2026 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights

Professional Training for Lawyers & Barristers in the UN Guiding Principles in Business & Human Rights Working Group

I serve as a Human Rights and Peace Ambassador at the World Human Rights and Peace Organization Al-Mawada. My work focuses on promoting international cooperation, advocating for the protection of vulnerable communities, and supporting efforts to combat human trafficking and violence, particularly against women and children. I am committed to building dialogue, empowering civil society, and advancing sustainable peace through legal, humanitarian, and diplomatic engagement.

Vanessa is a recognised global corporate sustainability expert. Originally an anti-trust lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons, she was a Legal Advisor to the UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, Harvard Professor John Ruggie. This included being part of the core team drafting the internationally recognised UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Vanessa has also advised other key global business and human rights initiatives including the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), the UN Global Compact, and the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights and worke... Read more