Workshop on responsible disengagement

Feb 12, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

CC10

Description

Under OECD standards, disengagement is considered a last resort, generally undertaken after meaningful efforts to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts. However, in certain circumstances, responsible disengagement may be the most viable path forward. The garment and footwear sector, with complex, global supply chains and labor-intensive production, presents unique challenges. Decisions to exit, suspend or shift sourcing can have very real consequences and when undertaken without care, disengagement can exacerbate harm rather than prevent it. This workshop builds on last year’s session on responsible disengagement, while also informing and upcoming OECD policy paper. It will explore in particular: • Considerations for determining whether mitigation has been effective • Sector-specific situations where prevention or mitigation is not feasible • Determining when an impact is severe enough to justify disengagement The OECD will set the scene and the session will be moderated by Jennifer Schappert, Due Diligence Design. Participants are invited to actively join the conversation by sharing their own learnings, questions, and examples of good practice. Please note that this session will not be livestreamed and will take place under the Chatham House Rule.