Who directed the development of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights?

The development of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights was directed by John Ruggie, who served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Business and Human Rights from 2005 to 2011. Ruggie's mandate was to promote the understanding of how businesses impact human rights and to provide a framework for companies to respect human rights in their operations.

He developed the Guiding Principles through extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, resulting in a comprehensive set of principles that outline the responsibilities of states and businesses in relation to human rights. Ruggie's work culminated in the endorsement of these principles by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011, making a significant contribution to the integration of human rights into business practices globally.

In contrast, while Ban Ki-moon, as the UN Secretary-General, supported the overall agenda for human rights, he did not direct the specific development of the Guiding Principles. Angela Merkel has not had a direct role in the development of these principles. The collaboration of various individuals and entities informed the principles, but John Ruggie is distinctly recognized for leading their creation and advocating for their implementation.