Working to make the world a better place, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the European Union (EU) Delegation have a goal to raise awareness and ignite conversation around business and human rights in Malaysia. So, on 10 December 2022 — which happens to also be Human Rights Day — they unveiled an interactive mural in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (KL).
Located on Jalan Mesui, among the lively streets of Bukit Bintang, the mural’s theme centres on business and human rights and created in collaboration with Akid One — a renowned Malaysian graffiti artist known for his spectacular portrait-style works. It is an additional measure to contribute to the ongoing actions that encourage responsible business practices around the Asia region.
Mr Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei stated during the unveiling, “the global business and human rights agenda is undergoing an important shift from words to actions. We are calling upon all, especially the business community, to fully integrate the values of ‘Protect, Respect, Remedy’ as captured in the UN Guiding Principles, into their DNA. Malaysia can be a leader in Asia on this front.”
The importance of encouraging responsible business in Malaysia was also reinforced by Mr Timo Goosmann, Deputy Head of Mission at the Delegation of the EU to Malaysia who said, “EU is ready to be a trusted partner to businesses in Malaysia to promote responsible business practices… At the EU, we understand the need for the assistance and support to transition towards a more equal and level playing field for industry and better access to justice for victims affected.”
Malaysians are urged to visit the captivating mural to gain insight into important issues that face the country today. The mural itself is one-of-a-kind with interactive capabilities through the use of QR codes, which, once scanned on your phone, will explain each element of the thoughtful artwork in detail. This allows visitors to learn more and participate actively in conversations and changes concerned with business and human rights in Malaysia.
Address: Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
