On 11–12 February 2026, the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector was held in a hybrid format. The Forum included a number of dedicated sessions aimed at discussing current challenges in global supply chains and mechanisms for ensuring responsible business conduct. Experts of the Economic Research Institute, World Economy Research Center participated online in the thematic sessions of the Forum.
During the
session “Navigating supply chain shocks: balancing agility with due
diligence”, the consequences of global shocks for supply chain
resilience were discussed, including the impact of trade
restrictions, logistical disruptions and geopolitical instability.
The role of due diligence mechanisms as a tool for risk mitigation
and ensuring resilience under conditions of uncertainty was
highlighted.
The session
“The missing millions: Due diligence in informal settings”
focused on issues of informal employment in the sector, which in some
countries reaches up to 90%. Approaches to identifying homeworkers
and waste pickers were considered, as well as the adaptation of due
diligence procedures to informal working conditions.
During the
session “Supply chains 4.0: Due diligence implications of
e-commerce-driven business models”, the impact of e-commerce and
demand-driven production models on supply chain structures was
discussed, including the acceleration of production cycles and
changes in purchasing practices. The need to adjust regulatory and
corporate approaches in the field of responsible business conduct was
emphasized.
The session
“From risks to resilience: Due diligence to respond to
climate-related impacts on workers” was devoted to climate-related
risks affecting workers and producing countries. Tools for preparing
for climate impacts were discussed, including adaptation measures at
the enterprise level and improvements in purchasing practices.
Within the
session “RBC for a Just Transition”, the socio-economic aspects
of the transition to a low-carbon economy and the role of business in
ensuring a just transition, taking into account the interests of
workers and local communities, were considered.
Participation
in the Forum provided an opportunity to review current international
approaches to the implementation of due diligence mechanisms and to
take them into account in the development of analytical
recommendations in the field of sustainable development and
responsible business conduct.
