The Role of Private Actors in SDGs Implementation: Business, Gender Equality and Freedom of Religion or Belief in Ukraine

This PhD research explores the role of private actors in safeguarding the capabilities of both present and future generations. The PhD uncovers a shift in business actors’ human rights responsibilities and explores the prospects of developing them further into binding obligations to protect and fulfil human rights under certain circumstances. This approach offers guidance on how private actors can meaningfully engage in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
To contextualize ongoing debates on the role of business in society as an influential actor able to contribute to human rights protection and sustainable development, this research focuses on two human rights: gender equality and freedom of religion or belief. It examines their interconnections within both the business and human rights, and the sustainability agendas.  The empirical focus is on Ukraine, where business actors currently face a complex set of challenges in contributing to achieving the SDGs amidst ongoing war and economic transformation.