Buyers’ Forum

The Buyers’ Forum is a community of companies with supply chains in developing countries who have a shared interest in the Better Work programme and are committed to supporting innovative solutions to meet labour standards challenges. The forum provides an opportunity for international buyers to discuss these challenges and solutions using a variety of channels, including international, regional and national-level meetings and an online virtual forum.

The Buyers’ Forum is a way for international buyers to coordinate input to Better Work, benefitting both Better Work and buyers’ supply chain management. It is also an incubator for new ideas on responsible supply chain management. The Buyers’ Forum helps bridge the gap between buyers at the international level and the in-country operational level. It also facilitates dialogue with unions, governments and employers.

International Meetings

At the international level, there are two Buyers’ Forum meetings each year, one in Europe and one in the United States. These meetings are an opportunity for buyers to provide critical feedback to  Better Work. Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), a leading non-profit business association that includes more than 250 of the world’s largest international buyers, facilitates the Buyers’ Forum for Better Work. Meetings are also hosted at the regional level as needed.

At the National Level

In addition to the international meetings, national-level Buyers’ Forum meetings are organized in Better Work programme countries around specific industries. These meetings give buyers the chance to interact with national stakeholders (government, employers and unions) and provide input to the Better Work country programme.

Between Meetings

Between meetings, Buyers’ Forum members can continue discussion through the Better Work-hosted virtual forum, which allows them to keep up to date with plans, developments and projects, and take part in identifying challenges and seeking solutions.