Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law took part in the 2nd African Business and Human Rights Forum held September 5-7, 2023, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The College of Law’s Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, Associate Dean for Research and UNESCO Chairholder; Tasniem Ahmed Elyass Hussain, third year student on the College’s Juris Doctor (JD) program; and Saad Elasad, alumnus of the JD program participated in the landmark event, which gathered policy leaders and experts in academia, government, international development, media, and private practice to discuss opportunities for advancing corporate accountability and responsible investments in key economic sectors.

The Forum was convened by the African Union and co-organised by the the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), amongst other local, regional, continental and international partners.

Professor Olawuyi, who also serves as Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, delivered plenary remarks at the High-Level opening and closing ceremonies. He also moderated three panel sessions relating to his expertise in natural resources, energy, environment, business and international human rights law, and shared insights on how business enterprises can use their leverage as key economic actors to advance sustainability.

Tasniem and Saad participated in open discussion sessions and offered commentary on the responsibilities of corporations to promote just transition and rights-based economic models to address the problem of climate change.

“The 2nd African Forum on Business and Human Rights provided a timely opportunity to explore how key stakeholders can move beyond just ‘doing no harm’ in business and investment contexts to ‘doing good.’  We had frank and open discussions on good and responsible investment approaches that can unlock sustainability in our societies and communities. The tremendous benefits of networking with continental policy leaders and international development experts showed our students and alumni the practical aspects of international law and diplomacy, which I am sure they will find useful in their ongoing studies with HBKU and careers,” said Professor Olawuyi.

HBKU’s College of Law brings substantial expertise to contemporary legal issues of profound relevance to Qatar, the region and beyond. Its internationally recognized faculty continues to work closely with top-tier local and international partners to help build expertise and research capacity in Qatar and beyond.