As part of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2021, this side event explored the key role of the financial sector in addressing modern slavery and human trafficking, with a particular focus on building back better from COVID-19. The event was held online via Zoom webinar on 13 July 2021.
Sustainable and inclusive finance can foster effective action by business to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks in their value chains, and ensure business actions during the pandemic are not exacerbating such risks. Research shows that businesses with a reputation for protecting workers have out-performed others on share price since the pandemic began. And investors continue to migrate towards environment, social and governance investments. Moreover, financial inclusion and fintech can play a role in reducing vulnerability to modern slavery and human trafficking. During the “Decade of Action” on the Sustainable Development Goals, partnering with the financial sector will be crucial in addressing modern slavery and human trafficking risks at scale.
Organizers
The event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Australia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain to the United Nations and co-organised by UNU-CPR's Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking.
A recording of the event can be accessed here.