USCIB Concludes Annual Engaging Business Forum in New York

USCIB member Amazon hosted the annual Engaging Business Forum (EBF) on October 14-15 in New York, co-sponsored by USCIB, the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and the US Chamber of Commerce. The Forum brought together leaders from business, civil society, policy, and international organizations for two days of discussions on responsible business conduct, human rights, artificial intelligence, worker voice, and the future of work.

The Forum's theme this year was the role of AI and other emerging technologies in promoting human rights, amplifying workers' voices, and preventing forced and child labor.

"The Engaging Business Forum proved once again that it is possible to have real, honest conversations between businesses, governments, multilateral organizations, and civil society, which is essential to tackling complex global challenges" said Jose Arroyo, Manager, Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs at USCIB.

The first day of the forum featured opening remarks by H.E. Dr. Khalilur Rahman, current United Nations General Assembly President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, on AI's impact on the future of work and the possibilities of using AI as a tool for protecting human rights. Other notable speakers of the day included Whitney Baird, President and CEO at USCIB, USCIB board member Sarah Thorn, VP Global Government Affairs at Walmart, and Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, SVP, Global Impact Initiatives at USCIB. Read more about the first day of the forum here.

The second day focused on implementation, accountability, and the role of businesses in addressing human rights challenges. Discussions explored the practical challenges companies face when implementing human rights policies, engaging workers, strengthening supply chain due diligence, and communicating transparently about both progress and remaining challenges.

Leading practitioners from Amazon, Google, McDonald's, Walmart, Disney, and other member companies shared lessons learned from implementing responsible business conduct programs across global operations and supply chains. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of demonstrating impact, improving worker engagement, and ensuring that technology serves as a tool to support, rather than replace, responsible business practices.

Participants also examined the evolving international policy landscape, including ongoing UN discussions on a legally binding instrument on business and human rights, the implementation of the newly adopted ILO Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, and the role of international organizations in shaping future expectations for business. A recurring message throughout these sessions was the importance of meaningful business engagement in ensuring that emerging frameworks and standards remain practical, effective, and grounded in operational realities.

Speakers throughout the day included the USCIB Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Committee chairs Melissa Kopolow, Managing Director, Practice Lead, Sustainability at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, Ryan Larsen, Senior Director International Labor Relations at Walmart, Laura Chapman Rubbo, Vice President, Policy Strategy, Global Public Policy at Disney and Chair of the Business at OECD (BIAC) Responsible Business Conduct Committee, and Arroyo.

USCIB extends its sincere thanks to our member company Amazon, Leigh Anne DeWine, Chief Human Rights Officer at Amazon, and DeWine's team for ensuring a successful Forum.

As the Forum closed, participants shared a common message: technological innovation, evolving labor markets, and increasing global interconnectedness are reshaping the responsible business landscape, making collaboration, engagement, and practical solutions more important than ever. Participants also emphasized that continued dialogue through forums such as the Engaging Business Forum is increasingly important as companies and stakeholders navigate these evolving challenges.

Readers can also view photos from both days of the event in the Engaging Business Forum photo gallery.