Inside The Future of Human Rights & Forced Labour at LCAW
From 20 to 28 June, London Climate Action Week (LCAW) is a global initiative calling for faster climate action, stronger protection of ecosystems and accelerated progress in decarbonisation efforts.
A key focus of climate action today is the transition to low-carbon economies, achieving net-zero targets, and implementing effective decarbonisation strategies, many of which centre on sustainable supply chains and human rights advocacy.
Sustainability LIVE @ London Climate Action Week – The Leadership Summit is a one-day event designed for senior sustainability leaders driving forward climate strategy and implementation at the highest level.
What are human rights?
Human rights are universal rights that belong to all human beings simply because they are human, regardless of characteristics such as race, sex, nationality, language, religion or other status.
According to the United Nations (UN), they include fundamental freedoms such as the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression and rights to work and education
The UN states that these are protected under international human rights law, which imposes legal obligations on governments to respect, protect and fulfil these rights for everyone, without discrimination.
The UN also highlights that this global framework, built on foundational documents like the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has expanded over time to address the needs of specific groups and promote equality worldwide.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines what every person needs to survive and thrive,” says António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN.
“Human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural, are inalienable, indivisible and interdependent.
“Together with civil society and governments, we deliver food and provide shelter; support education and elections; clear mines; defend the environment; empower women and strive for peace.
“Our rights should never take second place to profit or power.
“Let us unite to protect them, for the dignity and freedom of all.”
Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) explains that human rights include the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and that health-related rights are legally binding commitments requiring countries to ensure equitable access to healthcare and address underlying causes of inequality, such as poverty and discrimination.
WHO also emphasises that the right to health is connected to other rights, such as education, housing and food and that governments must take a human rights-based approach to health to meet their international obligations.
Sustainability LIVE at LCAW
With more than 250 in-person attendees, the conference provides the insights, connections and solutions required to accelerate progress toward net zero while navigating a rapidly changing sustainability landscape shaped by regulation, innovation and global policy shifts.
Featuring 25 expert speakers and four interactive executive workshops, the programme delivers practical guidance and a strategic perspective on embedding climate action across operations, supply chains and investment decisions.
Whether you are scaling ESG initiatives, preparing for new disclosure requirements or rethinking your net zero roadmap, Sustainability LIVE @ London Climate Action Week – The Leadership Summit, in association with Philip Morris International, is where leadership turns into action.
Sustainability leaders won’t want to miss Sustainability LIVE: The Leadership Summit at London Climate Action Week, taking place at Code Node on 25 June 2026.
The future of human rights & forced labour
Explore how evolving human rights expectations are reshaping corporate responsibility in a rapidly changing global economy.
This panel at Sustainability LIVE during London Climate Action Week brings together senior leaders to examine the increasing risks and regulatory pressures associated with forced labour across global supply chains.
The discussion will offer practical insight into strengthening due diligence, improving transparency and implementing ethical sourcing strategies that protect both people and long-term brand value.
Designed for senior sustainability executives, the session will spotlight emerging best practices and actionable steps to help future-proof organisational approaches to human rights.
Company portals
Executives
António Guterres
Secretary General