International Momentum
Design for Freedom is scaling internationally and driving change through our country accelerators and global initiatives. By expanding our reach, we are advancing the movement to eliminate forced and child labor in building material supply chains, bringing us closer to a future where ethical construction is the standard, not the exception.
International Design for Freedom Accelerators
Design for Freedom Accelerators are at the heart of our international strategy, activating change in key regions. These Accelerators foster collaboration with businesses, universities, key strategic partners, and other stakeholders in new locations, advancing Design for Freedom principles:
- To find and address embedded forced labor
- To pursue ethical decarbonization
- To prioritize circularity and the use of regenerative materials
By activating these principles in practical ways, we are driving the construction sector towards a paradigm shift and building a more equitable future. Learn more about how we’re activating the UK, India, and Vietnam.
UK
APPG Secretariat Role: Design for Freedom and our International Lead, Elaine Mitchell-Hill, were thrilled to work with Baroness Young of Hornsey to arrange a meeting at the House of Lords, Westminster Palace, London, on “Just Transition in the Construction Industry.”
The meeting set the scene in advance of the formation of an APPG of the same name. Design for Freedom is honored to be supporting Baroness Young and will provide the secretariate function moving forward. The meeting was attended by the full spectrum of those in the built environment eco-system.
UK Accelerator Event: The first UK Accelerator Event took place in London on July 30th, which was also World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The event builds on our extremely strong and lasting relationships with a range of excellent UK-based partners. With the Modern Slavery Act, the UK is well positioned to take the lead as we drive for the elimination of forced and child labor in building materials’ supply chains.
Learn more about Design for Freedom in the UK:
India
Strategic Partner: Centre for Responsible Business
Learn more about Design for Freedom in India:
Vietnam
Strategic Partner: International Organization for Migration
Learn more about Design for Freedom in Vietnam:
- Coming soon: Design for Freedom International Guidance & Toolkit (2024) (Vietnamese translation)
Grace Farms Joins the UN Global Compact
Our increased global momentum began in 2025 with a powerful step: joining the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest sustainability initiative with 82 in-country networks. This partnership amplifies our ability to share the Design for Freedom International Guidance & Toolkit globally, fostering collaboration with allies on an international scale.
Partnering with Alliance 8.7
Design for Freedom has also been accepted as a partner organization of Alliance 8.7, joining forces with over 400 leading organizations committed to eradicating forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor. Partnership on this important platform strengthens our engagement with global leaders and innovators, accelerating the movement.
