Last week saw the introduction of business games to the ETHICAL SOURCING FORUM format.

Held in Shenzhen, China, delegates to the one-day event participated in interactive business games with sustainability themes. The success of the day is testament to the fact that collaborative effort is needed to tackle head-on the important social and environmental issues that the world faces today. Transcending language and cultural barriers the delegates, representing every continent bringing together factory managers, brands and NGO’s, competed in the ETHICAL SOURCING FORUM Asia challenge to elect the team with the best ideas for sustainable business practices.

The day also featured an action packed programme of expert speakers, a choice of mini forum sessions and networking opportunities. However it was the shared experience and joint learning that made it special.

As Ms Yang from the China Center for Labor and Environment winning team remarked, ‘We are committed to working towards a sustainable future and it is important that every stakeholder contributes with their own personal skill and understanding. We have faced serious challenges but presented in a fun environment.’

Is Europe ready to face the challenge?

The ETHICAL SOURCING FORUM Europe will be held at the Sofitel Porte de Sèvres in Paris on 18th-19th October.

Delegates will be encouraged to work together, pooling their talents and experience ““ the interactive business games may have different subjects from those in south China but hopefully the outcome will be the same.

The aim of ETHICAL SOURCING FORUMS is to make delegates think, not just listen unlike traditional conferences.

Full details of the excellent programme can be viewed at www.intertek.com/esf/events/europe.