A/HRC/39/47 intense public scrutiny and even protests, demonstrating the scope of their influence on global governance and the unique positions they occupy as convenors of the world’s leaders and global thinkers. Moreover, these groupings will have added importance in the coming years given the increasingly cross-border nature of the world’s political and economic challenges. 27. As such, it would be worthwhile to study their constitutions and practices, applying the principles of transparency, participation and accountability in order to develop recommendations on strengthening their democratic governance and human rights impact. How can global governance forums become more accessible and responsive to the voices of people and groups previously excluded from international decision-making bodies but whose lives and livelihoods are affected by the decisions taken? To what extent has women’s participation been encouraged and realized in practice? What role should global governance forums play in sensitizing not only national Governments but also business, civic and local leaders on the centrality of human rights? Are there lessons to be drawn in terms of promoting a shared responsibility for managing global challenges? 28. The Independent Expert would like to encourage stakeholders’ contributions on this topic and, by doing so, draw lessons for the further strengthening of the global system. E. Global economic challenges 29. The Independent Expert recognizes that the regularly evolving global economic system poses challenges for the protection of human rights. Rapid technological advancement and changing consumer preferences have disrupted traditional labour markets. Economic crises have threatened progress in terms of sustainable development, triggered sharp reductions in social spending and precipitated drawbacks with respect to international cooperative commitments. In many countries, unemployment persists and wages have stagnated, adding to already present social and economic inequalities. Bleak economic outlooks have contributed to record numbers of migrants worldwide. In addition, the unregulated activities of corporations have had collateral effects on standards of living and the right to a healthy environment both within and outside national borders. Meanwhile, political uncertainty poses a danger to economic stability. These realities have had a disproportionately negative impact on those whose economic situations were already precarious, such as women, persons with disabilities and older persons. 10 30. International responses have so far proven insufficient to stem the causes and consequences of global economic challenges. Austerity measures taken in the absence of human rights standards are said to have compounded the harms of economic crises by encouraging States to privatize social protection programmes and, consequently, the enjoyment of economic and social rights by the poorest. Classical approaches to international investment and development have been scrutinized for promoting economic growth without due regard for equity and human rights. Whereas there have been positive developments in the policy of the international financial institutions, such as through reform of environmental and social safeguards and the embracing of the Sustainable Development Goals as guiding objectives, as mentioned above there is nevertheless still room to improve participation and representation in multilateral institutions. Moreover, civil society organizations poised to comment on financial policy have faced obstacles to organizing, technical and capacity limitations or outright intimidation and reprisals. 31. The Independent Expert would welcome suggestions on how the international community could better respond to these challenges in a way that promotes a world order that is more democratic and equitable. 10 8 OHCHR, Report on Austerity Measures and Economic and Social Rights (Geneva, 2013), pp. 7−9.