The Global Network Initiative is pleased to welcome its newest member, the Center for Business and Human Rights at New York University Stern School of Business.
“The NYU Stern Center is the first academic center to focus on human rights as part of a business school, bringing welcome expertise and perspectives to GNI’s efforts to protect freedom of expression and privacy in the ICT sector,” said GNI Executive Director Susan Morgan.
“As threats to the open internet intensify, the GNI is an increasingly important initiative. To make progress on human rights, companies need the safe space that GNI provides to discuss these issues, explore pragmatic approaches, and to learn from experts, advocates, and other companies,” said Center co-director Michael Posner. “The Center is excited to join GNI and committed to working with its members on solutions that are both good for business and good for human rights.”
Launched in March 2013, the Center’s mission is to challenge and empower companies and future business leaders to make practical progress on human rights. Center co-director Michael Posner previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor at the State Department, and together with Center co-director Sarah Labowitz worked on issues related to business and human rights and the Internet. Prior to joining the State Department, Posner and Labowitz helped to form GNI while working at Human Rights First.
“Protecting human rights in today’s networked world requires businesses to consider the implications of their products, services, partners, as well as policies,” said Deirde Mulligan, professor of law at the UC Berkeley School of Information and GNI Board member. “Adding the Stern Center to GNI’s growing academic constituency brings the skill and influence of a world-renowned business school and the talent and experience of two exceptional global human rights leaders to bear on this important work.”