About the Project
Business and Human Rights Scholarship: Global South is funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) through a Research Networking Grant. The project runs from 1 April 2024 to 22 December 2025.
Led by Dr Eghosa Ekhator, Associate Professor of International Environmental Law at the University of Derby, the project supports international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of business and human rights scholarship, with a particular focus on Global South perspectives.
The project is supported through an AHRC Research Networking Grant. Research Networking Grants are designed to facilitate structured collaboration between scholars and institutions by funding workshops, meetings, and related activities. They enable the development of sustained research relationships, the exchange of expertise, and the strengthening of scholarly networks across regions and disciplines.
This grant provides the framework for a series of international workshops and collaborative engagements aimed at consolidating Global South perspectives within business and human rights scholarship.
Background and rationale
Business and human rights scholarship has expanded significantly in recent years. However, research originating from the Global South has often been underrepresented within dominant academic debates and institutional networks.
This project responds to that context by creating structured opportunities for scholars and institutions to engage on equal footing, strengthen international connections, and contribute to ongoing debates in the field.
The project emphasises the importance of collaboration across regions and disciplines in addressing complex legal, regulatory, and human rights challenges.
Key aims and focus
Visibility
Improving the visibility and recognition of Global South scholarship within international business and human rights research.
Collaboration
Connecting scholars, institutions, and practitioners across regions to support collaboration and shared research agendas.
Exchange
Creating opportunities for the exchange of ideas, expertise, and methodologies between researchers and institutions.
Engagement
Providing structured spaces for dialogue, training, and sustained collaboration beyond individual events.
Perspective
Strengthening the presence of Global South perspectives within global business and human rights scholarship.
Engagement with the United Nations Guiding Principles
Project activities have engaged directly with the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Workshops have examined how regulatory frameworks and institutional practices can be adapted to reflect local realities while advancing human rights standards.
In particular, discussions have considered the application of the UNGPs within Global South contexts and the role of interdisciplinary dialogue in strengthening effective implementation.
Activities and Approach
The project is structured around a series of international workshops convened in Cape Town (April 2025), Nairobi (June 2025), and Derby (August 2025). These events bring together scholars, institutional partners, and invited participants to exchange research, develop collaborative relationships, and advance Global South perspectives within the field.
Through these workshops, the project supports sustained academic engagement beyond individual events and contributes to the development of long-term research networks.
Derby Workshop University of Derby, United Kingdom August 2025
A one-day workshop at the University of Derby.
Learn MoreNairobi Workshop Riara University, Nairobi, Kenya June 2025
A one-day workshop at Riara University in Nairobi, Kenya.
Learn MoreFaculty of Law, University of Cape Town, South Africa (April 2025)
A one-day workshop at the Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town, South Africa (April 2025)
Learn MoreEach event provides a forum for researchers and collaborators to engage with core themes in business and human rights scholarship, with a particular focus on Global South perspectives and contexts.
Looking Ahead
Before the conclusion of the funded period in December 2025, the project will continue to consolidate relationships established through its workshops and collaborative activities. Ongoing dialogue among participants aims to support sustained engagement and identify opportunities for future research initiatives arising from the network.