[Event] Multi-stakeholder Collaboration under the CSDDD

The adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) marks a significant shift in the legal landscape of corporate accountability. However, the legislative process has been complex, with unexpected turns such as the Omnibus initiative shaping the final outcome. While the CSDDD is built upon the principles of the UNGPs, key aspects, including the scope of covered companies, the definition of due diligence, and enforcement mechanisms, differ and remain uncertain in practice.  

In this context, bridging the gap between legal theory and the reality of implementation remains a challenge. How can we ensure that the CSDDD is effective in promoting human rights? Many scholars insist on the approach of multistakeholder collaboration, meaning that only the ability of different actors to shape, implement, and oversee due diligence practices will ensure its effectiveness.  

This event touches upon exactly this topic: multistakeholder collaboration. Organized by the NNHRR Business and Human Rights Working Group in collaboration with the Amsterdam Center for International Law, it seeks to foster dialogue between academics, policymakers, corporate practitioners, and civil society representatives to explore how collaborative efforts can drive effective due diligence. 

Through three interactive panels, this event will:

• Provide an educational platform for academics and practitioners to explore the practical aspects of multi-stakeholder collaboration;

• Explore the collaboration between public, private, and civil societal actors, both in the making of the CSDDD, its implementation in practice, and its enforcement mechanisms.  

Each panel will feature two speakers to encourage an in-depth exchange of perspectives. Breaks and networking opportunities will ensure continued dialogue among participants.

Details

Date & Time: 14 May 2025 14:00-18:00 CET

Location: Roeterseilandcampus – Building A, Room A3.01, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, 1018 WV Amsterdam

Programme 

14:00 – 14:30 | Keynote Speech

• Prof. Humberto Cantú Rivera– Professor of Law and Director of the Human Rights and Business Institute, University of Monterrey (Mexico)

14:30 – 15:00 | Panel 1 – Drafting Due Diligence Plans : Translating Legal Obligations into Practice

• Mariana Rezende – Consultant, Löning – Human Rights & Responsible Business (Germany)
• Alena Khale – Policy Consultant & Coordinator, Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO)

15:15 – 16:00 | Panel 2 – Stakeholder Engagement in Corporate Due Diligence

• Gloria Bolzonello – Researcher & Coordinator, Fair Wear Foundation
• Salah Husseini – Director, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)

16:15 – 17:00 | Panel 3 – Designing Effective Enforcement for the CSDDD

• Anneke Loof-Donker – Clusterhoofd Wetgeving Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

17:00 – 18:00 | Networking & Drinks

A full programme overview can be found here.

Registration

We are looking forward to seeing many of you for this important discussion! If you are interested, please register here.

For any question, do not hesitate to reach out to the organizers of the event, chairs of the Business and Human Rights working group.

• Sarah Vandenbroucke (s.e.m.vandenbroucke@law.leidenuniv.nl)
• Gustavo Becker (g.becker@uva.nl)
• Nicky Touw (nicky.touw@ou.nl)
• Eva Meyermans Spelmans (meyermansspelmans@law.eur.nl)