The third intersessional thematic consultation on the updated draft of the Legally Binding Instrument (LBI) took place last week in Geneva. The consultation offered an important opportunity to advance discussions on Article 1 and the Preamble, as well as on the way forward ahead of the 12th session in October.
CIDSE, represented by Susana Hernández from the Secretariat, actively contributed to the discussions through joint oral statements with its members Fastenaktion and Trócaire, and with Franciscans International. The statements addressed general remarks on Article 1, as well as specific proposals regarding Articles 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and the Preamble.
Our network deeply values the presence and engagement of numerous States’ delegations throughout the consultation. Their participation demonstrated continued interest and commitment to this process, even within the context of informal discussions, preparing the ground for the negotiations ahead.
We also welcome strong coordination efforts among civil society organisations and networks to build alignment on key issues, reflected in the joint statement delivered by ESCR-Net, Feminists for a Binding Treaty, Treaty Alliance, and the Global Campaign.
Looking ahead to the 12th Session, scheduled from 19 to 23 October 2026, it will be essential to ensure that the revision process prioritises the strength and integrity of the future treaty text over arbitrary timelines. Protecting robust accountability provisions and reflecting the demands of affected communities must remain at the centre of the process.
Meaningful consultations with affected communities and social movements should continue before any text is published, and sufficient time must be guaranteed for analysis, consultation, and preparation ahead of future negotiations. Revisions should preserve the strongest human rights protections while incorporating proposals that have received broad support from States over previous sessions.
What’s Next?
The 12th session is expected to use a similar methodology to the previous session in 2025.
- Mid-September: Publication of a report by the Chair Rapporteur on the intersessional thematic consultations with wording proposals in an annex.
- September: Consultations on the Programme of Work, methodology and roadmap for 2027 in September.
- 19-23 October: Discussion on the final roadmap for 2027 and confirmation for a new draft text in 2027 at the 12th session.
CIDSE remains committed to engaging constructively toward a strong and effective instrument capable of ensuring corporate accountability and access to justice for affected communities worldwide.
Additional resources
- OEIGWG Chair-Rapporteur 2025 updated road map.
- Business & Human rights: UN Negotiations to resume, CIDSE, February 2026
- UN Legally Binding Instrument: 1st and 2nd 2026 Thematic Consultations have concluded, CIDSE, 13 April 2026.
CIDSE contact: Susana Hernández Torres, Corporate Regulation Officer (hernandez(at)cidse.org)
Cover image: Negotiators at the third UN thematic consultations on Legally Binding Instrument, Geneva, May 2026. Credit CIDSE.