For decades, global markets and institutions have shaped the international order, but that era is now in flux. Today’s world is marked by growing conflict, fragmentation, and political uncertainty. Despite initiatives like the United Nations Pact for the Future, which seeks to reset global cooperation, 2024 witnessed violent confrontations, political instability, and rising anti-establishment sentiments across nations.
Against this backdrop, the International Human Rights Day 2025 sees the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) spotlighting urgent business and human rights priorities. IHRB’s annual ‘Top 10 Business & Human Rights Issues’ outlines the critical challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as businesses navigate fractured multilateralism, escalating conflicts, and climate inaction.
Among the key issues on the 2025 list are ensuring accountability in the rush for renewables, preventing finance from fueling conflict, confronting AI risks, responding to shipping dangers, rebuilding war-torn states, abiding by humanitarian law, implementing mandatory measures, making migration work for all, advancing workplace diversity, and restoring confidence in climate action.
Amid these complex challenges, IHRB calls on leaders to reaffirm their commitment to global cooperation, human rights frameworks, and rule of law. Businesses, in collaboration with societal actors, have the opportunity to mitigate harms and shape a more responsible path forward in 2025.
This year’s list serves as a guide for companies striving to address urgent global issues in an increasingly uncertain world.
