BRAVE 2026 (the Council of Europe’s second Business and Human Rights Forum) took place in Strasbourg on 18 September 2026. On this platform policymakers, human rights institutions and representatives of the business community examined how responsible business conduct addresses forced labour while supporting more resilient and competitive economies.
Building on the inaugural BRAVE conference in 2025, this year’s Forum focused on the practical challenges and opportunities facing businesses in a rapidly changing operating environment. Discussions addressed how companies can:
- protect workers who are vulnerable to exploitation;
- identify and respond to forced-labour risks arising in changing supply chains; and
- translate human rights commitments into effective business policies and practices.
BRAVE offers an opportunity for businesses, policymakers and human rights experts to discuss perspectives and explore practical approaches to human rights compliant conduct and the respective benefits for businesses. The exchanges highlighted how responsible conduct can contribute to stronger supply-chain resilience, improved preparedness and sustainable economic performance.
Through BRAVE 2026, the Council of Europe is strengthening dialogue between public authorities, human rights actors and the private sector, while promoting innovative and collaborative practices to address forced labour and other human rights challenges.
