the trade and labour programme

The Trade and Labour Programme is an initiative with the mission of redefining the landscape of trade, making it more inclusive, and bringing together leaders from across domains: business, workers, civil society, and policymaking.

The Programme aims tp shape a future where trade and labour market policies work hand in hand, paving the way for economic growth, sustainable development, and improved worker well-being. This alignment is seen as the cornerstone of achieving broader social justice objectives especially during times of ‘polycrisis’, marked by increasing poverty and decent work deficits .

Structured in three phases, the Programme is informed by interviews, workshops, insight-gathering, and regional case studies. It builds momentum for coordinated, evidence-based policy change that strengthens labour outcomes through trade tools.

This Programme is a joint initiative of the TASC Platform and the World Economic Forum's Trade and Investment team, with support from the Laudes Foundation.

publicationS & Blogs

THE TRADE AND LABOUR:

RETHINKING POLICY TOOLS FOR BETTER LABOUR OUTCOMES

This White Paper, grounded in over 50 stakeholder interviews, explores how shifting supply chains are reshaping the trade-labour nexus. It highlights policy lever such as trade agreements and due diligence tools, to improve labour standards and calls for stronger collaboration to ensure fair, inclusive outcomes in a changing global economy. The paper concludes the first phase of the Programme, laying the foundation for coordinated, evidence-based policy action.

Events & highlights

  • Held on 10 September 2024, during Geneva Trade Week, this Geneva-based high-level breakfast roundtable brought together leaders from diplomacy, civil society, and global institutions to examine how green and digital transitions are reshaping trade, labour markets, and supply chains—featuring insights from the TASC–WEF white paper and ongoing country research. Watch key takeaways from the event with Soledad Leal Campos, Policy Lead, International Trade and Investment, World Economic Forum, or read the event summary below.

  • Held on 02 May 2023 during the World Economic Forum Growth Summit, this Geneva-based closed-door session convened the Trade and Labour Programme community and key stakeholders to assess how trade policy, domestic legislation, and private initiatives affect workers. The event identified practical gaps and solutions, co-hosted by the TASC Platform, World Economic Forum, and Laudes Foundation.

  • Held on 21 November 2024, this Jakarta-based workshop explored how Indonesia’s critical minerals sector—especially nickel—can generate decent jobs and inclusive trade amid the green transition. Discussions addressed labour market challenges and policy, business, and civil society responses. The session contributed to country-level case research under the first phase of the Trade and Labour Programme, co-hosted by the TASC Platform, World Economic Forum, Universitas Pelita Harapan, and Indonesia for Global Justice.

  • Held on 26 March 2025, this Nairobi-based workshop examined how Kenya’s fast-growing digital economy can deliver fair, inclusive, and sustainable jobs. Discussions focused on policy reform, trade and investment levers, and tools to improve conditions for BPO and platform workers. The session contributed to country-level case research under the first phase of the Trade and Labour Programme, co-hosted by the TASC Platform, World Economic Forum, GIZ Kenya, and Africa Practice.ext goes here

  • Held on 23 November 2023, this Geneva-based breakfast workshop convened trade, labour, and human rights experts alongside the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights to discuss tools for better labour outcomes. Hosted by the TASC Platform and the World Economic Forum, the event advanced multistakeholder insights under the first phase of the Trade and Labour Programme.

  • Held on 25 January 2024, this Geneva-based roundtable brought together trade and labour stakeholders to explore living wages in international trade. Participants shared practices, challenges, and recommendations in light of emerging policy and regulatory developments. The session was co-hosted by IDH, the TASC Platform, and the World Economic Forum, as part of the Trade and Labour Programme

Funders & Partners

This research project and its resulting workshops were made possible by the generous support of Laudes Foundation, and carried out in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

ABOUT THE LAUDES Foundation

Laudes Foundation supports brave and bold action that inspires and challenges industry to transition to advance a green, fair, and inclusive economy.

Leveraging six generations of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, our team works through partners to address climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and social inequality.  

Laudes Foundation operates as an independent organisation within a wider network of philanthropic entities, uniquely positioned to learn from each other.  

the world economic forum trade & investment team

The World Economic Forum Trade and Investment project works with business, governments and civil society on critical trade and investment issues.

To be truly inclusive, trade must actively work for all sections of society. This involves ensuring access to trade benefits and the mitigation of harms to workers and underserved groups, including Indigenous Peoples. The Inclusive Trade project brings together multi-stakeholder communities to realize this vision. It furthers research and dialogue and informs trade policymaking and supply chain practices.