María Prandi

Founder and Director

Business and Human Rights

Maria has over 20 years of experience advising different types of organisations on the topic of business and human rights. She has worked for several governments and private organisations and, since 1999, she has developed her capacities in this field linking her work with some key United Nations human rights agencies and procedures. She has provided impact assessments, studies and strategy advice in a wide range of sectors and countries over the last decade.

She was head of the Business and Human Rights program at the School for a Culture of Peace (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) and researcher and lecturer at the Institute of Social Innovation at Esade Business School. She has carried out her research on the role of the private sector in relation to human rights, development and peace-building (and humanitarian crises).

She holds a post-graduate diploma (DEA) and a Masters in International Affairs (UAB). She has published several articles and books, Maria delivers speeches and training on business & human rights globally. She provides online training, assessment and coaching for companies, regular lectures and in-house speaking assignments for companies and non-profit organisations.

She was member of the UNGC expert group on Responsible Business and Investment in High Risk Areas. Maria was also the founder and chief editor of the first electronic newsletter on business and human rights: BEDH.