On November 25, the Ethical Trade Forums participated as panelists in the breakfast organized by AIM-Progress, IOM, GIZ/ RBH in parallel with the 14th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights, held in Geneva.
The event consisted of a breakfast session during the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Representing the Ethical Trade Forums was Miguel Angel Molla, Technical and Production Director at Frutas Alhambra, who has also been a member of the ETFA Governing Board for the past two years.
During his presentation, Miguel Angel highlighted the three key benefits that companies acquire when they participate in the Ethical Trade Forums initiative. First, they gain confidence by working in a safe environment where companies share challenges and solutions, anticipating problems and acting together. Second, they achieve real improvement in social and environmental performance, as training, shared tools, and collaborative projects enable them to adopt best practices based on the collective experience of more than 100 companies in Spain. Finally, they gain business value, since a solid supplier with clear structures and informed workers is more efficient, more stable, and less exposed to incidents.
On the other hand, key aspects for the success of an initiative such as the Ethical Trade Forums were discussed. Among these, the importance of building an association led by the sector itself, with the participation of more than 100 organizations and local and pluralistic leadership, was highlighted. Another key aspect is the creation of safe, non-competitive spaces, such as working groups, regional meetings, and collaborative projects, where companies and social organizations work together to identify common problems and design practical solutions. Thirdly, integrating the voice of workers has been the most significant advance, as we now have tools designed to listen to them, such as Canal Foros and App Foros.
To conclude his presentation, Miguel Angel raised three points that reinforce the notion that the impact of the Ethical Trade Forums management on workers is concrete and measurable. The first is that workers have greater access to information and rights, for example, through the App Foros. The second is having secure channels for resolving complaints and problems, with Canal Foros being an example of a well-designed tool for this purpose. And thirdly, greater participation and social dialogue, with representatives from works councils, NGOs, and civil society, providing essential perspectives on real conditions in the field.
We appreciate the invitation to participate in the 14th United Nations Forum, and we look forward to continuing to attend events such as these, where we can continue to promote social, environmental, and economic sustainability in our sector.