Foley Hoag LLP is pleased to announce that Gare Smith, partner and Chair of the firm’s Global Business & Human Rights practice, has been named a Co-Chair of the U.S. State Department’s newly formed Advisory Committee on Responsible Business Conduct.

The objective of this committee is to provide expertise, knowledge, and insight to the U.S. Department of State on issues related to responsible business conduct (RBC), and offer recommendations on RBC opportunities and challenges, particularly with respect to business and human rights.

The committee is comprised of a diverse group of experts from U.S. companies, civil society organizations, associations, institutions, and other relevant stakeholders with an interest in business and human rights and RBC, including companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and PepsiCo, and organizations like the AFL-CIO, Oxfam America, and Human Rights Watch. The committee reports to the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and will play a critical role in shaping U.S. policy on responsible business conduct.

“I’m honored to be involved in the launch of this committee and look forward to taking on this role as Co-Chair,” said Gare Smith. “In this rapidly changing global landscape, it’s more important than ever that we address issues of human rights in business management practices, technologies, and supply chains.”