Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade Forum

18th - 19th March 2026

London, UK

From emissions to equity: Why human rights must be part of a robust decarbonisation strategy

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Decarbonisation is crucial to tackle the effects of global warming, and to meet ambitious climate change mitigation goals. Whilst the phasing out of fossil fuels can prevent further widespread and severe human rights impacts, businesses are realising that transitioning to renewable energy creates human rights risks of its own, as outlined in the UN General Assembly Report (2025). Without intentional integration of human rights into climate transition plans, decarbonisation becomes a shell game – shifting environmental harm while concentrating social harm in already vulnerable regions. 

This session explores how to build decarbonisation strategies that protect workers, not just the climate:  

  • How climate transition plans can embed labour rights and social impact alongside carbon reduction targets. 
  • Just transition in practice: Create a right-based approach to supply chain decarbonisation.
  • How businesses can use data and due diligence frameworks to align Scope 3 emissions action with human rights accountability across tiers 
  • Practical examples of balancing carbon performance, equity, and long-term resilience across global value chains 

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Day 1

Wednesday 18th March 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
9:20am - 10:00am
The global legislative landscape: What’s happening, what’s not, and what’s still TBC? 
Ethical Trading Initiative | Otto Group | King & Spalding | AIM-Progress
Plenary
11:30am - 12:15pm
Plenary
12:15pm - 1:15pm
1:15pm - 2:00pm
2:00pm - 2:45pm
2:45pm - 3:15pm
3:15pm - 3:55pm
Plenary
3:55pm - 4:25pm
ESG accountability: What do investors really want to see? 
Shift | Redwheel | CCLA Investment Management
Plenary
5:05pm - 6:00pm
Day 2

Thursday 19th March 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
10:00am - 10:30am
10:30am - 11:00am
12:30pm - 1:30pm
1:30pm - 3:00pm