In a powerful display of global solidarity, representatives from Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Countries recently convened to share progress and renew their collective commitment to eradicating forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour.
Marking seven years of the Pathfinder Country initiative, the exchange highlighted how nations from diverse regions—including Latin America, Africa, and Europe—are translating the ambitious goals of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7 into tangible national policies.
A Shared Vision for a Fairer Future
Ambassador Claudia Fuentes Julio, Chair of Alliance 8.7, opened the exchange by emphasising the importance of collective movement. "We meet once again to share experiences and renew our commitment to continue to move collectively towards our common goal," she stated, underlining the necessity of international cooperation in protecting the most vulnerable.
Regional Innovations and Best Practices
The meeting showcased a variety of successful strategies currently being implemented across the globe:
- Mexico has developed a comprehensive roadmap that articulates tripartite efforts to implement prevention and protection policies with a specific focus on vulnerable populations.
- Germany continues to champion the exchange of best practices and the collaboration on innovative solutions to combat all forms of modern slavery.
- The Netherlands highlighted its role in financing acceleration programmes, specifically targeting the elimination of child labour within supply chains across Africa.
- Peru reiterated its obligation to ensuring that all young people can develop safely through their life stages, contributing to both national and global development.
Strengthening National Action Plans
From West Africa to the Indian Ocean, countries reported significant legislative and operational shifts. In Côte d’Ivoire, regional exchanges have enabled the government to better adapt its strategies to local contexts. Similarly, Benin has transformed its operations by integrating a more proactive approach to identifying at-risk cases, which has improved victim support and community engagement.
In Madagascar, efforts are currently focused on the development of a robust 15-year National Action Plan specifically designed to combat child labour. Meanwhile, Chile emphasised that international dialogues open vital opportunities for the protection of working adolescents through interregional cooperation.
Seven Years of Progress
As Alliance 8.7 looks toward the future, the message from the Pathfinder Countries is clear: while the challenges remain significant, the synergy created by sharing knowledge and "joining forces globally" is the key to accelerating progress. By working together, these nations are proving that a world free of forced labour and child labour is not just a target, but a reachable reality.