provisions, maintaining high standards remains essential. The real challenge now lies in translating strong human rights commitments into local business practices - particularly in highly competitive industries such as automotive and textiles. Panelists emphasised that due diligence should be understood as a strategic advantage, not merely a compliance burden.
From the India perspective, Mr. Jain highlighted that navigating the evolving supply chain due diligence landscape requires a proactive rather than reactive approach. With regulatory direction becoming clearer, companies can either act voluntarily or wait until compliance becomes mandatory — but staying ahead of requirements is the smarter path. Hirschvogel chose to adopt voluntary standards early on to align with sustainability goals. He also emphasised that customer expectations, particularly from listed companies, are a key driver, and collaboration across the supply chain is essential to ensure shared compliance and impact.
Energy also emerged as a tangible entry point for immediate impact. Investments in renewable electricity and energy efficiency not only reduce emissions with the potential to mitigate heat stress for workers, but also lower long-term costs. Speakers encouraged brands, factories, and governments to work together on enabling frameworks such as corporate power purchase agreements and national grid decarbonisation.
At the same time, effective data management was identified as crucial. Many suppliers experience “audit fatigue” due to overlapping standards and repeated reporting requests. Initiatives like BGMEA’s Responsible Business Hub and its unified ESG data platform aim to simplify reporting processes and enhance transparency across the industry.
The Way Forward
One key takeaway from the session - echoed strongly by the audience - is that sustainability must remain human-centred. When companies divest or relocate, they should engage local communities early to avoid leaving behind social or environmental harm.
The session concluded with a call to action: to build practical bridges between profitability and responsibility. Linking management incentives to sustainability performance, harmonising audit standards, and improving supplier financing were among the concrete ideas identified for follow-up.
IGCC will continue supporting companies through advisory services, capacity building, and dialogues that connect compliance with competitiveness. Ultimately, the discussion made one point clear: regulation defines the direction—but collaboration determines the impact. Businesses that integrate human rights, sustainability, and efficiency will be best positioned to lead the transition toward a more responsible and resilient global economy.
Session Co-Organisers
GIZ Bangladesh – Works closely with the textile sector and promotes a wide range of sustainability initiatives.
Agency for Business & Economic Development (AWE) – Serves as the entry point for German development cooperation with companies engaging in emerging and developing countries. It offers tailored advice on funding, financing, networking, and project development, and also hosts the German Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights.
Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (AHK India) – Has trained more than 400 company representatives from India and Germany on supply chain due diligence through targeted capacity-building and advisory programmes.
If you have any questions about the session or would like to get in touch with us or our partners, please contact us at sustainmarkets@indo-german.com
