# Trade and Labour Programme Improving labour standards through trade policy and supply chain practices. **21%** Percentage of employed people living in poverty due to low wages **27.6 M** People are trapped in forced labour **61%** Percentage of world's employed population in informal work **4 B** People globally are devoid of any social protection ## The challenge While trade and globalization have created jobs and new pathways to market, lifted incomes and improved working conditions in some contexts, significant labour challenges remain unaddressed. International trade policy and practice must actively work for all sections of society to be truly inclusive. ## Developing a positive trade and labour agenda The World Economic Forum’s Inclusive Trade team is partnering with the Thinking Ahead on Societal Change (TASC) Platform on a Trade and Labour Programme to bring stakeholders from the trade and labour communities to develop a positive trade and labour agenda. This is funded by Laudes Foundation. ### Phase 1 The Trade and Labour Steering Group is created to bring together a multistakeholder community. Interviews and workshops inform a policy paper on the trade policy tools for better labour outcomes. [Read the paper](https://www.weforum.org/publications/trade-and-labour-rethinking-policy-tools-for-better-labour-outcomes/) ### Phase 2 Two country-level, sector-specific case studies provide practical insights and evidence. Energy and digital transitions are explored through deep dives on critical mineral mining sector in Indonesia and on digital economy in Kenya. ### Phase 3 Country-level learnings are fed into multilateral, regional and bilateral processes in coordination with international organizations and civil society. ## Case Studies Explore case studies from Indonesia and Kenya on how trade, technology, and labour policies can foster inclusive growth and decent work. ## Building the Trade-Labour Nexus in Indonesia’s Nickel Value Chain Explore how the energy transition is transforming critical minerals trade, jobs, and labour rights, with lessons from Indonesia’s nickel sector and recommendations for a just and inclusive transition. ## Trade and Labour: Pathways for Decent Work in Kenya’s Digital Economy Explore how the digital transition is reshaping jobs, investment, and labour rights, with lessons from Kenya’s experience and actionable recommendations for building an inclusive digital economy. [Read the report](https://www.weforum.org/publications/trade-and-labour-pathways-for-decent-work-in-kenya-s-digital-economy/) ## Recent insights ## Featured Content ### How trade policy can help create a fairer digital economy Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/09/building-a-fairer-digital-economy-how-can-trade-policy-help/#:~:text=Trade%20and%20investment%20policies%20can,protection%2C%20and%20fair%20contracting%20practices.) ### What is 'inclusive trade', and how can trade policies improve workers' lives? The digital and green transitions must be inclusive, protecting workers’ rights and promoting fair wages, social protections, and gender equity. This explainer of the white paper- "Rethinking Policy Tools for Better Labour Outcomes" highlights how coherent policy tools, supply chain collaboration, and stronger labor standards are key to ensuring that the benefits of global trade are shared more equitably. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/09/labour-standards-inclusive-global-trade/) ### Trade and Labour: Rethinking Policy Tools for Better Labour Outcomes Supply chains are being reshaped by digital and green transitions and geopolitical shifts. This evolving landscape necessitates rethinking the trade-labour relationship to improve labour standards and foster inclusivity. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/publications/trade-and-labour-rethinking-policy-tools-for-better-labour-outcomes/) ### Policy tools for better labour outcomes When ordering food or beverages to go, customers can opt for a reusable revolv cup. A deposit is placed on the cup, which will be paid back upon return at a drop-off station or to any participating café. Revolv provides users with incentives, including discounts, to opt for a revolv cup [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/04/policy-tools-better-labour-outcomes/) ### International trade is evolving. But will it benefit workers? When ordering food or beverages to go, customers can opt for a reusable revolv cup. A deposit is placed on the cup, which will be paid back upon return at a drop-off station or to any participating café. Revolv provides users with incentives, including discounts, to opt for a revolv cup [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/04/international-trade-labour/) ### 5 ways trade can support a gender-equal recovery Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/12/5-ways-trade-can-support-gender-equal-recovery/) ### Join us in shaping the future of inclusive trade Are you interested in contributing? [Get involved](https://initiatives.weforum.org/inclusive-trade/get-involved)