From policy to practice: BESIX joins dialogue on human rights

​How can companies make human rights part of everyday business decisions, not just policy statements? That question was at the centre of CIFAL Brussels’ first Action Learning Platform Human Rights, held on 24 September 2026 with the UN Association Belgium Flanders (VVN). Geert Aelbrecht, who led BESIX Group’s People organisation for 20 years and recently moved into a new role at the Group, opened the event and joined the discussion on business and human rights due diligence.

The platform focused on a clear challenge: moving human rights from written commitments into day-to-day business practice. CIFAL Brussels created the initiative to strengthen human rights knowledge and encourage collaboration between sectors, at a time when human rights are under growing pressure worldwide.

As Vice-Chair of the CIFAL Brussels Board and representative of BESIX, Geert Aelbrecht contributed to a workshop on Business and Human Rights Due Diligence. The session looked at practical tools to help organisations identify, prevent and address human rights risks across their value chains.

For BESIX, the topic goes beyond compliance. Respect for human rights is part of how the Group manages its workforce, works with subcontractors and suppliers, and operates across international markets. This includes a continued focus on workers’ rights, ethical recruitment, health and safety, and broader ESG commitments.

One concrete example is BESIX’s international framework agreement with Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), which sets out shared principles on workers’ rights, safe working conditions and social dialogue across the Group’s activities.

For construction companies, human rights due diligence is increasingly important. Projects often involve complex supply chains, large workforces and international partners. Platforms such as CIFAL Brussels help connect policy, legal expectations and operational reality.

BESIX supports dialogue on sustainability and human rights through partnerships with industry organisations, social partners and international initiatives. By contributing to CIFAL Brussels, the Group shares experience, learns from others and helps advance responsible business practices in the construction sector.

As human rights challenges become more complex, progress will depend on cooperation between business, policymakers, educators and civil society. The discussion in Brussels showed the value of bringing policy, law and practice together around one clear objective: protecting and promoting human dignity.

The event also marks a smooth handover within BESIX. As Geert Aelbrecht moves into his new role at Group level, Astrid Van Parys, Group Sustainability Manager, will represent BESIX in CIFAL Brussels. Valérie Nerinckx, Group Head of People, will take over the People-related responsibilities linked to human rights, including Human Rights Due Diligence and the People aspects of the BWI framework agreement.