Human Rights Insights Breakfast Event

Overview

In response to competitive pressures, European policymakers have recently reviewed various environmental and social sustainability regulations and made proposals on their “simplification”. Among them are directives like the CSDDD, CSRD and EUDR, which also impact human rights. At the same time, this is leading to a fragmented regulatory landscape and forces companies to manage diverse stakeholder demands. What implications does this political backlash have for corporate social and human rights activities?

We invite you to join us for the KPMG Human Rights Insights Event on the morning of Thursday, 2 October 2025, at our Zurich office. Under the theme “Human Rights under pressure – do corporates still have to care?”, we’ll explore the evolving role of business in safeguarding human rights as well as several other emerging topics that are shaping the future of corporate responsibility.The event brings together leaders from business, government and civil society for a focused half-day programme. Highlights include:

Key observations from businesses and their human rights engagement

Insights into the latest regulatory development

Real-world perspectives from corporates, policymakers, and multi-stakeholder initiatives

A panel discussion on what’s needed to make human rights action effective

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with peers and other stakeholders during the coffee break and networking lunch.

This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and exchange views with professionals who are committed to advancing human rights in the business world.

The event will be held in English.

Agenda

08:30	Registration & welcome coffee
09:00	Introduction and setting the scene Silvan Jurt, Partner, KPMG Switzerland
09:15	Human rights in business: Trends, regulation & insights Eva Schöfer, Senior Manager, KPMG Switzerland
09:45	Thought Input 1: A corporate perspective on Human Rights Due Diligence Christoph von Toggenburg, Group Head of Human Rights and Social Impact, Holcim AG Thought Input 2: Where is Switzerland heading to? Monica Rubiolo, Head of Trade Promotion at the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Thought Input 3: Making progress together through multi-stakeholder cooperation Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director and Secretary General of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030
10:15	Coffee break
10:45	Panel Discussion “Effective corporate human rights engagement – what does it take?” Christoph von Toggenburg, Monica Rubiolo and Iris Van der Veken Moderated by KPMG, Audience Q&A
11:45	Lunch Apéro

The program is subject to change. Updates to the program can be found on this event page.

Please note: During the event there will be photography and filming. KPMG AG may use the photo and film material for marketing purposes, e.g. on our social media, website or for digital publications and newsletters. By participating in the event, you agree with the above.

A closer look at our guest speakers

We’re pleased to welcome the following field experts who bring practical perspectives on integrating human rights into business as well as cross-sector cooperation through multi-stakeholder platforms and initiatives.

Christoph von Toggenburg, Group Head of Human Rights and Social Impact, Holcim

Christoph von Toggenburg is Holcim's Group Head of Human Rights and Social Impact, leading the company's social sustainability, human rights, and community empowerment across 45 countries. Drawing on two decades of experience, Christoph has a background in leading humanitarian operations for the ICRC and UN in conflict zones, and served as CEO of World Vision Switzerland & Liechtenstein. He also contributed to humanitarian expert groups at the World Economic Forum, where he was recognized as a Global Leadership Fellow. An award-winning artist, Christoph is a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and painter with works shown at the Royal Academy of Arts and over 50 film awards. More information at www.holcim.com and www.vontoggenburg.com.

Monica Rubiolo, Head of Trade Promotion, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

Monica Rubiolo heads Trade Promotion at SECO, where she advances socially responsible, environmentally sound, and inclusive trade in developing countries. Her work supports sustainable trade frameworks, strengthens SME competitiveness, and fosters a resource-efficient private sector. With a PhD from the University of Tübingen, Monica has held academic positions in Argentina, Germany, and Spain, and worked in Taiwan and Madrid. She joined SECO in 2003 and is a board member of the Swiss Sustainable Coffee Initiative and the Swiss Platform on Sustainable Cocoa.

Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director & Secretary General, Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030)

Iris Van der Veken leads the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, a multi-stakeholder platform advancing sustainability and human rights in the industry. Based at Maison de la Paix in Geneva, she brings over 20 years of international experience across sectors including technology, jewellery, fashion, and government. Iris has worked on the ground in Africa, Armenia, China, India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, pioneering GRI and ESG reporting and implementing responsible business standards. She founded and chaired the UN Global Compact Network Belgium and was honoured by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for her leadership in corporate responsibility and human rights. A long-time advocate for gender equality, she has shaped key partnerships with UN Women and the Global Compact. Iris is also a member of the Inclusive Leadership Council of 100 Women @Davos and has volunteered with Special Olympics for over 20 years.