The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights are an internationally recognised framework that guides companies on conducting their security operations in a manner that respects human rights. The VPI was established to promote the implementation of the Principles through collaboration between companies, governments and civil society.
Annual plenary meetings provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together to share experiences, learn from one another and discuss ways to reduce the risks of human rights abuses linked to security operations. Several Ipieca member companies participated in the discussions and contributed to panel sessions throughout the meeting.
Discussions focused on the Initiative’s role in responding to heightened security risks, evolving regulatory expectations and geopolitical tensions, and on its ability to mobilise companies, governments and civil society at both local and global levels.
This year’s plenary also provided an opportunity to:
- Hear from the UK Chair on its leadership and support for the initiative over the past year
- Take stock of 2025 activities and reflect on the evolution of the VPI over the past 25 years, from a voluntary framework to a practical tool for managing security in complex environments and navigating the energy transition
- Discuss the role of this unique multi-stakeholder platform as it continues to adapt to an increasingly complex global context and consider how the 2026–2029 VPI strategy will further support members
- Welcome the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a full member of the VPI
- Hear implementation review presentations from Ipieca member companies TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and OMV, highlighting tools, processes and practical examples
- Engage with VPI in-country working groups, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Peru
- Facilitate dialogue between companies, governments, NGOs and civil society on key challenges and opportunities for advancing the security and human rights agenda
- Thank Mora Johnson for her leadership as Head of the VPI Secretariat as she prepares to hand over to a new Executive Director in summer 2026
