Global Data Partnership Against Forced Labour

Global Data Partnership Against Forced Labour

Advancing bold new approaches for accelerating data and accountability into action against forced labour.

Forced labour - defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) - is any work performed under threat of penalty and without voluntary consent

The Global Data Partnership Against Forced Labour brings together business and global leaders to advance bold new approaches in leveraging data and accelerating accountability towards systemic action in the eradication of forced labour in supply chains. 

It aims to drive systemic change by transforming how data is shared and used, enabling stakeholders to take more effective, evidence-based, and accountable action individually and collectively. The initiative aligns with and amplifies existing efforts by acting as a neutral, data-focused convening platform

Hands lifting clay bricks at a construction site, symbolising manual labour and forced labour risks in global supply chains.

Today, an estimated 28 million people are trapped in situations of forced labour, including debt bondage, wage theft and withholding, exploitation of migrant workers and child labour; involuntary overtime, coerced production quotas and state-imposed forced labour.

These forms of exploitation persist across industries and regions, reflecting systemic vulnerabilities in global supply chains.

Harnessing Data and Intelligence for Collective Advantage: Ending Forced Labour in Global Supply Chains

Building on the Partnership’s 2025 launch and an initial proof of concept in Thailand, the paper outlines the Global Data Partnership Against Forced Labour as a model for collective impact, enabling governments, businesses, trade unions, and civil society to collaborate securely without centralizing data or surrendering sovereignty.

The paper synthesizes early lessons from partners to show that secure data collaboration is technically feasible and offers a practical roadmap for moving from isolated initiatives to coordinated global action to help make forced labour a preventable risk.

White paper titled “Harnessing Data and Intelligence for Collective Advantage” on ending forced labour, shown with abstract data flow graphics.

Featured insights

 

Worker preparing food inside a small, crowded living space, illustrating vulnerable working and living conditions linked to forced labour risks.
Urgent action against forced labour is possible. Here's how

From engaging with workers to sharing data on risks and incidence, business can work together to tackle forced labour in global supply chains.

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5 actions to help leaders combat modern slavery in Europe and beyond

An estimated 50 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

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Global Data Partnership Against Forced Labour

A World Economic Forum Initiative
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