CGF Business Actions Against Forced Labour

Over 120 experts came together to explore avenues of collaboration and partnerships in support of the eradication of forced labour. This event, titled Partnerships to End Forced Labour in Supply Chains, recognised the need for cross sectoral collaborations and collective action if the issue of forced labour is to be resolved. The conference was co-hosted by The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), International Labour Organization and the US Department of Labor and was held ahead of the CGF’s annual flagship event, the Global Summit, in Berlin.

The event aimed at examining promising practices, strategies, challenges and ultimately solutions, including the The Consumer Goods Forum Priority Industry Principles and the ILO Global Business Network on Forced Labour and Human Trafficking to ensure we move forward together on this collective journey. In the discussions, participants exchanged ideas around the role of research and data in identifying and remediating forced labour and what tools and initiatives currently exist to help eliminate forced labour. A common thread seen throughout all discussions, however, were success factors for collaboration and potential areas to make future cooperation between business and institutions more efficient.

Didier Bergeret, Social Sustainability Director, The Consumer Goods Forum said,

“Cross-sectoral events like the one held by The Consumer Goods Forum, the International Labour Organization and the US Department of Labor are an essential piece of the puzzle in the global fight against forced labour. By bringing members of government, civil society and business together, we reap the benefits that this type of multi-stakeholder collaboration brings. It is only through a common vision and collective effort that we can one day see a world free of forced labour. We look forward to hosting and supporting more events like the Partnerships Against Forced Labour in Supply Chains conference and will continue to support our members as they look to action the Priority Industry Principles.”

To see a full summary and list of speakers, download the executive summary here.

During the event The Consumer Goods Forum also launched its Business Actions Against Forced Labour booklet, which shares a dozen examples of actions being taken by CGF members to help eradicate forced labour. The case studies booklet includes stories on how companies are setting up new programmes, engaging in cross-sectoral collaborations and effectively implementing auditing schemes. It also includes a foreword from Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

About The Consumer Goods Forum

The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of practices and standards that serves the consumer goods industry worldwide. It brings together the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format. Its member companies have combined sales of EUR 3.5 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain. It is governed by its Board of Directors, which comprises more than 50 manufacturer and retailer CEOs. For more information, please visit: www.theconsumergoodsforum.com.

About the International Labour Organization

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace.

Only tripartite U.N. agency, the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers representatives of 187 member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

Today, the ILO’s Decent Work agenda helps advance the economic and working conditions that give all workers, employers and governments a stake in lasting peace, prosperity and progress.

Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Labor.

This material does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the United States Government.

For further information, contact:

Lee Green
Director, Communications
The Consumer Goods Forum
l.green@theconsumergoodsforum 

Back to all news