What’s at stake for due diligence practice in the garment and footwear sector in the context of emerging mandatory due diligence expectations? Speakers will discuss key opportunities, themes and challenges, setting the scene for the three focus sessions that follow. French interpretation available.

With responsible purchasing practices an expectation of companies in due diligence legislation, there is an opportunity to build on a decade of learning and practice and make responsible purchasing practices a hallmark of the sector. However, is the sector ready? Panellists will discuss this through the lens of measuring progress on purchasing practices: what will it take to move towards common metrics and monitoring approaches to build greater transparency, comparability and overall uptake of company practice in this area? French interpretation available.

Organised by Leigh Day This session is led by a partner organisation and may not reflect the views of the OECD.

Workers in the global garment and footwear industry often face severe exploitation, including unlawful labour practices, gender-based violence, and exposure to hazardous conditions. The panellists centre the experiences of these workers in the fight for justice. The discussion will explore the themes that lead to human rights litigation, how workers can enforce their rights and secure remedies, and the implementation of community-focused restorative justice measures. The session seeks to identify impactful strategies to empower workers and their communities. Please note that this session will not be livestreamed.

While disengagement is presented as an action of last resort, the Garment & Footwear Guidance risk modules give examples where immediate disengagement may be necessary. Recent events and the inclusion of expectations on responsible disengagement in due diligence legislation make it timely to clarify OECD recommendations on this topic. Panellists will explore this with reference to practical scenarios. French interpretation available.

Companies are expected to evaluate their responses to prioritised risks and adverse impacts, yet many struggle to monitor progress and assess whether their actions effectively prevent and mitigate harm. Panellists will discuss a range of methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of whether risks and impacts are being effectively addressed, including how workers' perspectives can be integrated more meaningfully. The session will also explore how policymakers can set expectations on effective monitoring and validation in due diligence law. French interpretation available.