Advancing Social Sustainability: The Role of the American Private Sector in Upholding Human Rights Amidst Crises and Transformations
11:00 am - 12:30 pm EDT
In an era marked by geopolitical instability, climate disruption, rapid technological change, and growing inequality, the private sector faces rising expectations to uphold human rights as part of responsible business conduct. For U.S. companies, these pressures are amplified by evolving regulations, shifting stakeholder demands, and the increasing complexity of global value chains. As businesses navigate conflict, displacement, labor challenges, and digital risks, embedding respect for human rights into corporate strategy is both a moral imperative and a business necessity.
This roundtable will bring together senior leaders from U.S. companies, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to examine the American private sector’s evolving role in advancing human rights amid global uncertainty. Participants will explore practical challenges and opportunities related to human rights due diligence, labor rights in complex supply chains, conflict response, and emerging technologies. The format will foster candid, off-the-record dialogue focused on collaboration, shared learning, and actionable strategies for integrating human rights into resilient and responsible business practices.
Eradicating Forced Labor: The Role of American Companies in Driving Change
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT
Forced labor remains a pervasive challenge across global supply chains, with an estimated 28 million people affected worldwide. Tackling this issue is both a human rights imperative and a growing area of focus for regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. As scrutiny intensifies through measures such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and the emergence of mandatory human rights due diligence laws, U.S. companies face increasing pressure to ensure their operations and sourcing practices uphold fair, ethical, and transparent labor standards.
This roundtable will bring together senior leaders from U.S. companies, civil society, and other relevant organizations to explore the private sector’s role in eradicating forced labor. Participants will engage in candid, off-the-record dialogue on the practical challenges of implementing human rights due diligence, strengthening supplier engagement, and supporting remediation. The session will offer an opportunity to share lessons learned, surface emerging strategies, and foster collaboration toward lasting, systemic change.
Transforming U.S. Supply Chains: Building Ethical and Sustainable Practices
3:45 pm - 5:15 pm EDT
Global supply chains are under growing pressure as companies face increasing regulatory requirements, investor expectations, and consumer scrutiny around sustainability and human rights. From environmental due diligence to labor standards, businesses are expected to ensure that their supply chains are not only efficient and resilient but also ethical and transparent. Meeting these expectations requires a shift from reactive compliance to proactive, value-driven operations - even as companies navigate complex supplier networks, evolving policies, and operational constraints.
This closed-door roundtable will bring together senior leaders from U.S. companies to explore how businesses across the country can embed responsible practices into their global supply chains. Participants will discuss practical strategies for managing risk, improving traceability, fostering supplier accountability, and supporting fair labor and environmental standards. The conversation will draw on real-world experiences and explore how companies can engage suppliers as partners in driving lasting change - moving beyond compliance to long-term impact and competitive advantage.
